Skip to content

Checked 2026-10-27 · medium confidence

EDC knives with no carry restriction found in Washington, DC

DC bans possessing switchblades. It also bars carrying any 'deadly or dangerous weapon', open or concealed, with no blade-length safe harbour. Courts ask whether a knife is dangerous by design or by circumstances. A blade over 3 inches matters only when unlawful intent exists. Federal buildings and sensitive sites add stricter bans.

This is a filter, not a ranking. We have not tested these knives, and “no restriction found” is not a promise that carrying is legal. Transport rules, local bans and events still apply. Read the full Washington, DC page first.

8 that the law does not single out

  • Leatherman Arc

    blade 70.1 mm (2.76 in); cutting edge not published

    No specific restriction found for tools or scissors, but any item can count as a dangerous weapon by the circumstances of carrying. Federal sites ban more.

  • Gerber Dime

    blade 38.1 mm (1.50 in); cutting edge not published

    No specific restriction found for tools or scissors, but any item can count as a dangerous weapon by the circumstances of carrying. Federal sites ban more.

  • Leatherman Micra

    blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published

    No specific restriction found for tools or scissors, but any item can count as a dangerous weapon by the circumstances of carrying. Federal sites ban more.

  • Leatherman Skeletool CX

    blade 66 mm (2.60 in); cutting edge not published

    No specific restriction found for tools or scissors, but any item can count as a dangerous weapon by the circumstances of carrying. Federal sites ban more.

  • Leatherman Squirt PS4

    blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published

    No specific restriction found for tools or scissors, but any item can count as a dangerous weapon by the circumstances of carrying. Federal sites ban more.

  • Victorinox Swiss Card Classic

    blade length not published

    No specific restriction found for tools or scissors, but any item can count as a dangerous weapon by the circumstances of carrying. Federal sites ban more.

  • Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X

    blade length not published

    No specific restriction found for tools or scissors, but any item can count as a dangerous weapon by the circumstances of carrying. Federal sites ban more.

  • Leatherman Wave Plus

    blade 74.2 mm (2.92 in); cutting edge not published

    No specific restriction found for tools or scissors, but any item can count as a dangerous weapon by the circumstances of carrying. Federal sites ban more.

Could not be settled from published specs

The answer turns on a length the maker does not publish, or on a point the law leaves open.