Is it illegal to carry a dirk or dagger in Las Vegas?

Nevada knife laws generally make it legal to possess and carry a dirk or dagger. In 2015, Nevada lawmakers removed dirks and daggers from the list of weapons that require a permit to carry concealed under state law.

However, there are important exceptions and local restrictions:

1. In unincorporated Clark County, a separate county ordinance regulates concealed weapons, expressly including certain knives with blades of three inches or more;
2. Clark County also prohibits, subject to its exceptions, using or displaying any sword or knife on public sidewalks and public pedestrian easements within a designated restricted area that includes much of the Las Vegas Strip;
3. Dirks and daggers are generally prohibited at schools, Nevada System of Higher Education property, and child care facilities; and
4. Drawing or exhibiting a dirk or dirk-knife in a rude, angry, or threatening manner in front of two or more people is generally illegal unless you are acting in necessary self-defense.

The practical point I emphasize is that asking whether a dagger is “legal in Nevada” is only the beginning of the analysis. I also look at where the knife was carried, how it was carried, and what the person allegedly did with it. This is particularly important in Las Vegas because conduct that may not violate Nevada’s statewide knife laws can still run afoul of a Clark County ordinance.

Concealed Carry of Dirks and Daggers in Nevada

Nevada state law does not require a concealed-weapons permit merely because a knife is a dirk or dagger.

This was not always the law. Before 2015, NRS 202.350 specifically prohibited carrying a concealed “dirk, dagger or machete” without a permit.

Then, in 2015, the Nevada Legislature amended the law to remove dirks and daggers from that provision while leaving “machete” in the statute. The Legislative Counsel’s Digest expressly states that the amendment “removes dirks [and] daggers … from the list of weapons for which such a permit is required.”¹

Nevada law does treat dirks as deadly weapons in some contexts. For example, NRS 202.320 expressly includes a “dirk” and “dirk-knife” among the deadly weapons covered by Nevada’s brandishing law. NRS 202.265 also specifically prohibits possessing a “dirk, dagger or switchblade knife” on school and child care property.² However, these statutes do not necessarily make every dirk or dagger an “other dangerous or deadly weapon” under NRS 202.350.

In fact, the history of NRS 202.350 points the other way. Before 2015, the statute separately listed:

• “Dirk, dagger or machete”; and
• “Pistol, revolver or other firearm, or other dangerous or deadly weapon.”

The Legislature then specifically removed dirks and daggers from the first category while leaving the separate “other dangerous or deadly weapon” language intact. This statutory history strongly indicates that a knife does not fall within NRS 202.350’s residual “other dangerous or deadly weapon” category merely because it is a dirk or dagger.³

Today, NRS 202.350 prohibits carrying concealed upon your person:

• An explosive substance, other than ammunition or its components;
• A machete; or
• A pistol, revolver, other firearm, other dangerous or deadly weapon, or pneumatic gun.

Accordingly, a dirk or dagger is not automatically a prohibited concealed weapon under NRS 202.350 simply because it is a dirk or dagger. Whether a particular knife could otherwise qualify as an “other dangerous or deadly weapon” may depend on the weapon and circumstances.

Nevada courts have recognized in other contexts that whether a knife qualifies as a dangerous or deadly weapon can sometimes be a fact-specific question. For example, the Nevada Supreme Court has addressed whether an ordinary steak knife or Swiss Army knife qualified as a deadly weapon based on the circumstances of the case.⁴

When I analyze a concealed-knife case, I do not assume that every fixed-blade or double-edged knife automatically becomes an “other dangerous or deadly weapon.” I look at the particular knife, how it was carried, and the surrounding circumstances, while also giving weight to the Legislature’s deliberate decision to remove dirks and daggers from NRS 202.350 in 2015.

For weapons that are covered by NRS 202.350, a weapon is considered concealed when it is carried upon a person in a manner that is not discernible by ordinary observation.

Carrying a qualifying “other dangerous or deadly weapon” concealed without a permit is a category C felony, punishable by:

• 1 to 5 years in Nevada State Prison; and
• Up to $10,000 in fines.⁵

For non-firearm concealed weapons covered by NRS 202.350, a county sheriff may issue a permit authorizing a qualifying person to carry the particular concealed weapon described in the permit.

For more information, see our article on carrying concealed weapons under NRS 202.350.

Local Knife Restrictions in Clark County

Although Nevada state law no longer requires a concealed-weapons permit merely because a knife is a dirk or dagger, Clark County has additional local weapons ordinances.

Clark County Code 12.04.180 provides that, within unincorporated Clark County, it is unlawful to carry upon your person a concealed weapon “not permitted in accordance with state law,” including a knife with a blade of three inches or more that is capable of being concealed, without first receiving written permission from the sheriff.⁶

The phrase “not permitted in accordance with state law” is important because Nevada removed dirks and daggers from the state’s concealed-weapons list in 2015. Therefore, I would not assume that every concealed knife with a blade of three inches or more necessarily violates the county ordinance. However, a concealed knife with a blade of three inches or more can implicate Clark County Code 12.04.180, and the precise weapon and circumstances matter.

Clark County also has an important restriction on using or displaying knives in the Las Vegas resort corridor.

Subject to its exceptions, Clark County Code 14.42.056 makes it unlawful to use or display “any sword or knife” on a public sidewalk or public pedestrian easement within a designated “restricted area.” The ordinance separately applies to a “bladed edge with a blade longer than three inches.”⁷

This distinction matters: the three-inch threshold does not modify “sword or knife” in the text of Section 14.42.056. Therefore, the ordinance can apply to the use or display of a knife even if its blade is three inches or shorter.

The restricted area includes Las Vegas Boulevard from Russell Road to Sahara Avenue, as well as designated portions of Mandalay Bay Road, Tropicana Avenue, Harmon Avenue, Flamingo Road, Spring Mountain Road/Sands Avenue, Paradise Road, Convention Center Drive, and certain intersecting streets.⁸

In practical terms, this means that openly carrying a visible dirk, dagger, pocket knife, or other knife on a covered public sidewalk or pedestrian easement in the restricted area can potentially violate Clark County Code 14.42.056. The ordinance expressly prohibits “display,” though whether particular conduct constitutes displaying a knife can depend on the circumstances.

A violation of Chapter 14.42 is a misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 6 months in county jail; and/or
• Up to $1,000 in fines.⁹

When I analyze a knife case arising on or near the Las Vegas Strip, I therefore do not stop with Nevada’s statewide knife laws. I also determine exactly where the person was standing or walking and whether the knife was visible, because Clark County’s restricted-area ordinance can change the analysis.

Dirks and Daggers on School and Child Care Property

Nevada law generally prohibits carrying or possessing a dirk or dagger on:

• Property of a public or private school;
• Property of the Nevada System of Higher Education, including institutions such as UNLV;
• Licensed child care facility property; or
• A vehicle of a public or private school or child care facility.

This restriction applies regardless of whether the dirk or dagger is carried openly or concealed.

A violation of NRS 202.265 is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by:

• Up to 364 days in jail; and/or
• Up to $2,000 in fines.¹⁰

There are several exceptions. Nevada law permits possession in certain circumstances by:

• Peace officers;
• School security guards; and
• People who have the required written permission from the appropriate university president, school principal, or person designated by the child care facility.

There is also an exception for the owner or operator of a child care facility located in the person’s home if the person lives there and otherwise complies with the laws governing possession of the weapon. For home-based child care facilities, NRS 202.265 applies only during the facility’s normal business hours.¹¹

This is one of the areas where location can completely change the legal analysis. A dagger that may be lawful to possess in an ordinary public setting can expose someone to criminal charges if they bring it onto covered school or child care property.

Learn more about possessing weapons at schools or child care facilities under NRS 202.265.

Brandishing a Dirk or Dirk-Knife

Nevada law makes it a crime to draw or exhibit a dirk, dirk-knife, sword, sword cane, pistol, gun, or other deadly weapon in a rude, angry, or threatening manner in the presence of two or more people unless you are acting in necessary self-defense.

NRS 202.320 also prohibits unlawfully using one of these weapons in a fight or quarrel.

A violation is a misdemeanor, carrying:

• Up to 6 months in jail; and/or
• Up to $1,000 in fines.¹²

One important defense is necessary self-defense. The self-defense exception appears in the text of NRS 202.320 itself.

When I evaluate a brandishing allegation, I want to know much more than whether the knife was removed from its sheath. Important facts can include what the person said, how the knife was displayed, how many people were present, who made the first threat, and whether displaying the weapon was reasonably connected to self-defense.

For more information, see our article on drawing a knife in a threatening way under NRS 202.320.

Brandishing should be distinguished from assault with a deadly weapon under NRS 200.471. Depending on the circumstances, threatening another person with a knife can potentially result in the more serious felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon.¹³

Open Carry of Knives in Nevada

Nevada state law does not impose a general statewide prohibition against openly carrying a sword or knife merely because it is a sword or knife.

However, this does not mean you can openly carry a sword or knife everywhere in Nevada.

Weapons are restricted in locations such as school and child care property, and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions.

Of particular importance in Las Vegas, Clark County Code 14.42.056 prohibits, subject to its exceptions, the use or display of “any sword or knife” on public sidewalks and public pedestrian easements within its designated restricted area.¹⁴

That restricted area includes Las Vegas Boulevard from Russell Road to Sahara Avenue and specified portions of surrounding streets in the resort corridor.

Therefore, openly carrying a visible sword or knife on a covered sidewalk or pedestrian easement in the restricted area can potentially violate Clark County law, even though Nevada does not have a general statewide prohibition against open carry of knives.

Whether open carry is lawful therefore depends heavily on where you are and how the weapon is being carried.

Legal Self-Defense Weapons in Nevada

Nevada law permits adults who are not otherwise prohibited from possessing weapons to possess many types of guns, knives, and other defensive devices. However, lawful possession and lawful use are two different questions.

A weapon that you may lawfully possess cannot necessarily be used against another person unless Nevada’s self-defense laws justify the threatened or actual use of force.

Nevada also generally prohibits possession of certain weapons, including blackjacks, slungshots, billies, sand-clubs, sandbags, and metal knuckles.¹⁵

Electronic stun devices are generally lawful for people who are not prohibited from possessing them, but Nevada law restricts their use against another person to circumstances involving self-defense.¹⁶

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dirks and daggers legal in Nevada?

Generally, yes. Nevada does not generally prohibit owning or carrying a knife merely because it is classified as a dirk or dagger.

However, restrictions apply in certain locations, local ordinances may impose additional rules, and threatening or unlawful use of a dirk or dagger can result in criminal charges.

Do I need a permit to carry a concealed dagger in Nevada?

Not merely because the knife is a dagger under Nevada state law. In 2015, Nevada lawmakers removed dirks and daggers from the weapons specifically requiring a concealed-weapons permit under NRS 202.350.

NRS 202.350 still separately prohibits carrying an “other dangerous or deadly weapon” concealed without a permit. However, the statutory history strongly indicates that a knife does not fall within that category merely because it is a dirk or dagger.

Local laws can also apply. For example, Clark County Code 12.04.180 contains a separate concealed-weapons restriction applicable in unincorporated Clark County.

Is there a three-inch knife law in Nevada?

There is no general statewide rule making every knife with a blade of three inches or more illegal. However, blade length appears in some Clark County ordinances.

Clark County Code 12.04.180 expressly refers to a knife with a blade of three inches or more that is capable of being concealed as part of its concealed-weapons ordinance for unincorporated Clark County.

Clark County Code 14.42.056 contains a different rule for a designated restricted area that includes much of the Las Vegas Strip. Subject to its exceptions, it prohibits the use or display of “any sword or knife” on covered public sidewalks and pedestrian easements. It separately prohibits a “bladed edge with a blade longer than three inches.”

Therefore, the three-inch threshold in Section 14.42.056 does not mean that knives with blades of three inches or less are exempt from its prohibition on using or displaying a knife.

Can I openly carry a dagger on the Las Vegas Strip?

You should not assume that you can lawfully open carry a dagger on the Las Vegas Strip.

Clark County Code 14.42.056 prohibits, subject to its exceptions, using or displaying “any sword or knife” on a public sidewalk or public pedestrian easement within a designated restricted area. That restricted area includes Las Vegas Boulevard from Russell Road to Sahara Avenue, along with specified portions of surrounding streets.

Because an openly carried dagger is visible, open carry on a covered sidewalk or pedestrian easement can potentially constitute prohibited “display” under the ordinance.

A violation of Chapter 14.42 is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and/or up to $1,000 in fines.

Can I carry a dagger in my car in Nevada?

NRS 202.350’s concealed-weapons prohibition applies to covered weapons carried concealed upon the person. Keeping an otherwise lawful dagger somewhere in a private vehicle is therefore not automatically the same thing as carrying a prohibited concealed weapon upon your person.

However, other restrictions may apply depending on the location and circumstances. For example, NRS 202.265 specifically regulates dirks and daggers in vehicles belonging to schools and child care facilities.

Can I carry a dagger for self-defense?

Possessing an otherwise lawful dagger for defensive purposes is not generally prohibited simply because you intend to use it for self-defense if necessary.

However, actually drawing, threatening with, or using the dagger is a separate legal issue. Nevada’s self-defense laws determine whether the threatened or actual force was justified under the circumstances.

Can I bring a dagger onto UNLV property?

Generally, no. NRS 202.265 specifically prohibits carrying or possessing a dirk or dagger on property of the Nevada System of Higher Education unless an exception applies.

One exception is having the required written permission from the president of the applicable branch or facility.

Can I have a dagger at a Nevada school?

Generally, no. NRS 202.265 prohibits possessing a dirk or dagger on public or private school property and in covered school vehicles unless an exception applies.

Violating this law is a gross misdemeanor.

Is threatening someone with a dagger a felony?

Not necessarily.

Drawing or exhibiting a dirk or dirk-knife in a rude, angry, or threatening manner in front of two or more people is generally a misdemeanor under NRS 202.320 if necessary self-defense does not apply.

Depending on what happened, however, prosecutors may pursue more serious charges such as assault with a deadly weapon, which is a felony.

Does Nevada define a dirk or dagger?

Nevada’s principal knife statutes use terms such as “dirk,” “dirk-knife,” and “dagger,” but NRS 202.265, 202.320, and 202.350 do not provide one comprehensive definition of a dirk or dagger for all purposes.

Therefore, the design and characteristics of a particular knife can matter when there is a dispute about which statute applies.

Did Nevada change its concealed dagger law?

Yes. Before 2015, NRS 202.350 expressly prohibited carrying a concealed “dirk, dagger or machete” without a permit.

Senate Bill 176 changed the statute in 2015 by deleting “dirk” and “dagger,” leaving “machete” in that subsection. The Legislative Counsel’s Digest expressly states that the change removed dirks and daggers from the weapons for which a concealed-weapons permit is required.

See our related article, Are butterfly knives legal in Nevada? You can also see our article on Nevada knife laws for information about machetes, pocket knives, throwing stars, balisongs, fixed-blade knives, switchblades, and sword canes.

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