How many knives can I bring into United States?

knives may not be brought into United States at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.

Do I have to declare knives at United States customs?

There is nothing to declare — knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.

What happens if I do not declare knives in United States?

Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.

Can I post or ship knives to United States instead of carrying it?

Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.

Can I take knives out of United States?

United States publishes no separate rule for taking knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.

Can I carry knives in the cabin or in checked baggage?

In the cabin: Prohibited. In checked baggage: Allowed with conditions. This comes from National regulator, and an individual airline may be stricter. Customs and aviation are separate rulebooks: what an airline lets you carry is not what a border lets you bring in.

Does the United States limit for knives apply per person or per family?

Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.

Where does this rule come from?

U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in What Can I Bring? Complete List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Except knives with rounded-blades, blunt edges without serration/teeth such as butter knives, or plastic cutlery.”

How does United States compare with other countries on knives?

Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit knives, 14 limit it and 2 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

How much Knives can I bring into United States?

Prohibited

You cannot bring Knives into United States.

Carried Not allowed

Declaration Required — surrender

Limit No stated quantity

What you need to know

No stated quantity
Channels: Carried with the traveler

On the plane

National security rule

On person Not stated

Cabin baggage Prohibited

Except knives with rounded blades and blunt, non-serrated edges, such as butter knives or plastic cutlery.

Checked baggage Allowed with conditions

Sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.

Sharp Objects | Transportation Security Administration US Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

Last verified Sep 19, 2026

Report a mistake with this rule

Airline differences

Airline	Difference from the baseline
Air France	Stricter than the standard rule

Important

This allowance applies per person, not per family or group.

Official sources

Last verified 2026-09-19

What Can I Bring? Complete List Transportation Security Administration

Questions about Knives in United States

How many knives can I bring into United States?: knives may not be brought into United States at all. The allowance is per traveller and cannot be pooled between people.
Do I have to declare knives at United States customs?: There is nothing to declare — knives cannot be brought in at all. Declaring it does not make it admissible; it hands it over.
What happens if I do not declare knives in United States?: Under 19 CFR 148.102, if you declare the excess yourself: a flat-rate charge is applied to the excess; the normal duty becomes payable on the excess. Under 19 CFR 148.18, if the goods are found without being declared: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed. Under 19 U.S.C. 1497: the goods are confiscated; an administrative fine is imposed.
Can I post or ship knives to United States instead of carrying it?: Not under this allowance. It covers goods a traveller carries; a parcel is an import and is assessed under the postal rules instead. Baggage sent before or after you travels under the same allowance.
Can I take knives out of United States?: United States publishes no separate rule for taking knives out; the destination's rules are what will apply.
Can I carry knives in the cabin or in checked baggage?: In the cabin: Prohibited. In checked baggage: Allowed with conditions. This comes from National regulator, and an individual airline may be stricter. Customs and aviation are separate rulebooks: what an airline lets you carry is not what a border lets you bring in.
Does the United States limit for knives apply per person or per family?: Per person. Each traveller carries their own allowance and it cannot be pooled with anyone else's.
Where does this rule come from?: U.S. Customs and Border Protection states it in What Can I Bring? Complete List. CarryRules last confirmed that sentence at the source on 2026-09-19. The sentence it rests on reads: “Except knives with rounded-blades, blunt edges without serration/teeth such as butter knives, or plastic cutlery.”
How does United States compare with other countries on knives?: Of the 20 countries covered here, 4 prohibit knives, 14 limit it and 2 let it through. United States is among the ones that set a limit.

Related items

Accompanied cash Accompanying goods, non-commercial (flat-rate band) Agricultural/forestry/fishery/livestock products (general sub-cap) Alcohol and alcoholic beverages above 22% vol (or undenatured ethyl alcohol 80% vol and over)

Related countries

Australia Canada China France

Other items in this group

Antique and replica weapons Banned knives and edged weapons Buddha images, artifacts/objects, antiques CITES-protected species and products Cigarettes, tobacco and alcoholic beverages (commercial import, Excise Department permit) Consumer fireworks