We are not a law firm. This is not legal advice. This is an attempt to collect and collate what legal information is readily available online about the legal status of saps and blackjacks in each of the 50 States. Where possible there are direct links to legislative and legal code for you to review yourself.
We could be wrong.
A few notes on terms and other things
Vague – denotes a vagueness in the law that makes it difficult to definitively say. This means a lawyer could argue either way and precedent has not been set. This could include a vagueness about a definition of what constitutes a sap or blackjack. It could also constitute a vagueness in language regarding carrying. Proceed with caution and be sure to read yourself.
Yes – To the best of our ability the legal code either expressly permits OR does not expressly prohibit.
No – There is clear language that prohibits either the ownership or carrying of saps or blackjacks.
CCW – Some state CCW permits are just that, weapons permits and apply to all ‘deadly weapons’. Others may only apply to a concealed firearm. If CCW is listed it is clear in the statute that possession of a CCW license from the State grants the licensee permission to carry a sap or blackjack.
Schools – A lot of statutes around preventing weapons on school property might name a sap or blackjack explicitly as illegal to possess on school grounds where the rest of the available material on the laws are vague or do not mention. Assume it is always illegal in these places.
Local Laws – Similar to local knife laws certain States may allow local jurisdictions to have specific laws governing saps and blackjacks, that is out of scope of this general guide.
Once again, this is not legal advice this is a rough guide with links provided for further research. Always follow local laws and regulations. When in doubt consult a legal professional.
| State | Legal to Own | Legal to Carry | Links to Relevant State Law |
| Alabama | Yes | Vague, possibly under CCW | |
| Alaska | Yes | Yes | |
| Arizona | Yes | Vague, possibly under CCW | PDF1 Site |
| Arkansas | Yes | Vague, possibly under CCW | §5-73-120. Carrying a weapon. |
| California | No | No | 22210 – 22296 |
| Colorado | Vague | No | C.R.S. 18-12-101 C.R.S. 18-12-102 |
| Connecticut | Vague | No | 53-206 |
| Delaware | Yes | Vague, possibly under CCW | Definitions Carry |
| Florida | Yes | CCW | Statute CCW |
| Georgia | Yes | Vague | Not defined as ‘weapon’ |
| Hawaii | Yes | Vague, possibly under CCW | Definitions |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes with CCW | Statute |
| Illinois | No | No | Definition |
| Indiana | Yes | Vague | Definition |
| Iowa | Yes | Yes* | Definition |
| Kansas | Yes | No | Statute |
| Kentucky | Yes | CCW | Statute |
| Louisiana | Yes | CCW | Statute |
| Maine | Yes | No | Statute |
| Maryland | Yes | Vague, possibly under CCW | Statute |
| Massachusetts | Yes | No | Statute |
| Michigan | No | No | Statute |
| Minnesota | Yes | Vague, likely no. | Statute 1 Statute 2 |
| Mississippi | Yes | No | Statute |
| Missouri | Yes | Vague, possibly ok as long as firearms are not restricted | Statute |
| Montana | Yes | Vague, likely under CCW | Statute |
| Nebraska | Yes | No | Statute |
| Nevada | No | No | Statute |
| New Hampshire | Yes | No | Statute |
| New Jersey | Yes | No | AKTI Link |
| New Mexico | Yes | Vague, possibly under CCW | Statute |
| New York | No | ||
| North Carolina | Yes | No | Statute |
| North Dakota | Yes | Vague, possibly under CCW | Statute |
| Ohio | Yes | Vague | Statute Weapons |
| Oklahoma | Yes | No | Statute |
| Oregon | Yes | No | Statute |
| Pennsylvania | Vague | No | Link |
| Rhode Island | No | No | Statute |
| South Carolina | Yes | Vague | Statute |
| South Dakota | Yes | Vague (leaning to Yes) | Statute |
| Tennesse | Vague | Vague | Prohibited Weapons Carry |
| Texas | Yes | Yes (location restrictions) | Bill repealing |
| Utah | Yes | Vague | Statutes Relating |
| Vermont | No | No | Statute |
| Virginia | No | No | Link |
| Washington | No | No | Statute |
| West Virginia | Yes | CCW | Statute |
| Wisconsin | Yes | CCW | Statute |
| Wyoming | Yes | CCW | Statute |
What about Cops?
Nearly all States have explicit exemptions for peace officers to carry saps and blackjacks. Officers would be advised to check also their departmental regulations for guidance on if they can carry a sap or blackjack on duty. We have not attempted to also convey this information in this table.
Other Resources
The American Knife and Tool Institute was invaluable and the jumping off point for many laws. Many laws covering saps or blackjacks relate to knives so this is an excellent place to also check. https://www.akti.org/
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Saps and Blackjacks 