What Self Defense Weapons Are Legal In South Carolina

South Carolina has a higher crime rate of 5 for every 1000 residents, which is higher than the national average,   so self-defense is a growing concern, but they are not sure which self-defense weapons the law allows. Some worry about breaking rules by carrying pepper spray, stun guns, or even a certain type of knife.

One important thing to know is this—South Carolina has clear laws on weapons for self-defense. For example, you can carry pepper spray and own a firearm if you follow certain steps.

This article will show what self defense weapons are legal in South Carolina. You will learn about stand your ground law in South Carolina. We will also talk about Stun Guns and Tasers, knife laws, and more.

Key Takeaways

• South Carolina allows individuals to carry pepper spray, bear spray, stun guns, and Tasers without a permit for personal protection. But do not abuse these devices or utilize them in prohibited locations such as schools or courthouses.

• The Constitutional Carry Act (2024 Act No. 111) takes effect March 7, 2024, letting most adults carry firearms without a permit. You still need to follow rules about where you can have guns.

• There are no state limits on knife blade length; gravity and butterfly knives are also legal unless local laws say otherwise. Knives cannot be taken into schools or government buildings.

• Brass knuckles are illegal in all forms—including metal and plastic keychain versions. If police find them during a search, you can get arrested and face fines.

• Safe weapon use matters—training helps protect everyone. SLED offers free handgun courses if needed; always check the latest state and local self-defense laws before carrying any weapon in South Carolina.

Overview of South Carolina's Self-Defense Laws

South Carolina bases its self-defense laws on the right to protect yourself if you face danger. The “Stand Your Ground” rule means you do not have to run away first if you are somewhere you can legally be.

South Carolina Code Title 23, Chapter 31 covers these self defense laws and rules for weapons.

The Law Abiding Citizens Self-Defense Act of 1996 made concealed weapon permits legal in this state. Starting March 7, 2024, the South Carolina Constitutional Carry Act (2024 Act No.

111) also becomes law—allowing most adults to carry firearms without a permit. 

People have the right to use deadly force to stop a serious crime or prevent a felon’s escape under citizen's arrest rules as well.

Legal Non-Lethal Self-Defense Weapons in South Carolina

Many people want a way to protect themselves without using deadly force—options exist that fit this need. South Carolina law allows certain tools for personal safety, offering peace of mind while out and about.

Pepper Spray and Bear Spray

Pepper spray  

Pepper spray and bear spray are legal self-defense options in South Carolina as long as an individual is at least 18 years old and without any felony conviction. The law does not set limits on the size or strength of pepper spray you can carry for personal use. Most people use small cans that fit in a pocket or purse.

Bear spray, which is much stronger, is made to protect against wild animals but can be used for defense if needed.

You do not need a permit to have these sprays. They are easy to buy at most stores or online. Police may step in if you misuse them—like spraying someone during a fight that is not about self-defense.

These sprays offer protection without deadly force, making them popular under self defense laws in South Carolina... 

Next, see what the law says about stun guns and Tasers as more non-lethal tools for safety.

Stun Guns and Tasers

Stun guns and Tasers are legal to own and carry without a permit required in South Carolina for individuals at least  18 years of age and strictly for self-defense. These devices send an electric shock that can stop or slow down a threat. Police often use Tasers, but regular people may carry stun guns for safety, too.

Blingsting's Skinny Lipstick Stun Gun

No special permit is needed to have a stun gun or Taser in most places. Still, some areas like schools or courthouses may ban them, so always check local rules before carrying one there.

Using a stun gun or Taser on someone without cause could bring legal trouble, so act responsibly if you choose these tools for personal defense.

Expandable Batons

After stun guns and tasers, some people think about carrying expandable batons for self-defense. In South Carolina, the law does not list specific rules or bans on expandable batons.

You may own and carry a baton if you do not use it to break the law or harm others without cause.

Police can charge someone if they use any object as a weapon during a crime, even an expandable baton. Most stores in South Carolina sell these items freely because no state law blocks them.

It is always smart to use good judgment—carrying any weapon brings risks and duties under local laws.

Legal Lethal Self-Defense Weapons in South Carolina

South Carolina lets you use some strong self-defense tools, and knowing which ones are legal can help keep you safe—keep reading to find out more.

Firearms

People in South Carolina can carry firearms for self-defense. A firearm shorter than 12 inches, like a handgun, counts as a “concealable weapon.” You need a permit to carry it hidden.

The permit lasts five years and costs $50 to renew. It is legal to shoot guns on private land with at least 25 connected acres—good news for large property owners.

State law bans machine guns that fire many shots at once by holding the trigger down. Antique firearms made before 1898 are mostly exempt unless they use modern bullets. Do not handle or discharge any firearm if you have used drugs or alcohol; breaking this rule is a misdemeanor with up to two years in jail and a $2,000 fine.

Firearm laws work alongside knife laws and other rules about self defense weapons in South Carolina, so always check both sets of regulations if you want to stay safe and legal while protecting yourself.

Knives (including pocket knives and specific restrictions)

Knife laws in South Carolina are simple. There is no legal limit on blade length for carrying knives, including pocket knives. Most types of knives are allowed. Pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, and even large hunting blades do not have special restrictions under South Carolina knife laws .

Some types of knives face limits in certain places or situations. Knives cannot be carried into schools or government buildings. While gravity and butterfly knives raise concerns in many states, they are not banned by law here—though that could change if local rules get stricter later on.

Always check the latest local updates on knife laws before carrying any knife openly.

Understanding Restrictions and Prohibited Weapons

Some weapons are banned or come with strong restrictions—click ahead to find out what you need to know.

Brass Knuckles

Brass knuckles are illegal to own or carry in South Carolina. Police can arrest you if they find brass knuckles during a search. South Carolina law treats brass knuckles as dangerous weapons.

You cannot use them for self-defense, and the law is strict about this.

Some people wonder if hidden or plastic versions count—yes, all forms are banned under state laws. If caught with brass knuckles, you may face criminal charges and fines. This rule includes metal, hard plastics, and even keychain designs that work like brass knuckles.

Always check weapon rules before carrying anything for protection in public places across the state.

Gravity and Butterfly Knives

South Carolina laws regarding knives do not mention gravity knives or butterfly knives as prohibited weapons. This implies that the blades are legal to possess and carry in most areas throughout the state.

Local city or county rules can still apply—so always check nearby restrictions before you buy, carry, or use these blades.

Many people ask, “Are gravity knives legal in South Carolina?” The answer is yes under current law. Same for butterfly knives—also called balisongs. Police officers may question anyone carrying a knife if they think it’s being used for a crime or carried with bad intent.

Always follow all local and state knife laws to stay safe and legal while carrying any blade, especially gravity and butterfly knives.

The Importance of Responsible Use and Training

Safe use of weapons starts with good training. A handgun course taken within three years must include state laws, safety rules, proper storage, firing 25 rounds at a range, holster security steps, and de-escalation skills.

This is not just for firearms—knowing how to use pepper spray or legal knives the right way protects both you and others.

SLED offers free courses if an applicant fails their first attempt at handgun training. Each permit application asks for your full name, birth details, height and weight, three-year address history, plus proof that you can legally carry a weapon in South Carolina.

Law enforcement officers may not use open carry alone as reason to stop you—they need more cause. Practicing safe habits helps ensure legal self defense tools like pocket knives follow all South Carolina pocket knife laws and other important knife laws in South Carolina.

Conclusion

South Carolina allows many self-defense weapons, but rules stay clear. Pepper spray and stun guns are easy to carry for most adults. Owning a legal knife or gun helps protect yourself—if you follow state law.

Training matters, so take time to learn how to use your weapon safely. You can find more details from SLED or ask local experts if you have questions about carrying in public. Be ready and alert—being smart about your decisions today can assist in keeping you safe tomorrow.

FAQs

1. Which knives are banned in South Carolina?

The majority of folding knives and pocketknives are legal, but South Carolina knife laws prohibit particular ones. For instance, if you intend to use it to commit an offense, you cannot have a switchblade or ballistic knife. Yet, no blanket prohibition exists on owning them

2. What knife size is it legal to carry in South Carolina?

There is no specific state limit on blade length, so most typical sizes are legal. However, local ordinances could be other—so look at city or county law before carrying big blades.

3. Are butterfly knives legal in South Carolina?

Yes, butterfly knives are subject to general knife laws in South Carolina and are not named banned throughout the state. You can carry and possess one unless you have a plan to use it illegally.

4. How do the knife laws affect what self defense weapons I can have?

Knife laws in South Carolina let adults own many kinds of blades for self defense—like fixed-blade hunting tools or small folding models—as long as they follow state and local rules and do not plan to break the law with them. Always keep up with changes since rules can shift from place to place within the state.