Knives & tools
One knife style. A few forbidden states.
Most knives ship anywhere in the US. Specific styles — automatic knives, balisongs, certain blade mechanisms — are restricted in a small number of states, and the restrictions attach to the style, not your catalog. Selling one restricted model shouldn't mean policing every order by hand.
Style-level rules, not catalog-level rules
Knife law in the US is state-specific and style-specific: automatic/OTF knives, balisongs, and blade-length thresholds are each regulated differently, and several states distinguish between possession and shipment. The practical consequence for a seller: a catalog of 200 knives may have three models that can’t go to a handful of states. Check current law for your specific styles — knife statutes changed in several states this decade.
How sellers handle it on Shopify
Tag restricted styles (for example auto-otf), one rule per style group, checkout enforces it. The rest of the catalog ships everywhere, untouched.
Common questions
Does blocking by state cover county or city knife laws?
ShipEmbargo blocks at the state and country level. Sub-state restrictions still need your own policy decisions — many sellers block the whole state where a major city restricts a style.
Can I block international destinations too?
Yes — rules can block countries as well as US states.
This guide is general information for merchants, not legal advice. Regulations change — verify current law for your products and destinations.