Selling Knives on Etsy:What's Allowed
Yes, you can sell knives on Etsy — but with important restrictions. Handmade kitchen knives, hunting knives, and collectible blades are allowed. Switchblades, butterfly knives, and weapons marketed for self-defense are prohibited.
🔪Quick Answer: Can You Sell Knives on Etsy?
Yes, you can sell most knives on Etsy. Here's the breakdown:
✅ Allowed:
- • Kitchen knives (chef's, paring, cleavers)
- • Hunting & camping knives
- • Pocket knives (manual open only)
- • Vintage & collectible knives
- • Craft knives (leather, carving)
- • Knife-making supplies
❌ Prohibited:
- • Switchblades (automatic knives)
- • Butterfly knives (balisongs)
- • Disguised knives (belt buckle, etc.)
- • Push daggers / punch knives
- • Any knife marketed as a weapon
- • Spring-assisted openers
Key Rule: Market knives for their intended use (cooking, hunting, collecting, crafting) — never as weapons or for self-defense.
Etsy Knife Policy: What's Allowed vs. Prohibited
Complete reference for knife sellers
| Knife Type | Allowed | Policy Notes | Marketing Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kitchen Knives | Yes | All types allowed when marketed for cooking | Use "chef's knife," "culinary," "kitchen tool" |
| Hunting Knives | Yes | Fixed and folding allowed for outdoor use | Focus on "hunting," "camping," "outdoor tool" |
| Pocket Knives (Manual) | Yes | Traditional slip-joints and manual folders OK | Use "EDC," "gentleman's knife," "everyday carry" |
| Collectible/Antique | Yes | Vintage and decorative pieces welcome | Emphasize "collectible," "vintage," "antique" |
| Craft Knives | Yes | Leatherworking, carving, utility knives | Target craft communities specifically |
| Switchblades | No | Automatic knives prohibited | N/A - Do not list |
| Butterfly Knives | No | Balisongs prohibited on Etsy | N/A - Do not list |
| Throwing Knives | Conditional | OK if marketed for sport/target, not weapons | Use "target throwing," "sport throwing" |
| Disguised Knives | No | Belt buckle, lipstick, credit card knives banned | N/A - Do not list |
| Push Daggers | No | T-handle/punch knives prohibited | N/A - Do not list |
Source: Etsy Prohibited Items Policy
Why Sell Knives on Etsy?
The platform advantages for knife makers
Premium Buyers
Etsy shoppers expect handmade quality and pay accordingly
Handmade Focus
Platform values craftsmanship over mass production
Built-In Trust
Secure payments, reviews, and seller protection
Global Reach
Access buyers worldwide who appreciate knife craft
Best-Selling Knife Categories on Etsy
6 categories that perform well for knife sellers
Handmade Kitchen Knives
Examples: Chef's knives, santoku, paring knives, cleavers, Damascus steel sets
Pro Tip: Damascus steel and custom handles command premium prices. Offer personalization for wedding registries.
Hunting & Camping Knives
Examples: Fixed blade hunting knives, skinning knives, bushcraft knives, camp knives
Pro Tip: Include leather sheaths to increase perceived value. Offer custom engraving for hunters.
Vintage & Antique Knives
Examples: Antique pocket knives, vintage military knives, collectible brands
Pro Tip: Document provenance and age. Well-known brands (Case, Buck, Schrade) attract collectors.
Pocket & Folding Knives
Examples: Traditional slip-joints, lockback folders, gentlemen's knives, EDC knives
Pro Tip: Manual-open only — no switchblades or spring-assisted. Focus on quality steel and materials.
Craft & Utility Knives
Examples: Leather working knives, wood carving knives, bookbinding knives, craft knives
Pro Tip: Target specific crafting communities. Bundle with related tools or supplies.
Knife-Making Supplies
Examples: Blade blanks, handle scales, pins, rivets, knife kits, steel billets
Pro Tip: Great for recurring revenue. Offer starter kits and tutorial links.
6 Steps to Start Selling Knives on Etsy
Your roadmap from first knife to first sale
Verify Your Knife Type is Allowed
Before listing, confirm your knives comply with Etsy's prohibited items policy.
- • Check against prohibited list (switchblades, butterfly knives, push daggers, disguised knives)
- • Ensure knife is marketed for legitimate use (cooking, hunting, collecting, crafting)
- • Review your knife's opening mechanism (manual only — no automatic or spring-assisted)
- • Consider destination shipping restrictions
Set Up Your Etsy Shop
Create a professional storefront focused on craftsmanship and quality.
- • Choose a shop name that reflects quality craftsmanship
- • Write an "About" section highlighting your knife-making process
- • Set clear policies on returns, shipping, and age requirements
- • Configure payment and shipping settings
Photograph Your Knives Professionally
High-quality photos are essential for knife sales.
- • Multiple angles (blade, spine, handle, tip)
- • Detail shots of Damascus patterns, handle materials, maker's marks
- • Scale reference (ruler or common object)
- • Action shots showing intended use (chopping, outdoor setting)
Write Policy-Compliant Listings
Use language that emphasizes craftsmanship and intended use.
- • Focus on materials, construction, and craftsmanship
- • Include all dimensions (blade length, overall length, weight)
- • Describe intended use (cooking, camping, collecting)
- • Avoid weapon-related terminology
Optimize for Search
Use keywords that buyers actually search for.
- • Use all 13 tags with relevant keywords
- • Include steel type, handle material, and use case in title
- • Add variations if offering customization
- • Research competitor keywords with InsightAgent
Ship Safely and Legally
Proper packaging and compliance with shipping laws.
- • Secure blade with sheath or blade guard
- • Use sturdy packaging to prevent damage
- • Include packing slip with care instructions
- • Research destination country knife laws for international orders
Knife Selling on Etsy: The Numbers
Knife Listing Best Practices
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌Don't Do This
- •Use weapon-related language — avoid "tactical," "combat," "self-defense," "assault"
- •List prohibited knife types — switchblades, butterfly knives, push daggers, disguised knives
- •Market for harming others — never suggest a knife is for self-defense or violence
- •Ignore shipping restrictions — some states and countries have strict knife laws
- •Skip secure packaging — exposed blades can cause injury and returns
- •Undervalue your work — handmade knives command premium prices on Etsy
- •Copy factory knife photos — original photography is essential for handmade items
✅Do This Instead
- •Market knives for their intended use — cooking, camping, crafting, collecting
- •Emphasize craftsmanship and materials — steel type, handle materials, construction quality
- •Include detailed specifications — blade length, overall length, weight, steel hardness
- •Use high-quality photography — multiple angles, detail shots, scale reference
- •Set clear policies — age requirements, shipping restrictions, returns
- •Research destination laws — international shipping varies dramatically by country
- •Document your process — behind-the-scenes content builds trust and justifies pricing
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about selling knives on Etsy.
Related Guides
Etsy's policies may change. Always review current prohibited items policy before listing. Knife laws vary by jurisdiction — research local, state, and destination country regulations. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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