Is it legal to carry a knife in your car for self-defense? There is no restriction on knife carrying in Tennessee. You can carry it open carry or concealed carry. It doesn't matter what kind of blade it is. It can be a switchblade. It can be a butterfly knife. It can be a machete. In some states, however, they restrict the type of knife that you can carry. But in Tennessee, there is no restriction on you carrying a knife. So that knife in your glove box is perfectly legal. Just don't reach for it while the cop's standing there at your