Pocket knives are fully legal to own, openly carry, and conceal in Kansas, with no blade length restrictions since 2013 reforms. The state defines knives broadly as cutting instruments, permitting most types except specific banned weapons like throwing stars.
Legal Knives
Kansas allows ownership of pocket knives, switchblades, balisongs, bowies, dirks, gravity knives, and undetectable blades. No limits on blade size or opening mechanism apply statewide. Statewide preemption prevents local governments from imposing stricter rules.
Illegal Items
Prohibited are throwing stars, metal knuckles, blackjacks, billys, slungshots, and ballistic knives. Possession, sale, or manufacture of these is a crime, punishable by up to two years imprisonment or $600 fines (K.S.A. § 21-6302).
Carry Rules
Open and concealed carry of legal knives is unrestricted for most adults, except in schools, courthouses, or government buildings. Intent to use unlawfully voids legality (K.S.A. § 21-6301).
| Carry Type | Allowed Knives | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Open Carry | All legal knives | None statewide |
| Concealed Carry | All legal knives | No intent to harm; no banned items |
| Restricted Areas | Schools, govt buildings | Prohibited unless exempt |
Demographics and Exemptions
No minimum age for legal knives, but felons cannot possess “dangerous” knives (K.S.A. § 21-6304). Law enforcement, military, and authorized personnel are exempt. 2020 court rulings clarified vague definitions, favoring carriers.
Penalties
Violations like carrying banned items are misdemeanors: up to one year jail or $600 fine. Felon possession escalates to Level 8 felony. Always verify with Kansas statutes for updates.
SOURCES :
- https://knifeade.com/kansas-knife-law/
- https://www.seneca-kansas.us/kansas-knife-laws/
