Kentucky maintains some of the most permissive knife laws in the U.S., allowing adults broad rights to own, carry, and use various blades without many restrictions. Constitutional carry reforms since 2019 eliminated most licensing hurdles for concealed deadly weapons, including knives, for those 21 and older. Residents enjoy statewide protections, though schools and certain contexts demand caution to avoid felonies.
Kentucky’s Legal Framework for Knives
Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) define a “deadly weapon” broadly as any knife except an “ordinary pocket knife” or “hunting knife,” yet permit their possession and carry statewide.
KRS 237.109, effective June 27, 2019, authorizes constitutional carry of concealed deadly weapons—including all knives—for adults 21+ who can legally possess firearms, without a license. No blade types are outright banned; switchblades, balisongs, bowies, dirks, and automatics remain fully legal.
State preemption partially shields knives via KRS 65.870 (firearms-focused) and broader statutes like KRS 82.082 and 237.104, limiting local overreach. Minors under 21 face concealed carry limits on deadly weapons but can openly carry or possess ordinary pocket/hunting knives without issue. Open carry of any knife poses no restrictions for all ages.
Open vs. Concealed Carry Rules
Open carry enjoys absolute legality across Kentucky—no permits, no blade length caps, no prohibitions on style. Display a bowie on your belt or sheath a fixed blade visibly; no laws challenge it outside prohibited areas. Concealed carry aligns with firearm rules: 21+ adults carry any knife hidden under constitutional carry, matching licensed holders’ privileges.
Under-21s conceal only pocket or hunting knives; larger blades hidden risk misdemeanor carrying a concealed deadly weapon charges (KRS 527.020). No “intent to use as weapon” element exists—possession suffices for classification. Courts interpret concealment practically, without strict definitions.
Prohibited Locations and Exceptions
KRS 527.070 makes carrying any deadly weapon—knife or otherwise—a Class D felony on K-12 school property, buses, fields, or events; post-secondary campuses exempt. Federal buildings, courthouses, and airports follow national no-blade rules. Bars or posted private property may ban via trespass laws, but owners must notify.
Hunting seasons allow specialized knives without extra scrutiny. Law enforcement exceptions apply, but civilians avoid “furtive” displays to prevent stops.
Ownership and Sales Regulations
Own any knife legally—no registration, serialization, or purchase limits. Sell, gift, or trade freely; minors receive pocket knives without felony risks. Interstate transport follows FOPA safe passage: unloaded, locked, for lawful use. No 2025-2026 federal Knife Owners’ Protection Act alters state freedoms.
Practical Tips for Compliance
Carry confidently but visibly if unsure—open trumps debate. Under 21? Stick to folders under 4 inches for pockets. Schools demand zero tolerance; leave blades home or face 1-5 years prison. During stops, disclose calmly if asked; no duty to volunteer.
Clean, sheath properly to avoid “brandishing” misreads (KRS 508.050, disorderly conduct). Join AKTI for updates; Kentucky ranks highly permissive.
Enforcement and Recent Context
Rural sheriffs enforce laxly; urban Louisville/Lexington police scrutinize contexts like intoxication or disputes. No major 2026 changes; constitutional carry endures post-Trump reelection emphases on rights. Advocacy ensures knives track gun freedoms.
SOURCES:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/kentucky/
- https://baldanilaw.com/kentucky-knife-laws/
