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You are here: Home / Archives for Knife Laws by State

Knife Laws by State

Texas Knife Laws: A Guide for Knife Carriers!

July 3, 2018 M.D. Creekmore

texas knife laws
Texas Knife Laws

“Don’t Mess with Texas” is an appropriate slogan for a state that takes pride in protecting individual liberty. However, The Lone Star State lives up to its independent reputation when it comes to knife laws.

According to Article 1, Section 23 of the Texas State Constitution, Texans enjoy a broadly interpreted right to bear arms that include knives. However, Article 1, Section 23 also grants the Texas legislature the legal right to regulate weapons to prevent violent crimes.

The variation of federal Second Amendment rights has prompted numerous lawsuits challenging the legal validity of Texas constitutional law.

Overview of Texas Knife Laws

Texas laws place no restrictions on knife ownership. Part of the reason for the knife ownership friendly statute stems from clear wording in the Texas State Constitution. However, knife-friendly statutes also have gained momentum because of the commitment Texas lawmakers have made to preserve the vibrant recreation industry in the state. Knife laws in Texas often contain wording that focuses on the rights of outdoor enthusiasts such as anglers and hunters.

Here is the list of knives Texas allows residents to own:

  • Pocket Knives
  • Butterfly Knives
  • Ballistic Knives
  • Stilettos
  • Daggers
  • Misleading Knives
  • Machetes
  • Bowie Knives
  • Switch Blades

Open and Concealed Carry Statutes

In response to the growing threat on Capitol Hill to regulate firearms, the State of Texas enacted several laws granting residents the right to open and conceal carry a wide variety of guns. The lenient open and concealed carry statutes for firearms eventually persuaded Texas legislators to apply the same open and concealed carry rights to knives.

As of June of 2018, Texas does not place any restrictions on the open and concealed carrying of any style of knife, except in the special cases clearly outlined by other Texas knife laws.

Major Knife Law Changes in 2017

Texas legislators made several significant changes to state knife laws during the 2017 session. Lawmakers removed legal language that restricted specific knife designs. Formerly regulated knives like Bowie knives had all restrictions removed.

Texas law also changed by increasing the blade maximum size allowed for “location-specific” knives. With all the changes in favor of knife, owners came one important strengthening of knife statutes in regards to minors under the age of 18 years. Texas law forbids minors from buying or selling most styles of knives, as well as open or conceal carrying knives in “location-specific” venues.

Miscellaneous Texas Knife Laws

Before the sweeping changes made in 2017 to Texas knife laws, legislators addressed the lack of statewide preemption in 2015. In September of 2015, the Texas legislature passed a law that required counties and municipalities to comply with state knife laws. The result has been the removal of statutes that place additional restrictions on knife ownership at the local level than what the state has on the books.

Texas law also includes “location-specific” knife-carrying restrictions. Residents and visitors cannot carry knives on school property, which includes Texas colleges and universities. You cannot bring a concealed knife into a polling place or any judicial venue such as a courtroom.

Knives are prohibited at airports and bus terminals. Businesses that generate more than 51% of sales from liquor must place a sign at the front entrance informing customers not to bring knives into the establishment. Knives are banned at sporting events in Texas and in places of worship.

Texas Knife Laws 2018 and Beyond

The state law passed in 2017 that allows adults to open carry knives measuring more than 5 1/2 inches has come under fire from law enforcement. Open carrying potential weapons such as swords and stilettos should be the focal point of hotly debated proposed laws in 2018 and beyond.

The legal momentum that helped enact the recent open carry changes appears to remain strong on the Texas legislature. The thinking is the same open carry leniency for firearms should also apply to any type of knife. Although no bill has reached the Texas legislature floor that proposes regulating longer bladed knives, many legal experts expect a bill to come up for debate in 2019 that addresses the issue.

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

  • What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
  • Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
  • Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
  • Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
  • SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review

Filed Under: Knife Laws by State

Alabama Knife Laws: A Guide for Knife Carriers!

July 2, 2018 M.D. Creekmore

Alabama knife laws
Alabama Knife Laws

With the Gulf of Mexico at the southern edge of the state and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains rolling near the Georgia and Tennessee borders, Alabama is a state rich with recreational opportunities. Hunting, fishing, cycling, and backpacking all require the use of a knife.

However, Alabama knife laws take root in the state’s Constitution, which residents recently amended to bolster the right to bear arms.

Section 26 of the Alabama Constitution reads “Every citizen has a fundamental right to bear arms in defense of himself or herself and the state.” Several court decisions have ruled on the legality of owning and carrying different styles of knives in the State of Alabama.

An Overview of Alabama Knife Laws

Alabama has one of the most streamlined sets of knife laws in the United States. The state imposes legal restrictions on only one type of knife. Residents and visitors to Alabama enjoy the legal right to own and carry any other type of knife. Most of the court decisions pertaining to knife ownership have addressed weapons issues, such as carrying knives in public places that include airports and bus terminals.

Alabama is one of the rare southern states that allow municipalities to pass unique knife laws that implement stricter ownership and carrying conditions.

The following is the list of knives that are legal to own in Alabama:

  • Pocket Knife
  • Dirk
  • Butterfly Knife
  • Stiletto
  • Dagger
  • Ballistic Knife
  • SwitchBlade
  • Misleading Knife

Alabama permits machete and Bowie knife ownership, with a couple of legal restrictions. The legalization of ballistic knives contrasts with how some other states in the region deal with the self-propelled knife. For example, Florida forbids ownership of ballistic knives for all purposes.

How Alabama Regulates Knife Length

Alabama does not have a statute on the books that regulate the length of knives residents and visitors are allowed to own. A handful of court decisions have addresses knife length issues, but the premise of the lawsuits dealt with a local authority to regulate the size of knife blades. Until the state legislature passes a law that specifies knife length restrictions, residents and visitors can own knives of any length except in certain cities.

Knife Open Carry Law in Alabama

Alabama law permits knife owners to open carry any style of knife, except for the machete and Bowie knife. You cannot open or conceal carry either knife in a vehicle. The permissive open carry knife law in Alabama makes the state popular among outdoor enthusiasts that visit from nearby states.

Alabama and Conceal Carry

Section 13A sets the legal guidelines for Alabama concealed carry. “Except as otherwise provided in this Code, a person who carries concealed about his person a bowie knife or knife or instrument of like-kind or description or a pistol or firearm of any other kind or an air gun shall, on conviction, be fined not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00, and may also be imprisoned in the county jail or sentenced to hard labor for the county for not more than six months.” A couple of court decisions have included machetes and butcher knives in the same knife classification as Bowie knives. The Bowie knife is mostly used as a hunting knife, although the straight section of the blade works well as a knife used to cut meat.

Alabama Miscellaneous Knife Laws

Alabama law prohibits weapons on school property. Section 16 states “ Any person who sells, gives or lends to any minor any pistol, except under the circumstances provided in Section 13A-11-72, bowie-knife, or other knives of like-kind or description, shall, on conviction, be fined not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500).”

State law does not include a preemption clause, which many other states use to prevent municipalities from placing stricter restrictions on knife ownership. For example, Montgomery, Alabama has passed an ordinance limiting knife blade length to a maximum of three inches.

Alabama Knife Laws Beyond 2018

Political momentum continues to grow for creating a preemption clause for Alabama knife laws. Many state legislators on both sides of the political aisle want to eliminate the inconsistent statutes that vary between Alabama municipalities. The goal is to prevent cities such as Montgomery from passing laws that place restrictions on the length of knife blades.

Although there is not any legislation on the docket to address preemption in 2018, many political observers believe one or more bills might come to the House floor in 2019.

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

  • What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
  • Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
  • Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
  • Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
  • SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review

Filed Under: Knife Laws by State

Georgia Knife Laws: A Guide for Knife Carriers!

July 1, 2018 M.D. Creekmore

Georgia knife laws
Georgia Knife Laws

Nicknamed The Peach State, Georgia is certainly a peach when it comes to protecting the rights of residents and out-of-state visitors that own and carry knives.

The Georgia Constitution establishes “the right of the people to keep and bear arms.” Georgia’s Constitution also gives legislators the right to “prescribe the manner in which arms may be borne.”

The power granted to Georgia to mold laws concerning the ownership of knives extends beyond constitutional issues.

As the starting point for the world-renowned Appalachian Trail, Georgia represents one of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Knives play an integral role in recreational activities such as camping, fishing, and hunting.

Overview of Georgia Knife Laws

In 2012, the Georgia legislature simplified state knife laws by enacting several statutes that created less regulation, as well as more uniform enforcement guidelines. The Peach State does not place restrictions on the ownership of knives. Unlike its neighbor Florida, Georgia does not ban ballistic knives.

During the 2017 legislative session, Governor Nathan Deal signed a bill that cleared up any confusion caused by previous legal language as it pertains to the carrying of certain concealed knives.

knife laws guide

The new 2017 law states “No person shall carry a weapon without a valid weapons carry license [except for certain exemptions that apply only to guns].” Georgia defines a weapon as a knife or handgun.

The legal definition of a knife in The Peach State is “a cutting instrument designed for the purpose of offense and defense consisting of a blade that is greater than five inches [now 12 inches] in length which is fastened to a handle.”

Here is the list of knives that Georgia residents and visitors can own:

  • Pocket Knives
  • Butterfly Knives
  • Machete
  • SwitchBlade
  • Dagger
  • Bowie Knives
  • Stilettos
  • Hidden Knives
  • Ballistic Knives

Also called self-propelled knives, ballistic knives represent knives that detach and eject from the handle to shoot out several yards. A lever or a trigger initiates the detachment of the blade from the handle. Some states outlaw ownership of ballistic knives, while states that allow self-propelled knives place concealed carry restrictions on the weapons.

Permitted Knife Length in Georgia

One of the biggest changes made by the landmark 2017 Georgia knife law involved increasing the maximum size allowed for knife blades. Before 2017, Georgia restricted knife blade size to no more than five inches. The new law more than doubled the permissible maximum knife blade length to 12 inches. Knife owners carrying knives 12 inches or shorter do not need to obtain a knife carrying license.

Georgia Knife Open Carry Law

With the increase in maximum blade length to 12 inches, Georgia residents and visitors can open carry a wide variety of knives. However, the 12-inch maximum limit prohibits the open carry of most swords, daggers, and stilettos. Knife ownership is protected for knives that reach more than 12 inches long, but you cannot carry knives that exceed the 12-inch maximum limit. The only exception to the open carry law is allowing Civil War reenactment actors to carry swords, daggers, and stilettos during live performances.

What are the Concealed Carry Restrictions in Georgia

Georgia law does not distinguish between the open and concealed carrying of knives. Any knife that includes a blade longer than 12 inches requires the owner to apply for a license, regardless if the license is for open or concealed carry. The lack of distinction between open and concealed carry in Georgia makes the state law unique among the knife laws passed my most other states in the country. Georgia open and concealed carry statutes make an exception for regulating knives on school grounds.

Miscellaneous Georgia Knife Statutes

Georgia prohibits any type of knife longer than two inches on public school grounds. Courts have defined school grounds to include student functions, transportation, and safety zones. Many states ban knives of any kind or size on public school property. In Georgia, minors under the age of 18 are not allowed to own or carry knives. Perhaps the most important change in the 2017 Georgia knife law concerns legal uniformity. Georgia law does not allow any other governing body to pass more restrictive knife laws than what the state legislature has already passed.

Georgia Knife Laws Future Predictions

The subtle tweaks made to Georgia knife laws in 2012 and the more significant changes implemented in 2017 makes it highly unlikely the Georgia legislature will address knife legal issues in the near future. The only question for residents and visitors concerns future court rulings on the legality of preventing county and municipal governments from passing more restrictive knife ownership and carrying laws.

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

  • What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
  • Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
  • Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
  • Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
  • SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review

Filed Under: Knife Laws by State

Florida Knife Laws 2021 Explained

July 1, 2018 M.D. Creekmore

Florida Knife Laws 2021

As one of the prime areas of the country for outdoor enthusiasts, Florida offers myriad recreational activities that require the use of a knife. From cutting through fishing lines to establishing a roped perimeter for a sand volleyball match, knives are a common part of everyday Floridian life.

The Florida State Constitution has laid the legal groundwork for legalizing most styles of knives. Article 1, Section 8 states

“The right of the people to keep and bear arms in defense of themselves and of the lawful authority of the state shall not be infringed, except that the manner of bearing arms may be regulated by law.”

How does Florida regulate knife ownership, with careful attention paid not to discourage recreational use, as well as the constitutional guarantee of using knives for self-defense?

An Overview of Florida Knife Laws

Florida has some of the most friendly knife ownership laws in the United States. Only ballistic knives carry restrictions, including the maximum number of ballistic knives one person can sell.

Every other style of knife in Florida carries no sales restrictions. Florida law defines ballistic knives as knives that detach and propel the blade from the knife handle. Uniform knife prohibition laws apply to school grounds and government property, as well as to anyone under the age of 18.

Here are the knives that are legal to own in Florida:

  • Pocket Knife
  • Butterfly Knife
  • Bowie Knife
  • SwitchBlade
  • Dagger
  • Stiletto
  • Sword
  • Machete
  • Misleading Knife

Open Carry in Florida

The definition of open carry varies between states, with legal precedent establishing the meaning of the term. In Florida, judicial precedent clearly defines open carrying of a knife to involve securing a knife in “plain sight.” Attaching a knife to a utility belt is considered in “plain sight,” while Florida courts have ruled placing a pocket knife in a shirt pocket means “partially hidden.” In Florida, you must display a knife in “plain sight” for it to qualify as open carry.

Every style of knife Florida law has defined to be legal qualifies for open carry.

Concealed Carry in Florida

Florida law prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons. State statute number 790.01 defines a weapon to be “any dirk, knife, metallic knuckles, slingshot, billie club, tear gas gun, chemical weapon or device, or other deadly weapons except a firearm or a common pocketknife, plastic knife, or blunt-bladed table knife.”

Florida law does not clearly define “common pocketknife,” although several judicial decisions have established some legal guidance. The question as to what constitutes a pocketknife is often left up to a judge or jury, which adds little substance to concealed weapon statutes banning specific weapons.

State statute 790.06 mandates anyone that wants to conceal carry a legal knife in Florida must apply for a concealed carry license. Regulators vet concealed carry applications by examining arrest records and ensuring a concealed carry permit does not include carrying at elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, and any business that sells alcoholic beverages.

Permitted Knife Length in Florida

The only law that regulates knife length in the State of Florida concerns pocket knives. Common pocket knives must measure less the four inches to qualify for concealed carry. Any pocketknife measuring more than four inches is considered a banned weapon under concealed carry statutes.

However, courts have interpreted how to measure knife blades differently. Some courts measure a knife blade from the bottom of the exposed section of the blade to the blade tip. Other courts begin blade measurement at the base of a blade hidden by a knife handle.

One Type of Knife Forbidden By Florida Law

Since 1985, Florida law has prohibited ownership of ballistic or self-propelled knives. The only regulation pertaining to knives in the State of Florida address ballistic knives, as written into the state’ penal code. “It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, display, sell, own, possess or use a ballistic self-propelled knife which is a device that propels a knifelike blade as a projectile and which physically separates the blade from the device by means of a coil spring, elastic material, or compressed gas.

A ballistic self-propelled knife is declared to be a dangerous or deadly weapon and a contraband item. It shall be subject to seizure and shall be disposed of as provided in s. 790.08(1) and (6).”

Florida Knife Laws in 2018 and Beyond

There is not any proposed legislation in the Florida House or Senate that addresses knife ownership or any other facet of Florida knife law. Despite efforts to overturn the ballistic knife ban, it appears the statutes regulating self-propelled knives should remain the same. Some legislators want to create uniformity in Florida weapons law by preventing municipalities from passing tougher restrictions on concealed carry weapons.

Knife Law: Florida

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Filed Under: Knife Laws by State

Arizona Knife Laws: A Guide for Knife Carriers!

July 1, 2018 M.D. Creekmore

knife laws in Arizona
Arizona Knife Laws

America is a federalist country, giving states and local governments a great amount of autonomy to enact their own laws. This means we will often see different laws in different states, and that is certainly true for laws concerning knives.

But if you are in Arizona, you have among the friendliest knife laws in America.

The ownership and carrying of any type of knife are legal for those 21 years or older in almost every circumstance. If you are of age, there is no restriction on the size or type of your knife, and you can carry your knife either open or concealed.

And because of a statewide preemption law passed in 2011, this policy is uniform across the entire state rather than differing from one city or county to another. So if you are traveling throughout Arizona, you do not need to worry that you may run afoul of the law for no other reason but that you are have driven from one town to the next.

According to the City of Phoenix website, “A ‘deadly weapon’ means anything that is designed for lethal use. The term certainly includes a firearm but does not specifically include knives. Knives are generally regarded as tools.” As this shows you, knives are not considered a weapon in Arizona.

Here are more specifics:

Knife law specifics

For those 21 or older, every type of knife, including an automatic knife, is legal to own or carry (either open or concealed) in public. Specifically:

  • There is no distinction to the knives you can carry based on length, closure or number of edges. Meaning you can carry a knife of any length.
  • There is no distinction between open carry and concealed knife laws. So you can carry your knife how you would like; the same law applies regardless.
  • There is no prohibition on the sale or transfer of knives.
  • There is no distinction based on the type of knife you own or carry, nor is there any limitation on the types of knives you choose to carry. All are legal in Arizona.

These provisions apply only to those 21 years or older.

For those under 21

The liberal knife laws in Arizona apply only to those who are 21 years of age or older. For those under 21, they are only permitted to own and carry a pocket knife, either open or concealed. While there is no specific definition of what a pocket knife is, it generally describes what you and I think of as a pocket knife: a knife with a blade less than four inches that folds and opens manually.

Certain limitations

While the Arizona knife laws are largely friendly, there are a handful of venues where carrying knives is prohibited. This includes schools, hydroelectric facilities, nuclear facilities and public events and gatherings.

Knives are also illegal to carry in the commission of a crime or an act of terrorism. And, you must inform a peace officer you are carrying a knife is he or she asks if you are armed.

Prior to legislation in 2011, Arizona had a hodgepodge of knife laws that left much confusion. A law-abiding knife owner could have easily of broken the law simply by crossing a city line and not realizing that their knife that was legal in their hometown is now illegal.

However, Section 13-3120 of the Arizona State Statutes cleared up the confusion and everyone over 21 has the freedom to own or carry any knife they would like. If you are carrying a knife in Arizona, you have very little to worry about.

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

  • What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
  • Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
  • Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
  • Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
  • SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review

Filed Under: Knife Laws by State

Kentucky Knife Laws: A Guide for Knife Carriers!

June 29, 2018 M.D. Creekmore

kentucky-flag - KENTUCKY KNIFE LAWS
Kentucky Knife Laws

Kentucky, which is known for its scenic hills and handcrafted bourbons, is also known for being one of the more friendlier knife owning states located in America.

As a 19th-century pioneer who fought at the Alamo, Jim Bowie played an integral role in pushing for Texas independence. Bowie received a custom-made knife designed and constructed by a Kentucky native. The knife later became known as the Bowie Knife.

Because of the rich heritage of individual freedoms found in The Bluegrass State, Kentucky has historically featured favorable knife ownership laws that included ambiguously worded statutes in reference to concealed carry restrictions.

Overview of Kentucky Knife Laws

In 2013, the Kentucky legislature enacted a preemption knife law that unified state knife laws by eliminating conflicting municipal ordinances, such as the knife restrictions implemented by cities such as Louisville. The different local ordinances made knife ownership difficult, as anyone who moved around the state had to comply with different knife statutes. Five years after knife law reform, Kentucky is a pro knife ownership state that clearly promotes open and concealed carry ownership rights.

Kentucky Constitution and State Knife Laws

The Kentucky Constitution sets the legal framework for laws addressing knife ownership issues. With clear intent to preserve the right to bear arms and the right to defend family and property, Section 1 of the Kentucky Constitution has been cited numerous times in cases involving the legality of knife ownership.

Section 1 reads “All men are, by nature, free and equal, and have certain inherent and inalienable rights, among which may be reckoned.” Kentucky citizens enjoy “the right of enjoying and defending their lives and liberties,” as well as “the right of seeking and pursuing their safety and happiness.” The 7th clause of Section 1 grants the right to bear arms, which most court decisions have ruled pertains to knives.

Knife Ownership in Kentucky

Knife ownership in Kentucky can be boiled down to one sentence. Residents are allowed to buy, sell, carry, and display any type of knife on private property. Kentucky law first defines the “regular” types of knives covered under the law to include clasp, pocket, hunting, and Bowie knives. Once banned for private ownership, knife enthusiasts in Kentucky are allowed to own daggers, stilettos, bayonets, and KA-BAR blades

Here are some of the “exotic” knives that are legal to own in The Bluegrass State:

  • Comb Dirks
  • Dagger Necklaces
  • Disguised Knives
  • Swords
  • Machetes
  • Throwing Knives
  • Balisong Knives
  • Martial Arts Throwing Stars

Knives made illegal by other American states are not considered unlawful to own when brought to Kentucky. The Bluegrass State does not prohibit knives based on the methods of opening, the technique used, or any other standard.

Open Carry in Kentucky

Open carry in Kentucky is much more lenient than concealed carry for knife owners. Knife owners are permitted to open virtually any type of knife, with the exception being Civil War relic knives that belong in museums and at historical landmarks. Kentucky law does not restrict the length of knives for open carry.

Concealed Carry in Kentucky

The Kentucky legislature has passed more restrictive statutes for regulating concealed carry knives. You must apply for a license to conceal carry a knife in The Bluegrass State. Section 527.020 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) prohibits the carrying of concealed weapons of any type, without presenting a license granting concealed carry for a weapon. KRS 500.080 exempts only a few types of knives from concealed carry law, including common hunting and pocket knives. Concealed carry implies a maximum knife length, but no law specifically defines the maximum length. Vague legal wording has led to several lawsuits filed by Kentucky residents fighting for the right to conceal carry long-bladed knives outside of the hunting and pocket knife categories.

Kentucky Miscellaneous Knife Laws

Kentucky law forbids knives on the grounds and within the buildings of schools, prisons, and courthouses. The prison ban includes makeshift knives inmates use for committing violent acts. However, some cities have added more restrictions. For example, Queensboro prohibits any type of knife carrying in municipal parks. State open carry laws remain the same for every municipality operating in The Bluegrass State.

KRS 237.110 spells out the procedure required to apply for a concealed carry license. Kentucky approves concealed carry license applications on a “shall issue” basis, which means applicants 21 years of age or older that have clean criminal records should receive automatic approval of applications. You also have to be a citizen of the United States to receive a concealed carry knife license.

Kentucky Knife Laws Moving Forward

Nothing on the Kentucky legislative docket in 2018 suggests current knife laws will change for at least one year. However, there is momentum in the state to loosen the restrictions on concealed carry knife laws.

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

  • What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
  • Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
  • Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
  • Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
  • SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review

Filed Under: Knife Laws by State

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