Kansas is recognized for having some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States. Whether you’re a resident, traveler, collector, or outdoor enthusiast, understanding your rights and responsibilities is essential to avoid legal trouble. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Kansas knife laws as of 2025.
What Knives Are Legal to Own and Carry?
- All Types Permitted: Kansas law allows ownership and carry—both open and concealed—of virtually all knives. This includes folding knives, fixed-blade knives, dirks, daggers, stilettos, switchblades, and butterfly knives. There are no statewide restrictions on blade length or knife type for law-abiding adults.
- Exceptions: The only knives explicitly prohibited are ballistic knives and throwing stars, which are illegal to own, sell, or carry.
Open and Concealed Carry: No Statewide Restrictions
- Open Carry: You may openly carry any legal knife in Kansas without restrictions on blade length or type.
- Concealed Carry: Concealed carry of all legal knives is permitted. The state previously had a 4-inch blade limit for concealed knives, but this restriction has been removed. Now, there are no blade length limits for concealed carry.
- Intent Matters: Carrying a knife with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person is strictly illegal, regardless of knife type or carry method.
Preemption: State Law Overrides Local Ordinances
- Uniform Statewide Law: Kansas has a statewide preemption law for knives, meaning local governments cannot enact stricter knife regulations than those set by the state. This ensures that your knife rights remain the same throughout Kansas, whether you’re in a city or rural area.
- No Local Variations: You do not need to worry about differing city or county knife laws within Kansas.
Where You Cannot Carry Knives
While Kansas is permissive, there are important location-based restrictions:
- Schools: It is illegal for students to possess switchblades or gravity knives on school property.
- Government Buildings: Carrying knives into certain government buildings and courthouses is prohibited.
- Federal Property: Federal law applies on federal property, and knives may be restricted or banned regardless of Kansas law.
Special Restrictions and Penalties
- Ballistic Knives and Throwing Stars: These are illegal to own, sell, or carry. Violations can result in up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to $600.
- Convicted Felons: Individuals with felony convictions are prohibited from owning or carrying certain knives, including daggers, dirks, stilettos, and switchblades.
- Intent to Use Unlawfully: Possessing any knife with the intent to use it unlawfully as a weapon is a criminal offense, regardless of the knife’s legality.
Age Restrictions
- No Statewide Age Limit: Kansas does not impose a minimum age for carrying knives. However, federal and school policies may restrict minors from carrying knives in certain contexts.
Table: Kansas Knife Laws (2025)
| Feature | Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open carry of knives | Yes | No blade length/type restrictions |
| Concealed carry of knives | Yes | No blade length/type restrictions |
| Ballistic knives/throwing stars | No | Illegal to own, sell, or carry |
| Schools | No (certain knives) | Students may not possess switchblades/gravity knives |
| Government buildings | No | Prohibited in certain locations |
| Statewide preemption | Yes | No local restrictions |
| Restrictions for felons | Yes | Felons cannot own/carry certain knives |
Key Takeaways
- Kansas knife laws are highly permissive: almost all knives are legal to own and carry, open or concealed, with few exceptions.
- State law preempts local ordinances, providing uniform rights across Kansas.
- Ballistic knives, throwing stars, and certain restrictions for felons and in sensitive locations (schools, government buildings) are the main exceptions.
- Carrying a knife with unlawful intent is always illegal.
For the most current information or if you have a unique situation, consult the Kansas statutes or seek legal advice.
SOURCES:-
[1] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/kansas-knife-laws/
[2] https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/ks-gun-laws/
[3] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/kansas/
[4] https://edc.ninja/kansas-knife-laws/
[5] https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/knife-laws-by-state
