Kansas is one of the few states lenient to knife owners, especially after the law amendment in 2013. This state’s knife-friendly stance makes it a favorable place for knife enthusiasts. However, it’s crucial to understand the legal boundaries surrounding knife ownership, carrying, and usage in Kansas to stay compliant with the law.
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*These knives are listed based on their broad legality across states, but always consult your local laws before making a purchase.
Yes, Kansas has statewide preemption knife laws. This means that local municipalities cannot implement more restrictive knife laws than those provided by the state. The law ensures a uniform set of regulations concerning knife ownership, carrying, manufacture, transportation, sale, or transfer across Kansas.
Any municipality law that contradicts these state provisions and was adopted before 1st July 2014 is considered null and void. No action will be taken against individuals violating these prohibitions if the offense occurred on or after 1st July 2013.
Understanding the definitions related to knives under Kansas law is fundamental to knowing what is legal and what isn’t in the state.
Kansas law permits the ownership of a wide variety of knives including:
The following items are illegal to possess or own in Kansas:
Manufacturing, buying, selling, or possessing these items is a criminal offense, as is using or intending to use any dangerous or deadly weapon against another person.
You can open carry all legal knives within Kansas, except on school grounds, government buildings, or if you are a convicted felon.
Concealed carry of all legal knives is permitted in Kansas. However, carrying dangerous or deadly weapons like billies, blackjacks, and slungshots is not allowed. Restrictions apply in schools, government buildings, and for convicted felons.
Certain individuals are exempted from these regulations, including:
The previous limitation of a four-inch blade length was removed post-2013, now allowing knives of any length to be owned in Kansas.
Do Kansas knife laws apply to everybody regardless of age or criminal history? Read on to find out.
Generally, anyone can carry and buy knives in Kansas. The restrictions on the sale and transfer of knives depend on the type of knife. It’s illegal to sell, manufacture, buy, or own certain weapons like throwing stars, metal knuckles, or blackjacks, irrespective of age or gender. There are no age restrictions on carrying legal knives, but location restrictions apply, such as in schools and government buildings unless authorized by law or for law enforcement officers, security personnel, or members of the armed forces or Kansas National Guard.
It’s a level 8, non-person felony for a convicted felon to possess or carry a weapon in Kansas, including knives considered dangerous or deadly.
Butterfly knives, also known as balisongs, are legal in Kansas. There are no specific restrictions against the ownership, possession, sale, or transfer of butterfly knives within the state.
Switchblades became legal in Kansas following the law amendment in 2013. You can own, carry, buy, or sell them without breaking the law.
Brass knuckles, also known as metal knuckles, are illegal in Kansas. Manufacturing, buying, selling, or possessing metal knuckles is considered a criminal offense.
Out-The-Front (OTF) knives are legal in Kansas, and the state doesn’t impose any specific restrictions against their ownership, sale, or transfer.
Gravity knives are legal in Kansas. These knives, which operate by the force of gravity or wrist movement, are allowed in the state without any specific restrictions.
| Name/Title | Summary |
|---|---|
| Wichita man wrongful conviction case | A Wichita man was wrongfully convicted for possession of a nine-inch folding knife which the district court concluded met the legal definition of a weapon. |
| 2020 Kansas Supreme Court Decision (Statute 21-6304) | The Supreme Court found uncertainty in the residual phrase in Kan. Stat. Ann. 21-6304 defining a knife, rendering the law unconstitutionally vague. |
| State v. Harris | The State prosecuted Harris for possessing a 3.5-inch blade under K.S.A. 2019 Supp. 21-6304 which defined a knife in a vague manner leading to arbitrary enforcement. |
Kansas is, in my opinion, one of the most knife-friendly states since 2013. The lenient laws have enabled many people to own and carry the knives they desire. However, it’s essential to educate yourself and confirm with local law offices to ensure you are in complete compliance with Kansas knife laws. Now, with the right knowledge, you should be able to purchase and enjoy your favorite knife with confidence!
