🌻 Kansas Knife Laws
Overview
Kansas has statewide preemption — local governments cannot create additional knife restrictions beyond state law. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. There is no general blade length restriction. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of all knives is unrestricted in Kansas after HB 2033 (2013) removed knife restrictions from K.S.A. 21-6302. Kansas AG Opinion 2014-01 confirms persons may carry a knife, open or concealed, regardless of blade length. Statewide preemption (K.S.A. 12-16,134) prevents local restrictions.
Statute: 21-6302., 12-16,134.
HB 2033 (2013) removed all statewide restrictions on concealed carry of knives from K.S.A. 21-6302. The former 4-inch blade length limit for concealed carry was eliminated. AG Opinion 2014-01 explicitly states: 'A person may carry a knife, concealed or unconcealed, regardless of the length of the blade.' Convicted felons are restricted under K.S.A. 21-6304 from possessing daggers, dirks, switchblades, stilettos, and straight-edged razors.
No statewide blade length limit. The former 4-inch concealed carry threshold was repealed by HB 2033 (2013). Statewide preemption (K.S.A. 12-16,134, effective July 1, 2014) prevents municipalities from imposing blade length restrictions.
Statute: 21-6302., 12-16,134.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | HB 2033 (2013) repealed the switchblade ban from K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(1). The current statute prohibits only bludgeons, sand clubs, metal knuckles, and throwing stars. Switchblades are legal to own, carry, buy, and sell. Convicted felons remain restricted from possessing switchblades under K.S.A. 21-6304. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not specifically mentioned in any Kansas statute. Balisongs were never classified as switchblades under Kansas law. Even the pre-2013 gravity/centrifugal knife language that could have captured them was removed by HB 2033. Legal to own and carry without restriction. Statute: 21-6301. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Kansas does not prohibit disguised knives. AG Opinion 2014-01 specifically confirmed that sword-canes may be carried openly or concealed. No Kansas statute addresses or restricts disguised blades as a category. Statewide preemption prevents local bans. Statute: 21-6302., 12-16,134. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed in any Kansas statute. Since Kansas does not restrict knives by opening mechanism and the switchblade ban was fully repealed, assisted-opening knives are legal without question. Statute: 21-6301. |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | Not specifically mentioned in the current text of K.S.A. 21-6301 or K.S.A. 21-6302. Could potentially fall under the 'any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument of like character' catch-all in K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(2), though the Kansas Supreme Court struck down similar residual language as unconstitutionally vague in State v. Harris (2020). Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) restricts ballistic knives regardless of state law. Statute: 21-6301. |
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Always verify with official state sources before making decisions about knife carry or ownership. KnifeInformer is not a law firm — consult a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
