🐎 Kentucky Knife Laws
Overview
Kentucky does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. 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 knives is legal in Kentucky with no restrictions on blade length or knife type. No Kentucky statute prohibits open carry of any knife. The relevant statutes (KRS 527.020, KRS 237.109) regulate only concealed carry. The only location exception is school property: KRS 527.070 makes possession of a 'deadly weapon' on school grounds a Class D felony.
Statute: KRS 527.020, KRS 500.080, KRS 527.070
Constitutional carry (KRS 237.109, effective June 27, 2019) authorizes persons 21+ who can lawfully possess a firearm to carry concealed 'firearms or other concealed deadly weapons' without a license. 'Deadly weapon' includes 'any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife' per KRS 500.080(4)(c). Persons under 21 may not carry concealed deadly weapons (Class A misdemeanor under KRS 527.020). Ordinary pocket knives and hunting knives are exempt and may be carried concealed at any age. Neither term is statutorily defined; the determination is factual.
Statute: KRS 237.109, KRS 527.020, KRS 500.080
No statewide blade length restriction. The distinction between a legal-to-conceal knife and one requiring the carrier to be 21+ turns on the undefined 'ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife' classification under KRS 500.080(4)(c), not on any blade length threshold. Case law suggests size factors into the determination but establishes no bright-line rule.
Statute: KRS 500.080
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | No Kentucky statute prohibits switchblades or automatic knives. The term 'switchblade' does not appear in KRS Chapter 527 or any other weapons statute. A switchblade would be a 'deadly weapon' under KRS 500.080(4)(c) (not an 'ordinary pocket knife'), so concealed carry by persons under 21 is prohibited, but persons 21+ may carry concealed under KRS 237.109. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | No statute mentions or restricts butterfly knives. In White v. Commonwealth (2004), a butterfly knife was found not to be an 'ordinary pocket knife' and thus is a 'deadly weapon.' Persons 21+ may carry balisongs concealed under constitutional carry (KRS 237.109). Persons under 21 may not carry them concealed. Statute: KRS 500.080, KRS 237.109 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Kentucky does not prohibit disguised knives (cane swords, belt buckle knives, lipstick knives) as a category. No statute addresses disguised blades. Under KRS 237.109, persons 21+ who are authorized to carry concealed deadly weapons may carry disguised knives. Persons under 21 may not carry them concealed. Statute: KRS 500.080, KRS 237.109 |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not addressed in any Kentucky statute. Since even fully automatic knives are legal in Kentucky, assisted-opening knives are clearly legal. An assisted-opening knife with a shorter blade may qualify as an 'ordinary pocket knife' under KRS 500.080(4)(c), though this is a factual determination. Statute: KRS 500.080 |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | No Kentucky statute specifically mentions, defines, or prohibits ballistic knives. They would likely fall under KRS 500.080(4)(c) as a knife that is not an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife. Under KRS 237.109, persons 21+ may carry them. Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) restricts ballistic knives regardless of state law. Statute: KRS 500.080, KRS 237.109 |
Relevant Statutes(9)
- KRS 500.080—Criminal Code Definitions
- KRS 65.870—Local Government Weapons Regulation
- KRS 82.082—Municipal Weapons Regulation
- KRS 237.104—State Preemption of Weapons Regulation
- KRS 237.109—Concealed Carry License Provisions
- KRS 237.110—License to Carry Concealed Weapons
- KRS 527.020—Carrying Concealed Deadly Weapon
- KRS 527.060—Weapons on School Property
- KRS 527.070—Unlawful Possession by Convicted Felon
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.
