🎺 Missouri Knife Laws
Overview
Missouri does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Open carry is legal, but concealed carry of certain knives is restricted. There is no general blade length restriction. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Missouri has no statute restricting open carry of knives. No blade length or knife type restriction applies to open carry. The only limitation is § 571.030(1)(4), which prohibits exhibiting any weapon readily capable of lethal use 'in an angry or threatening manner' (brandishing). No statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions.
Statute: 571.030
Under § 571.030(1)(1), it is unlawful to carry concealed a knife, firearm, or other weapon readily capable of lethal use into any area where firearms are restricted under § 571.107. An 'ordinary pocketknife' (folding knife with blade 4 inches or less, per § 571.010(12)) is excluded from the statutory definition of 'knife' and may be carried concealed anywhere without restriction. Knives that do not qualify as ordinary pocketknives may be carried concealed in non-restricted locations without a permit (permitless carry framework effective January 1, 2017). Holders of a valid concealed carry permit are exempt from subdivisions (1), (8), and (10) of § 571.030(1), granting broader concealed carry rights.
No general statewide blade length limit for possession, open carry, or purchase. The 4-inch threshold in § 571.010(12) is definitional only: folding knives with blades of 4 inches or less qualify as 'ordinary pocketknives' and are excluded from the statutory 'knife' definition, exempting them from concealed carry restrictions. Blades over 4 inches are classified as 'knives' subject to location-based concealed carry restrictions under § 571.030. No statewide preemption; local ordinances may impose blade length limits (e.g., Ballwin restricts to 2.5 inches).
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Missouri's switchblade restrictions were repealed in 2012 by HB 1833, which removed switchblades from the prohibited weapons provisions. § 571.010(21) retains the definition of 'switchblade knife' (blade that opens automatically by button or by gravity/centrifugal force), but § 571.020 now prohibits switchblades only 'in violation of federal law.' The Federal Switchblade Act (15 U.S.C. § 1241-1245) restricts interstate commerce but does not prohibit individual possession or intrastate carry. Switchblades with blades of 4 inches or less qualify as 'ordinary pocketknives' and are unrestricted. Larger switchblades are subject to the same concealed carry location restrictions as other knives. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Not specifically mentioned in Missouri statutes. Balisongs could fall under the § 571.010(21) switchblade definition because they open 'by the force of gravity or by the application of centrifugal force.' However, since Missouri repealed its switchblade restrictions in 2012 and § 571.020 only prohibits switchblades 'in violation of federal law,' balisongs are legal to own and carry. Subject to the same general carry rules as other knives. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Missouri does not prohibit disguised knives (cane swords, belt buckle knives, lipstick knives) as a category. No provision in Chapter 571 addresses knives based on whether they are disguised. However, disguised knives are inherently concealed by design. Under State v. Rowe, the Missouri Court of Appeals held that a weapon whose handle was visible but not recognizable as a weapon was concealed. Disguised knives carried in public would likely be treated as concealed weapons, triggering location-based restrictions under § 571.030(1)(1) unless the carrier holds a concealed carry permit. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Not specifically addressed in Missouri statutes. Assisted-opening knives require manual initiation before the spring engages and have a bias toward closure, distinguishing them from switchblades under both federal law and the § 571.010(21) definition. Since even fully automatic switchblades are legal in Missouri after the 2012 repeal, assisted-opening knives are clearly legal. Those with blades of 4 inches or less qualify as ordinary pocketknives. |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | Missouri statutes do not specifically mention or prohibit ballistic knives by name. They are not listed in § 571.020's prohibited weapons. A ballistic knife could potentially be classified as a 'projectile weapon' under § 571.010(16) (any weapon capable of expelling a projectile that could inflict serious physical injury by striking or piercing a person) rather than as a 'knife.' Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) prohibits possession, manufacture, sale, and import of ballistic knives, which applies in Missouri regardless of state law. |
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.
