🧀 Wisconsin Knife Laws
Overview
Wisconsin 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 legal in Wisconsin without restriction on type or blade length. Wis. Stat. 66.0409(6) provides that no person may be charged with disorderly conduct for carrying or going armed with a knife, whether openly or concealed, absent proof of 'criminal or malicious intent.'
Wis. Stat. 941.23(1)(ap) explicitly states: 'Notwithstanding s. 939.22(10), "dangerous weapon" does not include a knife.' This completely exempts knives from Wisconsin's general concealed weapon prohibition. The sole exception is Wis. Stat. 941.231: persons prohibited from possessing firearms under § 941.29 (felons, etc.) may not carry a concealed knife that is a dangerous weapon (Class A misdemeanor).
No statewide blade length limit. Wis. Stat. 66.0409 (statewide preemption, effective February 2016) prevents local governments from enacting knife regulations stricter than state law, overriding former municipal blade length restrictions.
Statute: 66.0409
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Former Wis. Stat. 941.24 (switchblade prohibition, enacted 1959) was repealed by 2015 Wisconsin Act 149 (effective February 6, 2016). The repeal followed State v. Herrmann (2015 WI App 97), where the Court of Appeals found the ban unconstitutional as applied to home possession under Heller and McDonald. Switchblades are legal to own, carry (openly or concealed), sell, and manufacture. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | A 1987 AG opinion had extended the former switchblade ban (Wis. Stat. 941.24) to butterfly knives. With 941.24's repeal by Act 149 in 2016, balisongs are fully legal. No current statute restricts them. Legal to own and carry without restriction. Statute: 941.23 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | No Wisconsin statute prohibits disguised knives (lipstick knives, cane swords, belt buckle knives, etc.). Wis. Stat. 941.23(1)(ap) exempts all knives from the concealed weapon definition, so the inherently concealed nature of disguised knives does not create a legal issue. Legal to own and carry. Statute: 941.23 |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Wisconsin does not regulate knives by opening mechanism. The repeal of the switchblade ban (Wis. Stat. 941.24) in 2016 eliminated any possible ambiguity about spring-assisted mechanisms. Assisted-opening knives are legal to own and carry without restriction. Statute: 941.23 |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | Not specifically addressed in Wisconsin statutes. No state prohibition exists. However, a ballistic knife where the blade detaches from the handle could be classified as a 'dangerous weapon' under Wis. Stat. 939.22(10). For non-prohibited persons this is irrelevant (knives are exempt from concealed carry restrictions). Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1245) separately restricts ballistic knives. |
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.
