🦅 Wyoming Knife Laws
Overview
Wyoming has statewide preemption — local governments cannot create additional knife restrictions beyond state law. 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
Open carry of all knives is legal in Wyoming without restriction. There is no blade length limit and no restriction by knife type. Wyoming statutes regulate weapons by use and intent, not by type or manner of carry when unconcealed.
WS 6-8-104(a) prohibits carrying a concealed 'deadly weapon,' defined broadly under WS 6-1-104 as any instrument reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury in the manner used or intended. The statutory exceptions for permitless carry (a)(iv) and concealed carry permits (subsection b) specifically reference 'firearm,' not 'deadly weapon' generally. This creates a gap where concealed carry of a knife deemed a deadly weapon may not benefit from the constitutional carry or permit exceptions available for firearms. Persons 21 or older who are otherwise eligible for a permit face minimal practical risk, but the statutory text does not clearly extend the firearm-specific exceptions to knives.
Wyoming imposes no general blade length restriction. The 'deadly weapon' definition in WS 6-1-104 is based on use and intent, not on blade dimensions. No other statute establishes a blade length threshold.
Statute: 6-1-104.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Wyoming does not prohibit switchblades. No statute bans knives by type or opening mechanism. Switchblades are legal to own, carry openly, sell, and manufacture. The word 'knife' does not appear in Wyoming's weapons statutes. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are not restricted under Wyoming law. Wyoming regulates weapons by use and intent, not by type or opening mechanism. Legal to own and carry openly. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Wyoming does not specifically prohibit disguised knives such as belt buckle knives, cane swords, or lipstick knives. No statute addresses concealment within an ordinary object. Possession with unlawful intent would fall under WS 6-8-103. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are not restricted under Wyoming law. Wyoming does not classify or regulate knives by opening mechanism. Legal to own, carry openly, sell, and manufacture. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are not specifically addressed or prohibited by Wyoming state law. No Wyoming statute bans knives by propulsion mechanism. Federal law (18 U.S.C. 1716) separately restricts ballistic knives in interstate commerce via the U.S. Postal Service. |
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.
