Reviewed September 2026

Kansas Knife Laws

In Kansas, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Any legal knife may be carried openly or concealed. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Legalized in 2013.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Any legal knife may be carried openly or concealed.

Local Ordinances

Kansas has statewide preemption: cities and counties cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state. Preemption since 2014; very knife-friendly.

Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: Kan. Stat. Ann. §§21-6301, 12-16,134

Kansas repealed its switchblade, automatic, and gravity knife restrictions in 2013 and enacted preemption statute 12-16,134, which declared local knife ordinances predating July 1, 2014 null and void. In State v. Harris (July 2020), the Kansas Supreme Court struck the phrase "dangerous or deadly cutting instrument of like character" in the felon-possession statute 21-6304 as unconstitutionally vague. The felon restriction still names daggers, dirks, switchblades, and stilettos specifically.

Kansas Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Kansas?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Kansas. Legalized in 2013. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Kansas?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Kansas. Butterfly knives are legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Kansas?

Generally yes, within limits: Any legal knife may be carried openly or concealed. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Kansas?

Kansas has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Preemption since 2014; very knife-friendly.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Colorado, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Kansas

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Kansas. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.