Reviewed September 2026

Kentucky Knife Laws

In Kentucky, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Adults 21+ may carry concealed deadly weapons, including knives, without a license (since 2019). There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives are legal.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Adults 21+ may carry concealed deadly weapons, including knives, without a license (since 2019).

Local Ordinances

Kentucky has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Knives other than ordinary pocket or hunting knives count as deadly weapons for some statutes.

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: KRS 500.080, 527.020, 237.109

Kentucky's constitutional carry law, KRS 237.109, effective June 27, 2019, lets anyone 21 or older carry concealed deadly weapons without a license. Under KRS 500.080 any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife is a deadly weapon, and in Crabtree v. Commonwealth (2014) a five to six-inch locking folder was held to be a deadly weapon rather than an ordinary pocket knife. Knife preemption is limited, and Lexington and Louisville maintain local ordinances.

Kentucky Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Kentucky?

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

Are butterfly knives legal in Kentucky?

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

Is it legal to carry a knife in Kentucky?

Generally yes, within limits: Adults 21+ may carry concealed deadly weapons, including knives, without a license (since 2019). Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Kentucky?

Kentucky has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. Knives other than ordinary pocket or hunting knives count as deadly weapons for some statutes.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Kentucky

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