Reviewed September 2026

Missouri Knife Laws

In Missouri, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Concealed carry of knives other than ordinary pocket knives (4 inch line) can be charged; open carry is broadly legal. The blade limit to know: 4 inches for the pocket-knife safe harbor.

Switchblades: Legal

Automatic knives are legal under state law (2012).

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of knives other than ordinary pocket knives (4 inch line) can be charged; open carry is broadly legal.

Local Ordinances

Missouri has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. Kansas City and St. Louis add local rules.

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: Mo. Rev. Stat. §§571.010(12), 571.030

Missouri treats any pocketknife with a blade of 4 inches or less, including automatics, as an ordinary pocketknife that may be carried concealed, having removed its switchblade restriction in 2012. Concealed carry of other knives in violation of §571.030 is a Class B misdemeanor, while brandishing a weapon in an angry or threatening manner is a Class E felony punishable by up to 4 years and $10,000. There is no statewide knife preemption, so local governments may impose their own limits.

Missouri Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Missouri?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Missouri. Automatic knives are legal under state law (2012). Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Missouri?

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

Is it legal to carry a knife in Missouri?

Generally yes, within limits: Concealed carry of knives other than ordinary pocket knives (4 inch line) can be charged; open carry is broadly legal. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Missouri?

The limit to know is 4 inches for the pocket-knife safe harbor. Kansas City and St. Louis add local rules.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Tennessee.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Missouri

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