Kentucky is known for its permissive knife laws, but it’s essential to know the specifics to stay within the boundaries of the law. This guide clarifies what you can own, carry, and conceal in the Bluegrass State as of 2025, and highlights critical regulations for responsible knife owners.
What Types of Knives Are Legal in Kentucky?
Kentucky law is unusually broad and permissive when it comes to knife types. All of the following knives are legal to own and carry:
There is no outright ban on any knife type at the state level, making Kentucky one of the least restrictive states in America for knife owners.
Open Carry vs. Concealed Carry
Open Carry:
Any knife may be carried openly in plain sight, regardless of blade length, type, or purpose—even by minors, provided no other law is violated.
Concealed Carry:
The rules become stricter for knives that count as “deadly weapons.” Kentucky statutes define a deadly weapon as any knife except an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife.
In vehicles:
You may store any knife, even a deadly weapon, in an enclosed compartment in your car (e.g., glove box, console) without a permit.
Restrictions and Prohibited Places
Despite broad rights, there are some key restrictions:
Schools: Carrying any deadly weapon (including most knives except pocket or hunting knives) on school property—public or private—is a Class D felony.
Government buildings: Local ordinances may restrict weapon possession in certain government buildings, courthouses, or public gatherings.
School buses and school events: Carrying deadly weapons in these settings is also strictly prohibited.
Always exercise caution and consult local regulations before carrying a knife into areas with special restrictions.
Switchblades, Automatic, and Gravity Knives
Kentucky specifically allows the possession, sale, and carry of switchblades, automatic, and gravity knives—both openly and with a concealed carry permit.
What Counts as a “Deadly Weapon” or “Dangerous Instrument”?
If a crime involves a deadly weapon, penalties are significantly increased.
Legal Considerations and Defenses
If accused of illegal knife carry, your legal defense may focus on:
Final Tips
Kentucky’s knife laws are among the most open in the nation—most knives are legal to own and openly carry.
Concealed carry of deadly weapons requires a permit.
Never carry deadly weapons into schools or prohibited zones.
When in doubt, consult current statutes or a local attorney before transporting or carrying knives.
By following these guidelines, knife owners in Kentucky can exercise their rights with confidence while staying safe and lawful.
Sources
[1] https://baldanilaw.com/kentucky-knife-laws/
[2] https://www.blingsting.com/blogs/news/what-self-defense-weapons-are-legal-in-kentucky
[3] https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state
[4] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/kentucky-knife-laws/
[5] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/kentucky/
[6] https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/switchblade-legal-states
