Wyoming is among the most permissive states in the U.S. regarding pocket knives and other edged tools. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the legal landscape for pocket knives in Wyoming:
Types and Ownership
All types of knives are legal to own and carry in Wyoming, including pocket knives, hunting knives, switchblades, balisongs (butterfly knives), gravity knives, and more.
No blade length restrictions: Wyoming law does not impose any limits on the length of knife blades, so you can legally possess and carry knives of any size.
Open Carry
Legal for all knives: You may openly carry any type of knife, regardless of blade length or mechanism, without a permit or license.
Concealed Carry
Generally legal for most adults: Concealed carry of knives is allowed, but with important conditions:
If the knife is considered a “deadly weapon” (capable of causing death or serious injury), concealed carry is only legal for those 21 or older who are eligible for a weapons permit (i.e., no felony or certain misdemeanor convictions, no recent substance abuse, not legally incompetent).
Pocket knives with blades under 6 inches are generally not considered “deadly weapons” and can be carried concealed by law-abiding adults without issue.
Carrying a concealed knife with the intent to use it unlawfully (e.g., in a crime) is always illegal.
Violating concealed carry laws can result in a misdemeanor (up to $750 fine and/or 6 months in jail for a first offense) or a felony for repeat offenses (up to $2,000 fine and/or 2 years in prison).
Restricted Locations
Prohibited places: Carrying knives is not allowed in certain locations, including:
Schools and educational institutions
Government buildings (courthouses, post offices, etc.)
Correctional and mental health facilities
Private property where knives are explicitly banned by the owner.
Statewide Preemption
Uniform knife laws: Wyoming law preempts local knife ordinances, so state law applies everywhere and local governments cannot enact stricter knife regulations.
Eligibility
Felons and certain others: Individuals with felony convictions, recent substance abuse, or certain mental health adjudications may not lawfully carry concealed deadly weapons, including certain knives.
Table
| Activity | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Own any type of knife | Yes | No restrictions on type or blade length |
| Open carry any knife | Yes | No permit required |
| Concealed carry (adults, <6″ blade) | Yes | Generally not considered a deadly weapon |
| Concealed carry (deadly weapon) | Yes, with conditions | Must be 21+, eligible for permit, no disqualifying history |
| Carry in schools/gov’t buildings | No | Prohibited |
| Felon carrying concealed deadly weapon | No | Illegal |
Wyoming law is highly permissive regarding pocket knives. Open and concealed carry are broadly legal for law-abiding adults, especially for pocket knives under 6 inches. Restrictions mainly apply to concealed carry of knives deemed “deadly weapons,” prohibited locations, and individuals with certain criminal or mental health histories.
Sources
[1] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/wyoming-knife-laws/
[2] https://mywaynecountynow.com/understanding-your-knife-rights-in-wyoming-a-legal-guide/
[3] https://knifeup.com/wyoming-knife-laws/
[4] https://knifeade.com/wyoming-knife-law/
[5] https://ravencresttactical.com/wyoming-knife-laws/
