Understanding your knife rights in Kansas is straightforward thanks to the state’s relatively permissive laws. Here’s a comprehensive legal guide:
Overview of Kansas Knife Laws
- No Statewide Restrictions on Blade Type or Length: Kansas allows the open or concealed carry of any knife, regardless of blade length or type, except for a few specific exceptions.
- Illegal Knives: The only knives specifically banned are throwing stars and ballistic knives. All other knives are legal to own and carry.
- Intent Matters: Carrying a knife is only illegal if it’s done with the intent to use it unlawfully against another person.
- No Age Restrictions: There are no age restrictions for carrying a knife in Kansas.
- Felony Restrictions: Convicted felons are prohibited from possessing certain knives, including daggers, dirks, switchblades, stilettos, straight-edged razors, or any other dangerous or deadly cutting instrument of like character.
Concealed and Open Carry
- Concealed Carry: Kansas permits the concealed carry of knives, including those with blades longer than four inches, which used to be restricted.
- Open Carry: Open carry of any knife is also allowed.
Where Knives Are Prohibited
- Schools and Educational Facilities: It is illegal to carry a knife on school grounds or any educational institution, except for authorized personnel.
- Government Buildings: Similar restrictions apply to government buildings and courthouses.
- Other Restricted Locations: Some bars and private establishments may have their own policies prohibiting knives.
Statewide Preemption
- Uniform State Law: Kansas law preempts local ordinances, meaning all cities and counties must follow the state’s knife laws. You do not need to check local laws when traveling within Kansas.
- Exception: Some older municipal ordinances may still exist from before the preemption law, but these are rare and may not be enforced.
Penalties
- Illegal Possession: Possessing a banned knife (throwing star or ballistic knife) can result in up to two years in prison or a fine of up to $600.
- Unlawful Intent: Carrying a knife with the intent to use it unlawfully is a criminal offense.
- School Violations: Carrying a knife on school grounds can result in up to one year in prison or a $500 fine.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Kansas Law |
|---|---|
| Blade Length/Type | No restrictions |
| Concealed Carry | Allowed |
| Open Carry | Allowed |
| Illegal Knives | Throwing stars, ballistic knives |
| Age Restrictions | None |
| Prohibited Locations | Schools, government buildings, some private establishments |
| Penalties | Up to 2 years/$600 (illegal knives), up to 1 year/$500 (school grounds) |
| Felon Restrictions | Yes, for certain knives |
Key Takeaways
- You can carry almost any knife, open or concealed, in Kansas.
- Only throwing stars and ballistic knives are illegal.
- Intent is critical—carrying a knife with unlawful intent is a crime.
- Knives are banned from schools, government buildings, and some private places.
- State law preempts local ordinances—no need to check city or county laws.
- Convicted felons may not possess certain knives.
This guide should help you navigate Kansas knife laws with confidence.
Sources
[1] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/kansas/
[2] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/kansas-knife-laws/
[3] https://sustainable-markets.org/post/knife-laws-in-kansas
[4] https://edc.ninja/kansas-knife-laws/
[5] https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/statute/012_000_0000_chapter/012_016_0000_article/012_016_0134_section/012_016_0134_k/
