In Kentucky in 2025, knife laws are quite permissive compared to many other states. Generally, individuals may openly carry any type of knife without restrictions, including switchblades, automatic knives, ballistic knives, daggers, bowie knives, balisong knives, disguised knives, and even undetectable knives. There are no blade length limits specified in state law, and minors (under 18) are allowed to possess and carry knives as long as they obey other laws.
However, a key legal distinction concerns whether a knife is considered a “deadly weapon.” Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) §500.080(4) defines “deadly weapon” to include any knife except an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife. Deadly weapons are subject to stricter rules. For example, carrying a deadly weapon concealed on your person requires a permit similar to a firearm concealed carry permit. Open carry of knives, even deadly weapons, is generally allowed statewide.
Certain exceptions apply, such as it being a Class D felony to carry or possess a deadly weapon on school property, including knives deemed deadly weapons. Also, knives considered deadly weapons may elevate the severity of related crimes if used in assaults or other offenses.
Permitting a permitless concealed carry of knives has become more common with Kentucky’s constitutional carry laws, but a permit is still required for concealed carry of deadly weapons unless exempted. Notably, storing knives classified as deadly weapons in a vehicle’s enclosed compartments (glove box, console) does not require a permit.
Kentucky does not ban any specific types of knives, and constitutional carry principles allow carrying virtually any knife openly or concealed if the person is 21 or older and legally able to possess a deadly weapon. Locations such as schools, courthouses, and other government buildings may restrict knife possession like firearms, so local restrictions should also be considered.
Your knife rights in Kentucky include:
- Open carry of any kind of knife is lawful without a permit.
- Concealed carry of ordinary pocket knives or hunting knives is allowed without a permit.
- Concealed carry of other knives deemed “deadly weapons” requires a permit.
- Carrying deadly weapons on school property is illegal.
- No explicit blade length restrictions in state law.
- Vehicle storage of knives usually does not require a permit.
- Local restrictions similar to gun laws may apply in certain sensitive places.
Kentucky’s knife laws are some of the most relaxed in the U.S., allowing knife owners broad rights to carry and possess a wide array of knives subject to reasonable limitations primarily focused on concealed carry permits and sensitive locations.
This guidance is based on Kentucky Revised Statutes and recent legal interpretations as of 2024-2025.
Sources
[1] https://baldanilaw.com/kentucky-knife-laws/
[2] https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/kentucky-knife-laws/
[3] https://www.reddit.com/r/Kentucky/comments/13eq60d/laws_on_blade_concealed_carry/
[4] https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/kentucky/
[5] https://ravencresttactical.com/kentucky-knife-laws/
