In Wyoming, the legal landscape regarding pocket knives is quite liberal and permissive. Individuals can legally own, openly carry, and concealed carry most types of knives with few restrictions. The state does not impose blade length restrictions on knives, and no specific knife types are banned for ownership or carry.
Key Points on Wyoming Pocket Knife Laws
- It is legal to own and carry all types of knives, including switchblades, balisongs (butterfly knives), bowie knives, daggers, stilettos, and gravity knives.
- Open carry of any knife is allowed without restrictions.
- Concealed carry of a knife is legal unless the intent is to use it as a weapon against another person. Pocket knives with blades less than 6 inches can be concealed carried without legal issues.
- Carrying a concealed “deadly weapon” with intent to harm is prohibited under Wyoming Statute § 6-8-104, and penalties range from fines up to imprisonment depending on the severity and recurrence.
- There are no statewide prohibitions on specific knife types or blade lengths.
- Certain sensitive places like government buildings or schools may have specific prohibitions, but these are generally governed by separate laws.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Regulation | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ownership | Legal | All knives including switchblades |
| Open Carry | Legal | No blade length limit |
| Concealed Carry | Legal with no intent to harm | Knives under 6 inches typical safe |
| Prohibited Intent | Illegal | Carrying with intent to harm |
| Restricted Locations | Possible restrictions | Schools, government buildings |
Wyoming promotes responsible knife ownership and carries minimal restrictions, emphasizing that intent to harm determines whether carrying a knife is unlawful.
For the most accurate and current advice, checking local ordinances and consulting legal professionals is recommended.
Sources
(https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/wyoming-knife-laws/)
(https://knifeup.com/wyoming-knife-laws/)
(https://ravencresttactical.com/wyoming-knife-laws/)
(https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state)
(https://www.shokuninusa.com/blogs/news/pocket-knife-laws-knife-length-laws-usa)
