Wyoming maintains one of the more liberal knife laws in the United States, emphasizing broad individual rights to own and carry knives for a variety of lawful purposes. Most types of knives, including pocket knives, bowie knives, hunting knives, switchblades, and daggers, are legal to own and openly carry in Wyoming. There are no restrictions on blade length or knife type specifically outlined in state law, giving residents and visitors considerable freedom in knife possession.
Concealed carry of knives in Wyoming, however, is subject to certain limitations. While open carry of any knife is permitted, carrying a concealed deadly weapon without a valid permit is illegal. The state defines a “deadly weapon” broadly as any instrument capable of causing death or serious bodily injury either by nature or intent, which includes knives used with harmful intent. The concealed carry prohibition generally does not apply to pocket knives with blades shorter than six inches, which can be carried concealed without penalty. However, carrying any knife concealed with intent to use it as a weapon against another person is a misdemeanor punishable by fines and potential jail time.
Wyoming does not impose restrictions on knife ownership or carry based on blade length, type, or mechanical action, meaning even knives often banned elsewhere, like switchblades or butterfly knives, are legal here. Nevertheless, local ordinances might have specific restrictions, so it is prudent to check city or county laws before carrying knives in certain jurisdictions. Law enforcement officers and military personnel can carry knives in connection with their duties and may have exemptions from some restrictions.
There are no specific banned knives in Wyoming state law, though knives carried with criminal intent or used unlawfully can lead to criminal liability. The state also preempts local regulation of weapon possession, meaning state knife laws override more restrictive local ordinances. This legal framework supports responsible knife ownership while prohibiting use or carry of knives in ways that threaten public safety.
Wyoming’s knife laws provide significant freedom for owning and carrying most knives openly, including those often more regulated in other states, with the main legal limit being the concealed carry of deadly weapons without proper authorization. Individuals should exercise caution by avoiding concealed carry without a permit if intent to use the knife as a weapon arises and always be aware of any local rules. This legal environment supports Wyoming’s culture of outdoor activities, hunting, and personal defense with knives, balancing liberty with public safety concerns.
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://handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife2.pdf)
