Kentucky has some of the most permissive knife laws in the United States, but understanding the details is crucial for anyone who owns, carries, or plans to carry a knife in the state. Here’s an expert breakdown of your rights and responsibilities under Kentucky law as of 2025.
Types of Knives and Legal Definitions
Kentucky law divides knives into two main categories:
- Ordinary Pocket Knives and Hunting Knives: These are generally not considered “deadly weapons” under Kentucky law, though the statutes do not precisely define what qualifies as “ordinary” or as a “hunting” knife. This lack of definition means that, in practice, whether a particular knife falls into these categories may be left to the discretion of law enforcement or the courts.
- All Other Knives: Any knife that does not fall into the above categories is considered a “deadly weapon” under Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) §500.080.
Open Carry of Knives
- Permissive Open Carry: Kentucky law allows for the open carry of any type of knife, regardless of blade length or mechanism. There are no statewide restrictions on the types of knives you can openly carry, and minors (under 18) are also permitted to openly carry knives, provided they are not violating any other law.
- No Blade Length Limits: There are no state-imposed blade length limits for carrying knives, whether open or concealed.
Concealed Carry of Knives
- Constitutional Carry for Adults 21+: As of June 27, 2019, Kentucky allows anyone 21 or older who can lawfully possess a firearm to carry concealed deadly weapons-including most knives-without a permit. This is known as “constitutional carry.”
- Under 21: Individuals under 21 are subject to older restrictions. They may not carry concealed deadly weapons except for ordinary pocket knives or hunting knives.
- No Permit Needed: For those 21 and older, no permit is required to carry any knife-openly or concealed-unless you are in a restricted location.
- Concealment Ambiguity: Kentucky law does not define “concealed,” so whether a knife is considered concealed may depend on the circumstances and could be subject to law enforcement or judicial interpretation.
Restricted Locations
Regardless of age or permit status, there are places where carrying knives is prohibited:
- Schools: It is a felony to carry any deadly weapon-including most knives-on school property, whether open or concealed.
- Courthouses, Government Buildings, and Private Property: These locations may have their own restrictions. Private property owners can set their own rules, and government buildings often prohibit weapons.
- Other Sensitive Areas: Restrictions similar to those for firearms generally apply, so always check local rules before entering sensitive locations.
Local Laws and Preemption
- Statewide Protection: Kentucky law generally preempts local knife regulations, meaning local governments cannot enact more restrictive knife laws than those at the state level.
- No Restricted Knife Types: As of the latest updates, there are no knife types specifically outlawed in Kentucky, including switchblades, butterfly knives, or automatic knives.
Legal Risks and Enforcement
- Deadly Weapon Classification: If you are charged with unlawfully carrying a concealed deadly weapon, your defense may hinge on whether your knife is considered an “ordinary pocket knife” or “hunting knife.” Courts have left this somewhat vague, so outcomes can vary.
- Penalties: Violating knife carry laws, especially in restricted locations, can result in serious criminal charges, including felonies for violations on school property.
Kentucky Knife Laws
| Category | Open Carry | Concealed Carry (21+) | Concealed Carry (<21) | Restricted Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary Pocket/Hunting Knife | Legal | Legal | Legal | Prohibited in schools, etc. |
| Other Knives (Deadly Weapons) | Legal | Legal | Illegal (unless permit) | Prohibited in schools, etc. |
| Blade Length Limits | None | None | None | N/A |
| Restricted Knife Types | None | None | None | N/A |
Key Takeaways
- Kentucky is a constitutional carry state for knives: adults 21+ can carry any knife, openly or concealed, without a permit.
- There are no blade length limits or banned knife types at the state level.
- Concealed carry by those under 21 is limited to ordinary pocket knives and hunting knives.
- Carrying knives is prohibited in certain locations, especially schools and some government buildings.
- The legal definition of “ordinary pocket knife” and “hunting knife” is vague; exercise caution and consult legal counsel if in doubt.
Always check for the most current laws or seek legal advice if you have questions about your specific situation.
Source:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/kentucky/
- https://baldanilaw.com/kentucky-knife-laws/
- https://www.shokuninusa.com/blogs/news/pocket-knife-laws-knife-length-laws-usa
- https://ravencresttactical.com/kentucky-knife-laws/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/Kentucky/comments/13eq60d/laws_on_blade_concealed_carry/
