Kansas knife laws are relatively permissive, allowing citizens to enjoy a wide range of rights when it comes to knife ownership and carry. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding your knife rights in Kansas:
Legal Knives
Kansas law allows the ownership and carry of most types of knives, including:
- Pocket knives
- Fixed-blade knives
- Switchblades
- Balisong (butterfly) knives
- Disguised knives
- Karambits
- Swords and sword canes
- Machetes
- There are no restrictions on blade length for knives in Kansas.
Illegal Knives
The only knives explicitly prohibited in Kansas are:
- Throwing stars
- Ballistic knives
Manufacturing, selling, buying, transferring, or possessing these items is unlawful within the state.
Carrying Laws
Open Carry
Open carry of any legal knife is permitted in Kansas without restrictions.
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry of knives is generally allowed in Kansas, with a few exceptions:
- You cannot carry blackjacks, billy clubs, sand-clubs, slung-shots, bludgeons, or metal knuckles concealed.
- Ballistic knives are prohibited from concealed carry.
Restricted Locations
While Kansas knife laws are generally permissive, there are some locations where carrying knives is prohibited:
- Schools and educational institutions
- Government buildings
- Jails and juvenile correction facilities
- Some public places
- Private properties (if prohibited by the owner)
- Public transportation (if prohibited)
Age Restrictions
Kansas does not have specific age restrictions on knife ownership or carry. However, minors should have parental permission and supervision when handling knives.
Preemption
Kansas has a statewide preemption law that makes knife regulations uniform across the state. Local municipalities cannot enact more restrictive knife laws than those set by the state.
Restrictions for Convicted Felons
Convicted felons face restrictions on knife ownership and carry. It is unlawful for a convicted felon to own or possess certain types of knives, including daggers, dirks, stilettos, and switchblades.
Penalties for Violations
Violating Kansas knife laws can result in various penalties:
-
- Carrying illegal knives: Up to two years imprisonment or a fine up to $600.
- Carrying knives in prohibited locations: Up to one year imprisonment or a fine up to $500.
Kansas knife laws are generally favorable to knife owners, with few restrictions on the types of knives that can be owned and carried. However, it’s crucial to be aware of the prohibited locations and the restrictions that apply to convicted felons. Always exercise caution and responsibility when carrying and using knives in public spaces.
