Knives and pepper spray in Kansas (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Kansas criminal use of weapons covers possessing a dagger, dirk, dangerous knife, stiletto or throwing star with intent to use it unlawfully against another. Switchblade and automatic knives are not named, and the Attorney General has said a knife may be carried concealed or openly regardless of blade length. Law enforcement officers and some others are exempt.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | K.S.A. 21-6301 has no folding-knife rule. Possessing a dangerous knife with intent to use it unlawfully against another is criminal use of weapons, a class A nonperson misdemeanour. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | K.S.A. 21-6301(a) does not name switchblade, automatic or locking knives. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | Possessing a dagger, dirk, billy, blackjack, slungshot, dangerous knife, straight-edged razor, throwing star or stiletto with intent to use it unlawfully against another is criminal use of weapons, a class A nonperson misdemeanour. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | Law enforcement officers and people they summon to help, prison and jail staff acting within their authority, and members of the armed services or Kansas national guard in official duty are exempt from the dagger, dirk and knife offence. [1] |
| Automatic (switchblade) knivesCarrying in public places | K.S.A. 21-6301 does not name switchblade or automatic knives; possessing a dangerous knife is an offence only with intent to use it unlawfully against another. The Revisor's annotation of Attorney General Opinion 2014-1 states that a person may carry a knife, concealed or unconcealed, regardless of blade length. [1] |
| Blade length limitsCarrying in public places | No statewide blade-length limit. The Revisor's annotation of Attorney General Opinion 2014-1 states that a person may carry a knife, concealed or unconcealed, regardless of the length of the blade. [1] |
Notes
- K.S.A. 21-6301(a)(2) applies only to possession 'with intent to use the same unlawfully against another'.
- K.S.A. 21-6301 does not mention pepper spray. No other statute was read.
- This relies on the Revisor of Statutes' annotation summarising Attorney General Opinion 2014-1 on the K.S.A. 21-6301 page; the opinion itself was not read. Other Kansas statutes and local rules were not checked.
Sources
- Kansas Office of Revisor of Statutes: K.S.A. 21-6301 Criminal use of weapons (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Kansas and neighbouring states
| State | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas | Only with intent to use unlawfully | No switchblade or locking-knife rule | Only with intent to use unlawfully | ⚠ Not yet verified | Police, prison staff and armed forces on duty |
| Colorado | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | Only ballistic knives banned outright | Concealed: banned over 3.5 in blade | ⚠ Not yet verified | OK at home or business, or in a private vehicle |
| Missouri | Concealed carry banned only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only in restricted areas | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Nebraska | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | Concealed ban only for under-21s, prohibited persons | ⚠ Not yet verified | — |
| Oklahoma | Knives not listed; proper use allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Not listed; proper use allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | Self-defence, hunting, fishing, recreation |
More rules in Kansas
- CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: No (felony)
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 30 mph (urban districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 65 mph; 55 mph on county roads
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 15 (restricted licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 14 (instruction permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Class 1-3, bicycle rules · Minimum age: Class 3: 16
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes (licensed retail; bottle rockets banned)
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $7.25 per hour (state law)
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Texting only · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes, age 14+ · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes, age 14+ (adults: secondary enforcement)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 21 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.02% (under 21)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.