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Are Automatic Knives Legal in Kentucky?

Are Automatic Knives Legal in Kentucky?

The Short Answer

Yes — fully legal. Kentucky has no restrictions on any knife type, including automatic knives, OTF knives, and switchblades. Since the state adopted constitutional carry in June 2019, adults 21 and older can carry any "deadly weapon" — including knives — open or concealed, without a permit. No blade length limits. No type bans. No mechanism restrictions.

For adults 21 and older, Kentucky is one of the freest knife states in the country.

What Kentucky Law Actually Says

Constitutional Carry (KRS § 237.109)

Effective June 27, 2019, Kentucky's constitutional carry statute provides:

"Persons age twenty-one (21) or older, and otherwise able to lawfully possess a firearm, may carry concealed firearms or other concealed deadly weapons without a license in the same locations as persons with valid licenses issued under KRS 237.110."

That language — "other concealed deadly weapons" — explicitly covers knives.

The Definition of "Deadly Weapon" (KRS § 500.080)

"'Deadly weapon' means any of the following: (a) A weapon of mass destruction; (b) Any weapon from which a shot, readily capable of producing death or other serious physical injury, may be discharged; (c) Any knife other than an ordinary pocket knife or hunting knife..."

Carrying Concealed Weapons — Under 21 (KRS § 527.020)

"A person is guilty of carrying a concealed weapon when he or she carries concealed a firearm or other deadly weapon on or about his or her person..."

This statute applies to persons under 21 who don't hold a concealed carry license. There are exceptions for "ordinary pocket knives" and "hunting knives."

What That Means in Plain English

Kentucky's knife law works in two tiers:

If you're 21 or older (and not a prohibited person):

  • Carry any knife you want — automatic, OTF, switchblade, fixed blade, anything
  • Open or concealed, your choice
  • No permit needed
  • No blade length limit
  • No type restriction

If you're under 21:

  • Open carry of any knife: legal
  • Concealed carry of "ordinary pocket knives" and "hunting knives": legal
  • Concealed carry of other knives classified as "deadly weapons": restricted unless you hold a CCDW license (available at 21)

What's an "Ordinary Pocket Knife"?

Here's the one gray area. Kentucky law doesn't define "ordinary pocket knife" or "hunting knife." The courts haven't established a bright-line test. In White v. Commonwealth (2009), the Kentucky Court of Appeals held that a butterfly knife, a one-hand-opening tactical lockblade, and a tactical knife with a seven-inch blade were not ordinary pocket knives — but declined to set a specific blade length rule.

In Crabtree v. Commonwealth, the court stated:

"Absent guidance from the General Assembly, we need not and do not hold that as a matter of law a pocket knife with any particular blade length is or is not an 'ordinary pocket knife,' but we are convinced that a reasonable juror here could have believed that Crabtree's knife, with a five to six-inch blade, was not an ordinary pocket knife."

For adults 21+, this ambiguity doesn't matter — constitutional carry covers everything. For those under 21, a conservative approach is wise: a standard folding knife with a pocket clip is your safest bet.

OTF Knives in Kentucky

Completely legal. No restrictions on OTF knives based on type, blade length, or carry method. Adults 21 and older can carry OTF knives openly or concealed without a permit. There is no prohibition on owning, buying, or selling OTF knives regardless of age.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Kentucky Considers Them

Kentucky has no prohibited knife types. The state makes no distinction between:

  • Switchblades: legal
  • OTF knives: legal
  • Automatic knives: legal
  • Gravity knives: legal
  • Balisongs / butterfly knives: legal
  • Assisted openers: legal
  • Fixed blades: legal
  • Daggers, dirks, stilettos: legal

All legal to own, carry, buy, and sell. The only legal distinction that matters is the "ordinary pocket knife" vs. "deadly weapon" classification for concealed carry by those under 21.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Kentucky

Open Carry

Legal for all ages. No restrictions on open carry of any knife type, any blade length.

Concealed Carry

  • 21 and older: Legal without a permit under constitutional carry (KRS § 237.109)
  • Under 21: Concealed carry of "deadly weapons" restricted. Exceptions exist for ordinary pocket knives and hunting knives. A concealed carry license is available for those 21+.

The Concealment Question

Kentucky law doesn't define what constitutes "concealment." Courts have taken a practical approach. In Sykes v. Commonwealth, a firearm was deemed concealed when hidden under clothing — and became visible only when the person raised his arms and his shirt lifted. The court upheld the concealed carry charge.

For knives, the practical guidance: if the knife is visible through ordinary observation — pocket clip showing, sheath on belt — it's likely not concealed. If it's hidden under clothing or inside a bag with no visible indicator, it likely is.

Optional Concealed Carry License (CCDW)

Kentucky still issues concealed deadly weapon licenses under KRS § 237.110 for those who want one. Useful for reciprocity with other states when traveling. Not required for in-state carry if you're 21+.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

  • Schools: Under KRS § 527.070, deadly weapons are prohibited on K-12 school property, including school buses, athletic fields, and recreational areas. Limited exceptions exist. This restriction does not apply to post-secondary schools (colleges and universities).
  • Courthouses: Standard weapon restrictions apply
  • Jails and detention facilities: Prohibited
  • Certain government buildings: Where posted
  • Federal buildings: Subject to federal law

Statewide Preemption

Partial. Kentucky has strong preemption for firearms (KRS § 65.870) and broader deadly weapon protections:

"No person, unit of government, or governmental organization shall... have the right to revoke, suspend, limit the use of, or otherwise impair the validity of the right of any person to purchase, transfer, loan, own, possess, carry, or use a firearm, firearm part, ammunition, ammunition component, or any deadly weapon or dangerous instrument." — KRS § 237.104

Additionally, KRS § 237.115(2) provides that concealed carriers "may carry a concealed firearm or other concealed deadly weapon on or about their persons at all times within the Commonwealth." No criminal penalty attaches to carrying concealed "at any location at which an unconcealed firearm or other deadly weapon may be constitutionally carried."

However, the preemption framework was originally designed around firearms. Some knife-specific local ordinances may persist in cities like Lexington (§ 14-19.4) and Louisville (§ 41.02). Given the broad language of state preemption, these local ordinances are of questionable enforceability — but they may still be on the books.

What About Assisted Openers?

Legal without any restriction. Since fully automatic knives are unrestricted in Kentucky, assisted openers are a complete non-issue. No legal distinction exists between an assisted opener and a manual folder.

Buying Automatic Knives in Kentucky

Legal. No restrictions on sale, purchase, or transfer of any knife type. No purchase permits, waiting periods, age minimums specific to knife sales, or registration requirements. Buy in person, online, or at shows.

Age Restrictions

  • Ownership: No statutory age restriction on possessing knives
  • Concealed carry: Constitutional carry applies at age 21. Under 21, concealed carry of "deadly weapons" (knives other than ordinary pocket knives/hunting knives) requires a CCDW license — which requires being 21 to obtain
  • Purchase: No specific age restriction on purchasing knives, though general weapons-to-minors principles may apply

Recent Changes

  • 2019: Constitutional carry enacted (KRS § 237.109), effective June 27 — eliminated permit requirement for concealed carry of deadly weapons including knives for persons 21+

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Kentucky?

Yes. Adults 21 and older can carry OTF knives openly or concealed without a permit. Under 21, open carry is fine; concealed carry depends on whether the knife qualifies as an "ordinary pocket knife."

Are switchblades illegal in Kentucky?

No. No knife type is banned in Kentucky. Switchblades are fully legal to own, carry, buy, and sell.

Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Kentucky?

No. Kentucky has no blade length restrictions for any knife type.

Do I need a permit to carry a knife in Kentucky?

Not if you're 21 or older. Constitutional carry covers knives as "deadly weapons." Under 21, concealed carry of knives beyond "ordinary pocket knives" requires a CCDW license.

What's the difference between open carry and concealed carry for knives in Kentucky?

Open carry of any knife is legal at any age. Concealed carry of knives classified as "deadly weapons" is unrestricted for those 21+ under constitutional carry. Under 21, concealed carry of deadly-weapon knives requires a license.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change — sometimes faster than websites update. Federal, state, and local laws may all apply to your situation, and local ordinances can be more restrictive than state law.

Before purchasing, carrying, or traveling with any automatic knife, OTF knife, or switchblade, verify current laws with official state and local sources. We are not attorneys, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on this information.

When in doubt, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

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