Are Automatic Knives Legal in Wyoming?
The Short Answer
Yes. Automatic knives — including OTF knives and switchblades — are legal in Wyoming. In fact, the word "knife" doesn't even appear in Wyoming's weapons statutes. There are no prohibited knife types, no blade length restrictions, and no knife-specific carry rules. Wyoming regulates "deadly weapons" broadly, and a knife generally only becomes a deadly weapon based on how it's used or intended to be used. If you're 21 or older (or hold a valid weapon permit), you can carry any knife openly or concealed.
What Wyoming Law Actually Says
The Statute (Wyoming Statutes §§ 6-1-104, 6-8-104)
Wyoming doesn't have "knife law" in the traditional sense. Instead, it has general weapons statutes that could theoretically apply to knives under specific circumstances.
§ 6-1-104(iv) — Definition of "deadly weapon":
"'Deadly weapon' means but is not limited to a firearm, explosive or incendiary material, motorized vehicle, an animal or other device, instrument, material or substance, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury."
§ 6-8-104 — Wearing or carrying concealed weapons:
This statute makes it an offense to wear or carry a "concealed deadly weapon" unless you:
- Are a peace officer
- Hold a valid Wyoming weapon permit
- Hold a valid weapon permit from a reciprocal state
- Are otherwise eligible to hold a weapon permit under Wyoming law
What That Means in Plain English
Wyoming takes a use-based approach to weapons classification. A knife isn't inherently a "deadly weapon" — it becomes one based on how it's used or intended to be used. Carrying a Benchmade OTF for everyday tasks? Not a deadly weapon. Carrying any knife with the specific intent to harm someone? That's a deadly weapon.
The concealed carry law is essentially a non-issue for most adults. If you're 21 or older, a U.S. resident, a Wyoming resident for at least six months, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions or substance abuse history, you're "eligible to hold a weapon permit" — and that eligibility alone exempts you from the concealed carry restriction. You don't actually need to apply for or receive a permit.
OTF Knives in Wyoming
OTF knives are legal in Wyoming with no restrictions. There are no statutes addressing automatic knives, switchblades, or any specific knife mechanism. An OTF knife is just a knife under Wyoming law, and knives are not regulated.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Wyoming Considers Them
Wyoming makes no distinction between switchblades, automatic knives, OTFs, gravity knives, assisted openers, or any other knife type. The state doesn't define or restrict any knife category. They're all just knives, and they're all legal.
This is genuinely unusual among U.S. states. Most states at least define "switchblade" or "automatic knife" somewhere in their code, even if they don't restrict them. Wyoming simply doesn't address knife types at all.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in Wyoming
Open Carry
Open carry of any knife is legal in Wyoming. There are no restrictions on type, blade length, or purpose. As AKTI notes: "There is no general restriction as to unconcealed or openly carried knives."
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry of knives is legal for most adults. The concealed deadly weapon statute (§ 6-8-104) exempts:
1. Peace officers 2. Persons holding a valid Wyoming weapon permit 3. Persons holding a valid permit from a reciprocal state 4. Persons who are eligible to hold a Wyoming weapon permit — even without actually having one
Eligibility requirements under § 6-8-104(b):
- U.S. resident
- Wyoming resident for at least 6 months
- At least 21 years old
- Not convicted of a felony or certain violent crimes
- Not subject to drug or alcohol abuse legal interventions
If you meet these criteria, you can carry any knife concealed without a permit. Note that visitors from other states who don't hold a weapon permit from a reciprocal state may not qualify for the eligibility exemption — they would need to carry openly to be safe.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
Wyoming restricts "deadly weapons" in limited locations:
- Jails and penal institutions (§ 6-5-209): Deadly weapons prohibited
- Mental health facilities (§ 6-5-209): Deadly weapons prohibited
- Courtrooms (§ 6-5-209): Deadly weapons prohibited
Note that Wyoming's school weapons statute (§ 21-3-132) specifically addresses firearms on school property — not knives. Individual school districts may have their own policies regarding knives, but there is no statewide statutory prohibition on knives at schools.
Blade Length Restrictions
Wyoming has no blade length restrictions of any kind. There are no limits on blade length for any knife type, whether carried openly or concealed.
What About Assisted Openers?
Assisted-opening knives are legal in Wyoming, just like every other knife type. Since the state doesn't regulate any knife category, the distinction between automatic, assisted, and manual knives is legally meaningless.
Buying Automatic Knives in Wyoming
No restrictions on buying or selling knives in Wyoming. The only weapons sale restriction is § 6-8-103, which prohibits selling a "deadly weapon" with the intent to unlawfully threaten someone or commit assault — but that's about criminal intent, not the knife itself.
Age Restrictions
Wyoming's concealed carry eligibility requires age 21 for the permit-eligibility exemption. Persons under 21 who want to carry a knife concealed would need to obtain a weapon permit (if available for their age) or carry openly.
There are no statutory restrictions on knife possession by minors specifically — the "deadly weapon" restrictions would only apply if the knife was being used or intended to be used in a manner capable of producing death or serious bodily injury.
Statewide Preemption
Yes. Wyoming Statute § 6-8-401 provides strong statewide preemption:
"(c) The sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use and possession of firearms, weapons and ammunition shall be authorized, regulated and prohibited by the state, and regulation thereof is preempted by the state."
Note the broad language: "weapons" — not just firearms. This preemption applies to knives. Local governments cannot pass more restrictive knife ordinances. The rules are the same whether you're in Cheyenne, Casper, or the middle of nowhere.
Recent Changes
Wyoming has had consistently permissive knife laws and has not enacted significant changes to its weapons statutes in recent years. The state's approach — simply not regulating knives as a category — means there haven't been the kind of repeal-and-reform cycles seen in states like Virginia or Wisconsin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in Wyoming?
Yes. OTF knives are legal to own, carry openly, and carry concealed in Wyoming (for those 21+ or with a valid weapon permit).
Are switchblades illegal in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming has no restrictions on any knife type, including switchblades and automatic knives.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Wyoming?
No. Wyoming has no blade length restrictions for any knife.
Do I need a permit to carry a concealed knife in Wyoming?
Not if you're 21 or older and otherwise eligible to hold a weapon permit (no disqualifying convictions, Wyoming resident for 6+ months). You can carry concealed without actually obtaining the permit.
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.