Wyoming offers some of the most permissive knife laws in the U.S., with no restrictions on ownership, open carry, or blade length for any type of knife. Statewide preemption ensures uniform rules—no local bans. Concealed carry is legal for those eligible for a concealed firearm permit (21+, no felonies), treating knives as “deadly weapons” under Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104.
Ownership Rules
All knives legal: Switchblades, balisongs, bowies, dirks, daggers, autos, gravity knives. Federal Switchblade Act doesn’t affect intrastate possession. No blade length limits.
Minors: No age minimum for ownership/open carry; parental discretion.
Open Carry
Unlimited: Carry any knife openly anywhere not prohibited. No permit needed.
Concealed Carry
Prohibited without permit/eligibility per § 6-8-104: “Concealed deadly weapon” (knife capable of death/injury). Eligible if:
- Wyoming CFP holder.
- Reciprocal out-of-state permit.
- Qualify for permit (21+, no violent felonies/drugs, no domestic violence).
Pocket knives <6″ often overlooked as tools. First offense: Misdemeanor, $750 fine/6 months jail.
Prohibited Places
- Schools (§6-8-501).
- Courthouses/gov buildings.
- Jails/mental facilities.
- Private property (owner rules).
Vehicles: Treated as concealed if not visible; eligibility applies.
Deadly Weapon Definition
§6-1-104(a)(vi): Instrument used/intended for death/serious injury—contextual, not type-specific.
Permit Process
CFP via sheriff: $50-100, fingerprints, background; reciprocal many states. Constitutional carry for firearms doesn’t explicitly cover knives.
School Knife Laws
Zero tolerance: Possession felony if intent unlawful.
Comparisons States
| State | Open Carry | Concealed | Autos Legal? | Preemption |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wyoming | Any | Permit/eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Texas | Any | Permit | Yes | Yes |
| CA | Limited | Restricted | Some | No |
| NY | Restricted | Illegal | No | No |
Wyoming ranks highly permissive.
Penalties Violations
- Concealed misdemeanor: $750/6mo.
- Aggravated assault with knife: Felony 5-25 years.
- School: Up to 5 years.
Practical Advice
Verify wyoleg.gov; laws stable 2026.
SOURCES:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/wyoming/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/wyoming-knife-laws/
