Missouri’s knife laws are generally permissive, but there are important distinctions and restrictions—especially regarding pocket knives and concealed carry.
Legal Ownership and Types of Knives
- Missouri law allows individuals to own and carry nearly all types of knives, including pocket knives, switchblades, automatic knives, and large knives like Bowies.
- There are no statewide bans on specific knife types, and even switchblades have been legal since 2012, provided federal law is not violated.
Concealed Carry of Pocket Knives
- Ordinary Pocketknife Definition: Missouri law defines an “ordinary pocketknife” as a folding knife with a blade of four inches or less.
- Concealed Carry Rules: You may legally carry an ordinary pocketknife (blade ≤ 4 inches) concealed on your person or in your vehicle.
- Other Knives: Any knife that is not an “ordinary pocketknife” (i.e., fixed blades, or folding knives with blades over four inches) cannot be carried concealed unless you have a concealed carry permit or fall under specific exemptions.
- Open Carry: Any legal knife, regardless of size or type, may be carried openly in Missouri, except in certain restricted locations.
Blade Length and Local Ordinances
- Blade Length: State law is clear that concealed carry of knives is only unrestricted for folding pocket knives with blades four inches or less.
- Local Laws: While Missouri state law is permissive, some cities or counties may have stricter rules or additional restrictions, so it’s wise to check local ordinances before carrying.
Restricted Locations and Exceptions
- Prohibited Places: Carrying knives (open or concealed) is not allowed in certain locations, such as schools, courthouses, and government buildings.
- Exemptions: Law enforcement, military personnel, and certain other officials may be exempt from some restrictions while performing official duties.
- Minors: Missouri law does not specifically prohibit minors from owning or carrying knives, but general weapon restrictions may still apply.
Summary Table: Pocket Knife Laws in Missouri
| Situation | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Own/carry any type of knife (open) | Legal (except restricted locations) |
| Concealed carry, folding blade ≤ 4 in | Legal |
| Concealed carry, blade > 4 in or fixed | Illegal without permit/exemption |
| Switchblades/automatic knives | Legal (if not violating federal law) |
| Carry in schools, courthouses, etc. | Illegal |
| Local ordinances stricter than state | Possible—check local laws |
- You may legally own and openly carry almost any knife in Missouri, including pocket knives, switchblades, and large blades.
- Concealed carry of a pocket knife is legal only if it is a folding knife with a blade of four inches or less.
- Carrying any other knife concealed is generally illegal unless you have a concealed carry permit or qualify for a statutory exemption.
- Always check local ordinances and be aware of restricted locations where knives are prohibited.
Missouri’s laws are among the most permissive in the country, but understanding the distinction between ordinary pocketknives and other knives—especially regarding concealed carry—is crucial to staying within the law.
Sources
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/missouri-knife-laws/
- https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/missouri-knife-laws-updated-2021-is-it-legal-to-carry-a-knife-in-2021
- https://dailycarryco.com/blogs/everydaycarry/understanding-gravity-knife-laws-in-missouri
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/missouri/
- https://www.sindellaw.com/blog/2023/07/missouri-knife-laws/