Is Switchblades / Automatic Knives Legal in Kansas? (2026)
Yes — Switchblades / Automatic Knives are legal in Kansas as of 2026.
Law changed in 2013: The law was significantly relaxed in 2013, and a state preemption law was passed in 2014.
Quick Answer
Kansas law does not specifically prohibit switchblade knives. Under K.S.A. 21-6301, switchblades are not listed as prohibited weapons, so possession and sale are generally legal.
- Prohibited for convicted felons under federal law
What the Law Says
Kansas law does not prohibit the possession or carry of switchblades for adults. It is a crime for a felon to possess any knife other than a common pocketknife.
— Kansas Statutes Annotated Chapter 21
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Possession | Legal to possess switchblades. |
| Sale & Purchase | Legal to sell and purchase switchblades. |
| Penalties | N/A |
| Age Restriction | None |
| Pending Legislation | None known |
The law was significantly relaxed in 2013, and a state preemption law was passed in 2014.
Enforcement Reality
Kansas has very permissive knife laws. Switchblades are legal to own and carry, openly or concealed. Enforcement is focused on the use of a knife in a crime, not on the type of knife being carried.
A common mistake is to be unaware of local ordinances that may be more restrictive than state law, although a 2014 preemption law limits the ability of cities to regulate knives.
Local Exceptions
None identified. State law applies uniformly across Kansas. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.
Real-World Scenarios: Switchblades / Automatic Knives in Kansas
Can You Fly With Switchblades / Automatic Knives Out of Kansas?
Switchblades / Automatic Knives may be legal in Kansas, but airports are federal territory. TSA screens under federal rules, not state law. If the item is federally restricted, expect problems at the checkpoint. Even if it clears TSA, the laws of your destination state apply the moment you land. Plenty of travelers have learned this the hard way — legal when they packed, criminal when they arrived.
Can You Cross State Lines With Switchblades / Automatic Knives From Kansas?
This is where people get burned. Kansas treats switchblades / automatic knives as legal, but neighboring Nebraska treats it as illegal. The law changes at the state line — not gradually, not with a warning sign, instantly. "I bought it legally" is not a defense in the new state. Interstate highways near the Kansas/Nebraska border are known enforcement corridors. If you're driving with out-of-state plates in a state where switchblades / automatic knives is illegal, you're a target.
Bottom Line
Switchblades / Automatic Knives are legal in Kansas. You can carry them without violating state law, though federal rules and local ordinances may still apply. Always verify current law before acting.
Kansas vs. the Rest of the US
Across the US, carrying a switchblade is fully legal in 19 states, restricted in 17, and illegal in 14. Kansas falls in the LEGAL category.
View the full 50-state map →Body Armor Laws Guide
This topic is closely related to body armor and self-defense laws.
Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.
Sources & Verification
This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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