Kentucky Weapons & Self-Defense Laws (2026)

Body armor is legal for civilians in Kentucky but with restrictions. Purchasing online may be prohibited, or wearing during commission of a crime carries enhanced penalties.

Kentucky classifies brass knuckles as deadly weapons under KRS 527.020. Possession, sale, or manufacture is illegal except for law enforcement or military use.

Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Kentucky with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.

Kentucky allows permitless concealed carry for residents 21 and older under KRS §237.110. No permit is required to carry concealed firearms.

Flamethrowers are legal to own and use in Kentucky with no state-level restrictions. No significant legislative changes regarding flamethrowers in recent years.

Nunchucks are legal to own and possess in Kentucky with no specific restrictions. No significant changes in recent years.

Open carry of firearms is legal with restrictions in Kentucky without a permit for adults who are legally allowed to possess firearms. In 2019, Kentucky enacted a permitless carry law, which allows for both open and concealed carry without a permit for those 21 and older.

Kentucky allows possession and use of pepper spray for self-defense without restrictions under KRS 527.020. There are no statutory limits on size or concentration.

Suppressors / Silencers are legal with restrictions in Kentucky. Kentucky Revised Statutes do not prohibit silencers, and their use for hunting is allowed under KRS 237.110.

Kentucky law (KRS 527.020) prohibits switchblade knives with blades longer than 3 inches. Possession, sale, and manufacture of such knives are illegal except for law enforcement and military.

Tasers & Stun Guns are legal with restrictions in Kentucky. No significant legislative changes since the permitless carry law was enacted.