Friendly, unassuming, and full of wonder. That's The Show-Me state - Missouri. It's the promised land for explorers and travel enthusiasts from around the country and elsewhere. Mo offers everything for the wandering spirit. From the biggest city parks, national forests to wildlife refuges, state parks, and conservation areas - Missouri is the ultimate nirvana for outdoor enthusiasts. Adventures call for the right tools and equipment .. and that involves having a trusting cutter or an automatic knife on you. A dependable knife is the first thing to reach for when trapped in a wild forest.
So, which knives can you legally own or carry? And are there knives that are banned from owning or carrying by law? Let's find out. Missouri knife laws are fairly straightforward, and without many restrictions. However, there are a few confusing grey areas.
Missouri State Knife Laws - The Old Law Vs The New Law
Up until 2012, Missouri knife laws weren't overly friendly. It was against the state law to carry an automatic knife. Luckily, times have changed and so have the laws. The law was revised and amended to remove automatic knives from the list of 'prohibited weapons'. This means, now it's LEGAL to own and carry a switchblade in Missouri.
However, bear in mind that it's ONLY legal to carry an automatic knife or switchblade as long as it does not violate Federal laws. This means you need to be aware of the Federal laws regarding automatic knives or switchblades. The law allows a person to possess and/or carry a switchblade on or about his person if the blade is less than 3 inches long.
List Of Knives Legal to Own in Missouri
-Dirks, stilettos, and other slim knives.
-Boot knives and other daggers
-Balisong knives, also called butterfly knives.
-Undetectable knives that can't be picked up by metal detectors.
-Throwing stars, throwing knives and throwing axes.
-Bowie knives and other large knives.
It is legal to own and carry an automatic knife or switchblade (without violating Federal Laws)
Limits on Carry
-One may conceal carry any pocketknife with a folding blade less than 4 inches
-It is ILLEGAL to conceal carry any other knife in Missouri, on your person or in your vehicle
-You may open carry any legal knife
Take away the confusing jargon and legal terms, and the law is very simple. Own and carry any knife (open or concealed), even switchblades without breaking the fed laws.
