Wyoming Knife Law – The Complete Guide (In Plain English)

Last updated on October 21st, 2023 at 11:43 pm

Do you live in Wyoming? Are you interested in knives? If so, this article is for you! Here we will cover the basics of knife law in the state of Wyoming. This includes what types of knives are legal, who can carry them, and how old you have to be to buy and possess knives. We will also take a look at any unique knife laws that may apply to the Cowboy State. Stay safe and stay informed!

Is There Statewide Preemption?

Statewide preemption is a law that prevents individual municipalities from enacting their own laws (knife laws in this case). It means that the state legislature has the primary jurisdiction over firearms and weapons regulations, promoting uniformity across the entire state.

In Wyoming, there is a statewide preemption statute under WYO Stat § 6-8-401, which states that the regulation of firearms, weapons, and ammunition is preempted by the state, thus ensuring uniformity across Wyoming.

Who Can Buy And Carry A Knife In Wyoming?

There isn’t a state-level age restriction to buy or possess a knife in Wyoming, although individual retailers may have their own age restrictions. The only state-level restriction pertains to possessing a knife with the intent to harm or injure another person.

Concealed Knife Carry Laws In Wyoming

In Wyoming, the laws around concealed carry of knives can appear confusing at first. Wyoming law provides that it is an offense to wear or carry a “concealed deadly weapon” unless one possesses a valid weapon permit or is otherwise eligible to hold a weapon permit. In general, persons at least 21 and not convicted of a violent crime or drug offense are eligible. However, knives are not generally considered deadly weapons, and the concealed carry of a deadly weapon is not an issue for persons at least 21 who are not ineligible to hold a weapon permit.

The criteria for eligibility include:

• Being 21 years of age or older
• Being a resident of the United States and a resident of Wyoming for a minimum of six months
• No substance abuse within the past year
• No felony convictions
• No misdemeanor convictions in the past year
• Not being legally incompetent
• No involuntary commitment to a mental hospital (though this can vary based on the specifics of the commitment)

Remember, while carrying the knives in a concealed state, you would need to have a photo ID issued by the state to verify your residency. Non-residents of Wyoming would need to obtain and possess a license for concealed weapons from a state that Wyoming recognizes.

Moreover, there are no restrictions on buying, selling, giving, and receiving knives as gifts, or manufacturing them.

Knife Laws Regarding Specific Knife Types

What Kinds Of Knives Are Legal In Wyoming?

Wyoming does not have specific laws regulating the ownership of any type of knife. All kinds of knives, including daggers, dirks, stilettos, and other ‘dangerous’ knives, are legal to own and carry in the state.

• Folding Knife
• Stiletto
• Dagger
• Dirk
• Poniard
• Bowie Knife
• Balisong, or Butterfly Knife
• Switchblade
• Gravity Knife
• Lipstick Knife
• Hunting Knife
• Sword
• Push Knife

What Kinds Of Knives Are Illegal In Wyoming?

As previously mentioned, Wyoming has no laws specifically regulating the ownership or carrying of knives. This includes pocket knives. You are free to carry a pocket knife concealed or openly in Wyoming without any legal restrictions.

Are There Knife Length Laws In Wyoming?

Wyoming has no laws specifically regulating the length of knife blades. You are allowed to own and carry any type of knife, regardless of its size or blade length.

What Are The Consequences Of Violating Knife Laws In Wyoming?

Penalties for violations of carrying a concealed deadly weapon (when not allowed) include a fine of up to $750, up to six months in jail, or both for the first offense. Subsequent offenses are punishable by a fine of up to $2000, up to two years in jail, or both.

Carrying a dangerous weapon on school grounds is not applicable to knives as per the Wyoming law. However, other deadly weapons are restricted in certain locations such as court facilities, jails, mental health, and correctional facilities.

Specific Questions About Wyoming Knife Law

Can I carry a knife in government buildings in Wyoming?

Federal law typically governs the carrying of weapons on federal property, which includes many government buildings. As a general rule, carrying a knife in these buildings is usually prohibited, regardless of the individual’s age or criminal record. It’s always recommended to check the specific policies of each building before attempting to bring a knife onto the premises.

Can a felon carry a knife in Wyoming?

Although most people in Wyoming are allowed to carry a knife openly or concealed without a permit, it is considered illegal for a felon to carry a concealed deadly weapon. If a knife is deemed a ‘deadly weapon’, this could lead to a felony weapons charge. The penalties for this charge can include a fine of up to $2000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

Are switchblades legal in Wyoming?

Switchblades, along with other types of knives, are legal in Wyoming. The state does not have specific restrictions on the type of knife that can be carried, which includes switchblades.

How old do you have to be to buy a knife in Wyoming?

As mentioned earlier, there isn’t a state-level age restriction to buy or possess a knife in Wyoming. However, individual retailers may have their own age restrictions.

Are butterfly knives illegal in Wyoming?

Butterfly knives (also known as balisongs) are not illegal in Wyoming. They are included in the list of knives that are legal to own and carry in the state.

Wyoming State Knife Law References

Official Sources of Wyoming’s Knife Laws

• Wyoming Statutes: The primary statutes concerning knives and other deadly weapons are found under Wyoming Statute § 6-8-104 and § 6-1-104.
• Preemption Statute: Wyoming has a preemption law, stated under Wyoming Statute 6-8-401, which prevents local municipalities from enacting their own laws regarding knives and other weapons, ensuring uniformity across the state regarding weapon laws.

Significant Court Cases

Name/Title of Case	Short Summary
Conine v. State (2008 Wyo.)	A case where a frying pan was deemed a deadly weapon as it was capable of causing serious bodily injury, establishing a broad definition of deadly weapon in Wyoming.

Conclusion

Wyoming knife laws are quite lenient due to the lack of specific regulations surrounding knives. The ambiguity in the law tends to work in favor of knife enthusiasts as it doesn’t technically define the types of knives to be carried in a concealed manner in the state of Wyoming; therefore, most are regarded as legal to be carried.

I’m just a normal guy doing my best to muddle through all these legal texts but, hopefully, I was able to clear things up for you and save you the trouble of looking things up for yourself!