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Missouri is a permissive state for owning and carrying knives. However, just like any other state out there, you can also run into a few restrictions. While usually straightforward, these laws can be a bit vague at times. Here is what you should know about knife laws in Missouri.
What knives are legal to own in Missouri?
Stabbing knives are legal in Missouri, including stilettos, dirks, and daggers, among others. Bowie knives and other massive knives are accepted, too, despite being banned in other states. The same goes for boot knives and butterfly knives. Undetectable knives are also legal.
Throwing knives are legal. Chinese throwing stars are also permitted, unlike many other states. You can even purchase throwing axes. Finally, switchblades and other automatic knives are legal in Missouri too.
What knives are illegal to own in Missouri?
No knives are banned in Missouri. However, until 2012, switchblades and other automatic knives were illegal. A change in the laws made them legal now.
What are the limits on carry?
Since there are no banned knives in Missouri, you can practically carry anything you want, as long as it is visible.
Concealed Carry
Things are a bit different when it comes to concealed carry. You can conceal carry any pocket knife as long as the blade is no longer than four inches. You must carry any other type of knife in the open. Concealed carry includes knives hidden in vehicles.
Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances
You cannot carry knives within 25 feet of a polling place on an election day, prisons and jails, courthouses, meetings of local or national governments, police institutions, establishments allowed to sell alcohol on their premises, parts of the airport that require body controls, places where the federal law prohibits weapons, schools, childcare facilities, gambling places, amusement parks, religious places, private properties where weapons are banned, sports arenas and hospitals.
Restrictions on Sale or Transfer
There are no restrictions on the sale or transfer of any knife.
Is there a statewide pre-emption?
Missouri does not have a statewide pre-emption.
Major Cities in Missouri with Knife Ordinances
Here are the city-specific laws regarding conceal carrying a folding knife in Missouri.
| City, State | Law Title/ Chapter/ Section | Concealed Carry Legal | Max Size Restriction | Short description from the law |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ballwin, MO | 17-54. | Yes | 2.5" | Conceal or carry about the person having a blade in excess of 2 1/2 inches in length; |
| Ava, MO | 62-178. | Yes | Carries concealed on or about his person a knife, firearm, blackjack or any other weapon capable of lethal use; | |
| Belton, MO | Sec. 15-107 | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length |
| Blackjack, MO | 11-55. | Yes | Carries concealed on or about his person a knife, firearm, blackjack or any other weapon capable of lethal use; | |
| Boonville, MO | Sec. 14-4 | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocketknife with no blade more than four (4) inches in length |
| Branson, MO | Sec. 58-97 | Yes | 4" | Deadly weapon means any knife (excluding an ordinary pocket knife with no blade longer than four inches) |
| Butler, MO | 14-76. | Yes | Carries concealed on or about his person a knife, firearm, blackjack or any other weapon capable of lethal use; | |
| Cameron, MO | 8-30. | Yes | 4" | The word "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four (4) inches in length. |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | 17-96. | Yes | 4" | The word "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four (4) inches in length. |
| Carthage, MO | 13-145. | Carries concealed upon or about his person a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use. | ||
| Clinton, MO | 17-121. | Yes | 4" | The word "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four (4) inches in length. |
| Columbia, MO | Sec. 16-246 | goes into any courthouse, church, school or any other public meeting carrying a knife | ||
| Crestwood, MO | Sec. 16-3 | Carries concealed upon or about his or her person a knife, or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use | ||
| Creve Coeur, MO | 18-172. | Carries concealed upon or about his person a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use. | ||
| Des Peres, MO | 16-186. | Yes | 4" | The word "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four (4) inches in length. |
| Grandview, MO | 17-41 | Carries concealed upon or about his person a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use. | ||
| Hillsboro, MO | 14-14. & 14-14.2. | Yes | 4" | The word "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four (4) inches in length. |
| Independence, MO | 12.03.001. & 12.03.002. & 12.03.008. | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Jackson, MO | 45-500. | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Joplin, MO | 82-191. | Carries concealed upon or about his person a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use. | ||
| Kansas City, MO | 50-261 | Carries concealed upon or about his person a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use. | ||
| Ladue, MO | 18-80. & 18.81. | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Lamar, MO | 15-3. | Carries concealed upon or about his person a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use. | ||
| Lee's Summit, MO | 17-161. | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Liberty, MO | 22-8. | Yes | 3.5" | Carry a knife (other than pocket knife with 3.5" Blade Max in/on Taxi, Cab or other public vehicle |
| Licking, MO | 58-331. & 58-333. | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Maplewood, MO | 22-103. | Yes | 2.5" | having a blade in excess of two and one-half (2 1/2) inches in length |
| Maryland Heights, MO | Sec. 14-12 | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocketknife with a blade up to four (4) inches in length. |
| Mexico, MO | Sec. 10-181 | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four (4) inches in length. |
| Montgomery City, MO | Sec. 36-298 | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocketknife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Nixa, MO | Sec. 16-142 | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocketknife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Olivette, MO | 170.010. | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Perryville, MO | 9.04.010 | Yes | 4" | concealed weapons upon or about his person a knife with a blade equal in length or longer than four inches |
| Pleasant Hill, MO | Sec. 28-336 | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Raymore, MO | Sec. 210.330 | Carries concealed a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use; | ||
| Raytown, MO | 13-67. | Yes | 4" | "knife" does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length. |
| Springfield, MO | 78-257. | Yes | 4" | Dangerous and incapacitating instruments shall include knives with blades in excess of four (4) inches |
| Warrensburg, MO | Sec. 14-116 | Carries concealed a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use; | ||
| Webster Groves, MO | 70.225. | Carries concealed a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use; | ||
| West Plains, MO | 58-74. | Carries concealed a knife or any other weapon readily capable of lethal use; |
Exceptions
There are a few exceptions in place for law enforcement officials of all kinds and military members on duty.
Summary of Knife Laws in Missouri
While Missouri is quite permissive on knives, a few restrictions are in place. It pays off knowing where you can take a knife, as there are many places where carrying knives can get you in trouble.
When it comes to critical dimensions, it is worth noting that you can conceal carry a pocket knife with a blade shorter than four inches. You must carry everything else in the open.
Hi, I am Jay. I am the creator of Knife Guides, your one-stop site for everything related to knives. I am a computer engineer by profession, knife aficionado by passion. Here I work with a group of people who’ve always had a passion for knives and blades. Over the years we’ve kind of become experts and decided to share our knowledge and ideas. I am also an avid hiker and enjoy offshore gamefishing.
