← Kentucky knife laws›Concealed Knife Carry

Kentucky Concealed Knife Carry (2026)

Permitted: Since 2019 (SB 150) Kentucky allows permitless concealed carry of deadly weapons — including non-ordinary knives — for adults 21+ who may lawfully possess them (KRS 527.020).

PermittedVerified Jul 7, 2026

Knife laws change at the state line — and in your state.Track them in the free LawLert iPhone app: it alerts you when you cross into a state where they differ, and when they change in your state. No account.Get the app

Official source: apps.legislature.ky.gov →

General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.

Concealed Knife Carry in states bordering Kentucky

The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.

IllinoisConditional
A common knife may be carried concealed absent unlawful intent; 720 ILCS 5/24-1(a)(2) bars carrying a dagger, dirk or dangerous knife with intent to use it unlawfully against another.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: ilga.gov · Full Illinois rule →
IndianaPermitted
Adults may carry a common knife concealed with no statewide blade limit; only ballistic knives are banned — but with no preemption, local ordinances may restrict carry (IC 35-47-5-2).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: iga.in.gov · Full Indiana rule →
MissouriPermitted
Adults may carry a common knife concealed; an ordinary pocketknife (no blade over 4 in) is excluded from the weapons definition, and concealed knife carry is barred only in 571.107 locations.
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: revisor.mo.gov · Full Missouri rule →
OhioPermitted
A knife isn't a 'deadly weapon' for Ohio's concealed-carry law unless used as one, so an ordinary knife may be carried concealed with no blade-length limit (ORC 2923.12(H)).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: codes.ohio.gov · Full Ohio rule →
TennesseePermitted
Tennessee does not restrict carrying a knife, openly or concealed; the carrying-with-intent-to-go-armed offense (T.C.A. 39-17-1307(a)(1)) reaches only a firearm or a club, not knives.
Verified Jul 30, 2026 · Source: publications.tnsosfiles.com · Full Tennessee rule →
VirginiaConditional
An adult may carry a common folding pocketknife concealed, but concealing a dirk, bowie, stiletto, ballistic knife, machete or like weapon is a Class 1 misdemeanor (Va. Code 18.2-308).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: law.lis.virginia.gov · Full Virginia rule →
West VirginiaPermitted
Adults 21+ may carry a concealed deadly weapon (any knife) without a license; a pocketknife with a blade 3.5 in or less, or a recreational/tool knife, isn't a regulated 'deadly weapon' (W. Va. Code 61-7-2).
Verified Jul 7, 2026 · Source: code.wvlegislature.gov · Full West Virginia rule →

Don't get caught off guardCross into a state where this law is different and the free iPhone app tells you what changed, even with the app closed. It also alerts you when a law you track changes where you live. No account.Get the free app

Track this law — get alerted when it changes

We watch the official sources behind Kentucky knives rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.