Missouri is known to be among the laid-back states concerning knife laws. However, there are some crucial details in these laws regarding carrying knives in the state.
Paying attention to these details can save you from being charged for acts you weren’t aware are illegal.
In this article, we will explain the aspects and details of the Missouri knife laws to clarify ambiguity and misunderstandings concerning these laws. Hopefully, this will help you understand your rights as well as restrictions before going outdoors with a knife.
The Right to Bear Knives
In Missouri, it’s legal for you to own any type of knife as well as any number of knives you want.
Everyone has the right to bear arms and knives for the safety of the citizens in order to defend their lives, families, homes, or properties.
This right is stated in the Second Amendment of the constitution as follows:
“That the right of every citizen to keep and bear arms, ammunition, and accessories typical to the normal function of such arms, in defense of his home, person, family, and property, or when lawfully summoned in aid of the civil power, shall not be questioned.
The rights guaranteed by this section shall be unalienable. Any restriction on these rights shall be subject to strict scrutiny and the state of Missouri shall be obligated to uphold these rights and shall under no circumstances decline to protect against their infringement.”
Laws’ Restrictions
Although the law allows all kinds of knives, there are some crucial restrictions concerning the law. Here are some details you need to be aware of regarding how to carry your knives.
Conceal-Carry Law
The only type of knives that you’re allowed to carry concealed is pocket knives. Concealed in this context means that the knife isn’t readily visible to anyone approaching you under ordinary circumstances.
The law also applies if you have the knife in your vehicle. This means that you’re allowed to only conceal a pocket knife in your vehicle.
Furthermore, this concealed carry pocket knife should have some specifications. The blade of the knife should be 4 inches or less. It should be a folding blade that’s manually opened. It also shouldn’t be a double-edged blade. Yet, what’s exactly meant by a pocket knife is a debatable concept that generates different interpretations. It remains as a somehow ambiguous area when it comes to law enforcement.
Open-Carry Law
In the case of open-carry, you can have any kind of legally owned knives, whether of 4-inches blades or longer.
All you need to do is to fully display your knife. You also shouldn’t conceal knives in your vehicle. Otherwise, you can be charged for illegally concealing a weapon.
The statutory definition of a knife is as follows: “‘Knife’, any dagger, dirk, stiletto, or bladed hand instrument that is readily capable of inflicting serious physical injury or death by cutting or stabbing a person. For purposes of this chapter, ‘knife’ does not include any ordinary pocket knife with no blade more than four inches in length;”
Age Restrictions
In Missouri, there’s no restriction for minors when it comes to carrying knives. They follow the same specifics as adults. This is one of the troubling issues concerning the law. Still, of course, it isn’t allowed for students to carry knives when going to schools.
Exceptions
The knives’ laws in Missouri have some exceptions concerning people who are allowed to carry knives concealed or places where caring knives are restricted.
Excepted People
There’s a number of people who are excepted from the concealed-carry part of the knives law.
Among these people are government employees who are required to carry weapons as part of their jobs such as law enforcement officers, armed forces, and national guards.
There are also people who work in jails and similar institutions like wardens and prison keepers.
The exception also includes people of judicial powers like members of the federal judiciary as well as federal probation officers. It also includes all coroners and medical examiners. Hunters who can openly carry weapons, such as bows are another exception.
There are also people who have limited rights when it comes to carrying weapons, such as those with a violent felony history or mentally infirm people. This is stated in the Second Amendment of the constitution:
“Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the general assembly from enacting general laws which limit the rights of convicted violent felons or those duly adjudged mentally infirm by a court of competent jurisdiction.”
Excepted Areas
Carrying knives in Missouri is legal except in areas where firearms are restricted. Among the places where you can’t carry weapons are places of worship, such as churches, educational institutions like schools and universities, public hospitals, and gated amusement parks.
Switchblades
Switchblades are a confusing issue when it comes to knives laws. They aren’t prohibited in Missouri. However, carrying them can be considered illegal if you violate the Federal Switchblade Act.
This act prohibits possessing switchblades in specific conditions only. For instance, it allows having a switchblade if you have one arm and if the blade is less than 3 inches.
Types of knives You Can Own and Carry
The knives’ laws in Missouri ended up allowing people to carry different kinds of knives according to their needs and convenience.
Among these allowed knives are:
- Pocket Knives
- Dirks
- Daggers
- Stilettos
- Bowie knives
- Boot knives
- Throwing stars
- Throwing knives
- Balisong Knives
- Buck knives
- Undetachable knives
- Disguised knives
Conclusion
Missouri is one of the states with somewhat easy-going restrictions on carrying knives. You’re allowed to carry any type of knives openly displayed and only pocket knives can be carried concealed. There are no age restrictions applied for carrying knives.
Yet, it’s essential to be aware of areas where it’s restricted to carry a weapon to avoid being charged or getting in trouble. It’s also important to carefully check the Federal Switchblade Act if you consider carrying a switchblade with you.