Legal note: This page is a CJRB educational summary, not legal advice. Wyoming knife law can change, and local, federal, school, courthouse, airport, workplace, event, public-property, private-property, and transit rules may add restrictions. Use the source links below as a starting point and consult a qualified attorney for legal advice.
Last checked: July 25, 2026 · Primary sources: official state code, Justia, and official local/agency sources listed below
Wyoming Knife Law Snapshot
Short version: Wyoming's key statewide rule is concealed deadly-weapon carry, with exceptions for permits and qualifying residents. Ordinary knife carry is generally lower risk outside restricted places, but concealed deadly weapons, unlawful intent, schools, and alcohol/courthouse places still matter.
Lower risk outside restricted places.
Concealed deadly-weapon carry requires an exception.
Possession with intent to unlawfully threaten or injure is restricted.
Specific places remain restricted.
Can You Carry a Knife in Wyoming?
| Situation | Plain-English summary | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary pocketknife | Generally lower risk for lawful adults outside restricted places. | Generally allowed | WY Stat section 6-8-104 |
| Concealed deadly weapon | Wearing or carrying a concealed deadly weapon is restricted unless a permit/qualification exception applies. | Concealed caution | WY Stat section 6-8-104 |
| Deadly weapon with unlawful intent | Possessing, transporting, manufacturing, repairing, or selling a deadly weapon with intent to unlawfully threaten, assault, or injure is restricted. | Restricted | WY Stat section 6-8-103 |
| Permit/constitutional carry exceptions | Wyoming has permit and qualifying-resident exceptions, but the statutory details focus heavily on firearms and should be read carefully for knives. | Eligibility caution | WY Stat section 6-8-104 |
| Restricted places | Detention facilities, courtrooms, alcohol-service areas, federal/state prohibited places, and student school facility rules require separate review. | Check place | WY Stat section 6-8-104 |
Knife Type Notes
Use this as a practical EDC check. Ownership, open carry, concealed carry, place restrictions, age, and intent can be separate questions.
| Knife type | State summary | Carry risk |
|---|---|---|
| Pocket knives | Generally favorable outside restricted places. | Low |
| Large/fixed knives | Caution if concealed as deadly weapon. | Medium |
| Switchblades / automatics | No mechanism-specific statewide ban found in reviewed sources. | Low to medium |
| Concealed deadly weapons | Eligibility and place rules matter. | Medium |
Concealed Deadly Weapon Rules
Place-based and local rules are where many EDC mistakes happen. Check the exact school, courthouse, airport, park, transit system, workplace, venue, and private-property rule before carrying.
| Rule area | What to know | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concealed deadly weapon | This is the main statewide carry issue. | Caution | WY Stat section 6-8-104 |
| Unlawful intent | Intent-based weapon possession is separately restricted. | Caution | WY Stat section 6-8-103 |
Practical EDC Checklist
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01Start with knife type: Confirm whether the knife is ordinary utility carry or a listed/restricted weapon category.
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02Check carry method: Open carry and concealed carry can be treated differently.
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03Check the place: Schools, courthouses, airports, jails, public buildings, parks, and private venues often have stricter rules.
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04Check age and status: Minors, prohibited persons, and restricted-license contexts can change the answer.
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05Avoid weapon-like conduct: Threatening display, unlawful intent, or criminal-use facts can turn a tool into a legal problem.
Relevant Legal Sources
| Source | Why it matters | Status | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WY Stat section 6-8-104 | Concealed deadly weapons, exceptions, permits, restricted places. | Source | WY Stat section 6-8-104 |
| WY Stat section 6-8-103 | Deadly weapon with unlawful intent. | Source | WY Stat section 6-8-103 |
| WY weapons article index | Weapons offenses index. | Source | WY weapons article index |
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