Quick Legal Facts
Statewide Preemption:
Yes.
Concealed Carry:
There is no general restriction as to unconcealed or openly carried knives.
Critical Dimensions:
None.
Wyoming is among the states which respect individual liberty and tolerate knives. There are no statutory prohibitions on the general ownership or possession of knives. Wyoming law does provide a prohibition for wearing or carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
§6-8-104. Wearing or carrying concealed weapons; penalties; exceptions; permits
(a) A person who wears or carries a concealed deadly weapon is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00), imprisonment in the county jail for not more than six (6) months, or both for a first offense, or a felony punishable by a fine of not more than two thousand dollars ($2,000.00), imprisonment for not more than two (2) years, or both, for a second or subsequent offense, unless:
Deadly weapon is defined as follows:
§6-1-104. Definitions
(a)(iv) Deadly weapon means but is not limited to a firearm, explosive or incendiary material, motorized vehicle, an animal or other device, instrument, material or substance, which in the manner it is used or is intended to be used is reasonably capable of producing death or serious bodily injury;
It is less than clear that knives would be considered a deadly weapon. Wyoming law does provide that a valid firearms permit, issued by Wyoming or a state with which Wyoming has reciprocity, is a defense. W.S. § 6-8-104(a)(ii),(Hi). Moreover, it is also a defense if the person is otherwise eligible under Wyoming law to be issued a permit (less firearms training/familiarity requirement). W.S. § 6-8-104(a)(iv).
The Wyoming concealed weapon statute does list places where a concealed weapon may not be carried with a license. These locations include elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities, courtrooms, places licensed to dispense beverage alcohol, etc.
Statewide Preemption:
Yes. Wyoming law provides statewide preemption for the right to keep and bear arms in general. Specifically mentioned are firearms and weapons.
§ 6-8-401. Firearm, weapon and ammunition regulation and prohibition by state
(a) The Wyoming legislature finds that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right. The Wyoming legislature affirms this right as a constitutionally protected right in every part of Wyoming.
(c) The sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use and possession of firearms, weapons and ammunition shall be authorized, regulated and prohibited by the state, and regulation thereof is preempted by the state. Except as authorized by W.S. 15-1-103(a)(xiii), no city, town, county, political subdivision or any other entity shall authorized, regulate or prohibit the sale, transfer, purchase, delivery, taxation, manufacture, ownership, transportation, storage, use, carrying or possession of firearms, weapons, accessories, components or ammunition except as specifically provided by this chapter. This section shall not affect zoning or other ordinances which encompass firearms businesses along with other businesses. Zoning and other ordinances which are designed for the purpose of restricting or prohibiting the sale, purchase, transfer or manufacture of firearms or ammunition as a method of regulating firearms or ammunition are in conflict with this section and are prohibited.
Critical Dimensions:
None.
Concealed Carry:
There is no general restriction as to unconcealed or openly carried knives.