Yes, butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal to possess and carry in Wyoming without restriction. Wyoming has no state-level laws banning balisongs, and local ordinances rarely address them. However, concealed carry laws under Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104 may apply if carried in a manner intended to conceal identity. The Wyoming Attorney General’s Office has not issued recent guidance on balisongs, but federal restrictions under the Switchblade Knife Act do not apply to balisongs with blades under 2 inches.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Wyoming
- No State Ban: Wyoming Statutes do not prohibit the possession, sale, or carry of balisongs, including those with locking mechanisms.
- Concealed Carry Restrictions: Carrying a balisong concealed may violate Wyo. Stat. § 6-8-104, which prohibits concealed weapons without a permit, though balisongs are not explicitly listed as prohibited.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities like Cheyenne or Jackson may impose additional restrictions; verify with local law enforcement before carrying in public spaces.
Federal law (15 U.S.C. § 1244) exempts balisongs from switchblade prohibitions if the blade is under 2 inches, but longer blades remain unregulated at the state level. Always check for updates from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation or local sheriff’s departments, as enforcement priorities may shift.