No, throwing stars (shuriken) are classified as “dangerous knives” under Kansas Statutes Annotated § 21-6301(a)(4), making their possession or sale without a concealed carry permit illegal. Local ordinances in cities like Wichita and Kansas City further restrict their display or use in public spaces, with law enforcement actively enforcing these provisions. Recent 2026 legislative proposals aim to reclassify them as “prohibited weapons,” potentially tightening restrictions.
Key Regulations for Throwing Stars (Shuriken) in Kansas
- Statutory Prohibition: Kansas law explicitly bans the possession of throwing stars under § 21-6301(a)(4), categorizing them alongside switchblades and gravity knives as inherently dangerous.
- Local Ordinances: Municipalities such as Overland Park and Topeka impose additional restrictions, including prohibitions on carrying shuriken in public parks or government buildings, enforced by local police departments.
- Penalties: Violations may result in misdemeanor charges, with potential fines up to $1,000 and/or 30 days imprisonment, escalating to felony charges if intent to harm is demonstrated.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) has issued advisories clarifying that even ornamental or antique shuriken fall under these restrictions unless certified as historical artifacts by the Kansas Historical Society. Retailers must obtain a state-issued dealer’s license to sell throwing stars, subject to annual inspections by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office.