Knives
Wis. Stat. 941.23 — for concealed carry, a knife is not a dangerous weapon
In Wisconsin, carrying a concealed and dangerous weapon is a Class A misdemeanor for anyone outside the groups the section lists, but for that section a dangerous weapon does not include a knife.
Knives are written out of the concealed weapon offense. Notwithstanding the general definition of a dangerous weapon, the concealed carry section says a dangerous weapon does not include a knife.
Carrying a knife is not disorderly conduct. Carrying a knife, openly or concealed, is not disorderly conduct and cannot be charged as it, unless other facts show a criminal or malicious intent.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionA knife in a pocket is a concealed weapon | What the law actually doesFor the concealed carry section, a knife is not a dangerous weapon |
| The assumptionOpenly carrying a knife is disorderly conduct | What the law actually doesNot without other facts showing criminal or malicious intent |
Federal buildings, courthouses, airports, schools and private property with its own rules are separate questions, and so are court decisions on whether a listed knife is protected by the Second Amendment. Whether a particular knife, or a particular way of carrying it, falls inside the section is a question for a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Wis. Stat. 941.23 — Carrying concealed weapon
- Wis. Stat. 947.01 — Disorderly conduct
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.