The basic tread towards successfully protecting yourself is removing the odds of you being selected in the first place. Aggressors tend to like easy targets. They are more likely to strike whoever they feel is the weakest on their “hunting grounds”. That’s why you’re more likely to hear an old lady getting her purse grabbed than a bodybuilder in the same situation.
It is of the same essence why a weak child may more likely be bullied at school than a kid who is a rugby team captain. Having a self-defense weapon is a good idea to protect yourself from the odds. I’m here to help you provide some insight on what legal weapon you can own and carry in Kentucky.
Castle Doctrine in Kentucky
Kentucky is one of the castle doctrine states which exercises the stand your ground law statute. Deadly and physical force by a defendant upon another person is justifiable to protect himself/herself from death or harm. An individual does not have a duty to retreat prior to the use of deadly physical force.
Are knives legal in Kentucky?
Knife laws in Kentucky are fairly easy to understand on the books, and fairly unclear in their actual implementation. Kentucky places no limitations whatsoever on owning knives or blades. All types of knife can be bought, sold, displayed, and carried on the owner’s property or in their home as needed.
Legal length of knife in Kentucky
The state of Kentucky law does not inflict legal limits on the length of knives. Any knife length is allowable for possession and open carry. Concealed carry suggests a maximum blade length but does not define it further. An individual is guilty of carrying a concealed weapon when he/she carries concealed a knife or other deadly weapon on or about his or her person. Below are the exceptions for the concealed carry statute:
- Peace officers and certified court security officers
- United States mail carriers when actually engaged in their duties
- Agents and messengers of express companies
Source: (Kentucky Penal Code § 527.020)
Here are some legal knives that you can own in Kentucky
- Throwing Knives
- Balisong Knives
- Martial Arts Throwing Stars
- Disguised Knives
- Swords
- Machetes
- Comb Dirks
- Dagger Necklaces
Even knives which are typically illegal in most other states it can be legally owned in Kentucky, such as gravity knives, switchblades, ballistic knives. Kentucky legislation does not forbid ownership of any knife based on its length, technique of use and method of opening.
Tactical Pens are legal In Kentucky
We all know how significant it can be at situations to have a pen on you when you need it the most, and not just for work. Whether you need a pen for work related reasons or you simply want to possess a pen with you at all times just in case, it surely could not hurt to go an extra step farther. Even though most people would only ever use a pen for writing, there is still so much more that a pen can do.
Tactical pens are legal to own in Kentucky which is designed to act as multipurpose tools as well. These pens can act in many ways such as a screwdrivers, mini-saws or bottle openers, and even as self-defense aids. All it takes is that you train yourself on the essence of tactical pens and the elements that you should look for when purchasing such a pen for yourself.
Do you need a license for pepper spray?
Kentucky has no laws that prohibit individuals from carrying or using pepper spray. You don’t need a license for you to have a pepper spray. An individual can own it if he or she is 18 years old and above and haven’t been convicted for a felony. While some states may have restrictions, Kentucky state doesn’t require training or a license to possess or purchase pepper spray, whether it is concealed or not.
Here are some useful tips on how to use pepper spray for self-defense:
- Get comfortable holding the pepper spray
- Keep a safe and appropriate distance
- Keep your arm slightly bent
- Make sure its accessible
- Know how to arm and disarm the pepper spray
- Always aim for the eyes
Kentucky Firearm Legislation
Kentucky is considered a comparatively humanistic state in terms of gun laws, with no requirements to register handguns and no background checks for private selling. There are still numerous legislation controling guns in Kentucky. Gun owners should familiarize themselves with these laws and regulations to avoid running conflict of the law.
Who can have a gun?
Kentucky prohibits any person under age 18 from possessing, manufacturing or transporting a handgun, unless he or she is practicing in the use of a firearm or target shooting at an established firing range, or any other place where the discharge of firearms is not prohibited. An individual attending a hunter’s safety course or a firearms safety course and someone who is engaging in an organized competition involving the use of a firearm. For the full list, you can check Gun Policy Org for further information.
Concealed Carry Law
Before 2019, the state requires a license for you to carry a concealed weapon however, Kentucky changed its requirement that people obtain a license and background check to carry concealed firearms in public. Kentucky now allows any individual 21 years of age or older who is eligible to possess a handgun to carry a concealed deadly weapon in public places. Individual carrying guns without a license are still subject to the same state restrictions that previously existed for people carrying with a permit. Kentucky still issues concealed carry licenses for people who may still wish to get them for the purposes of carrying it in other states.
Stun Gun legal to own in Kentucky
Stun Guns and Tasers are not considered firearms, they are legal to own in Kentucky. You don’t need a permit or a conceal carry license for you to possess it. Stun guns are critical as personal defense weapons. They are usually compact, easy to use, and can easily drop your aggressor to their knees in a matter of seconds.
Below are some basic elements that you need to know about stun gun to get started:
- Familiarize yourself with the stun gun or Taser before using it.
- Look for the ON/OFF switch button, safety switch, disable pin wrist strap, trigger, and other features.
- Practice holding it to find a comfortable fit for turning it on and using it.
- Do not touch the metal contact probes.