Minnesota grants broad knife rights to residents and visitors, allowing ownership and carry of most blades while prohibiting only switchblades under state statute § 609.66. Open and concealed carry remain unrestricted for legal knives like folders, fixed blades, and balisongs, with no blade length limits. Exceptions apply in sensitive areas like schools and courthouses, emphasizing responsible use over outright bans.
Legal Knives in Minnesota
Everyday and recreational knives enjoy full legality for possession, open carry, and concealed carry statewide. Folders deploy manually, fixed blades sheath securely, and utility models serve work needs without issue.
- Pocket knives and multi-tools of any size.
- Hunting, fishing, and camping knives.
- Butterfly (balisong) and gravity knives.
- Spring-assisted openers (generally permitted).
No statewide blade length cap exists, unlike restrictive states. Local ordinances in cities like Minneapolis rarely add hurdles beyond state rules.
Prohibited Knives
Switchblades—knives opening automatically by hand, gravity, or spring—stand alone as illegal to manufacture, sell, transfer, possess, or carry per § 609.66 subd. 1(a)(4). Collectors face narrow exemptions for museums only.
Intent matters: Any knife becomes a “dangerous weapon” under § 609.02 if carried for unlawful use against others. Peaceful EDC or tool use stays protected.
Carry Rules and Restrictions
Minnesota treats concealment neutrally—legal knives carry openly on belts or concealed in pockets without permits. Brandishing threateningly violates assault statutes regardless of type.
Prohibited zones include:
- School property and buses (§ 609.66 subd. 1d): Felony penalties.
- Courthouses, Capitol Area, state buildings (§ 609.66 subd. 1g).
- Public housing, parks, school zones (300 feet radius): Enhanced fines.
Law enforcement and military personnel hold exemptions during duty.
Penalties for Violations
Switchblade possession draws misdemeanor charges (up to 90 days jail, $1,000 fine) escalating to gross misdemeanor in zones ($3,000 fine, 1 year) or felony on school grounds (5 years, $10,000). “Dangerous weapon” misuse compounds with assault charges.
A clean record and lawful intent often lead to dropped cases; consult counsel immediately if charged.
| Knife Type | Legal to Own/Carry | Key Restriction [web:id] |
|---|---|---|
| Folding/Pocket | Yes | None |
| Fixed Blade | Yes | Intent-based |
| Switchblade | No | Statewide ban |
| Balisong | Yes | Zones only |
| Assisted Open | Yes (gray area) | Avoid zones |
Recent Developments and Travel
2025 Knife Rights wins relaxed rules nationally, but Minnesota’s switchblade ban persists amid ongoing constitutional challenges expected to resolve by 2026-2027. Interstate transport follows federal FIREARM OWNERS’ PROTECTION ACT guidelines for legal states.
Vehicle storage requires securement; airports ban all blades in carry-ons. Update knowledge yearly as litigation evolves.
Practical Tips
Sheath fixed blades visibly for open carry. Clean and oil regularly to signal tool status. Pair with permitless carry alignment—Minnesota’s no-permit handgun law signals relaxed weapons stance.
SOURCES:
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/minnesota-knife-laws/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/minnesota/
