Reviewed September 2026

Minnesota Knife Laws

In Minnesota, switchblades are prohibited and butterfly knives are legal. Carrying any knife with intent to use it as a weapon is a crime; utility carry is legal. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Prohibited

Switchblades are prohibited.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Carrying any knife with intent to use it as a weapon is a crime; utility carry is legal.

Local Ordinances

Minnesota has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. One of the few remaining full switchblade bans.

Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: Minn. Stat. §§609.66, 609.02 subd. 6

Minnesota's switchblade restriction under §609.66 carries up to 90 days and $1,000 generally, rising to one year and $3,000 in public housing, park, or school zones. In In re Welfare of C.R.M., 611 N.W.2d 802 (2000), the Minnesota Supreme Court required proof the student knowingly possessed the knife before a felony school-zone conviction could stand. There is no statewide preemption, and an odd result of the statute is that automatic knives on school grounds can draw lighter penalties than ordinary folders there.

Minnesota Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Minnesota?

Switchblades (automatic knives) are prohibited in Minnesota. Switchblades are prohibited. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.

Are butterfly knives legal in Minnesota?

Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Minnesota. Butterfly knives are legal.

Is it legal to carry a knife in Minnesota?

Generally yes, within limits: Carrying any knife with intent to use it as a weapon is a crime; utility carry is legal. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.

What size knife can you legally carry in Minnesota?

Minnesota has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. One of the few remaining full switchblade bans.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Minnesota

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Minnesota. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.