Knife Laws in South Minnesota: What You Need to Know About Your Rights? The law in Minnesota is very clear on how people can own and carry knives. Whether you like being outside, collecting things, or are just interested, it is important to know your rights and what you can not do to stay out of trouble with the law.
Learn what you need to know about Minnesota’s knife laws in 2024.
Legal Knives to Own
Minnesota allows the possession of many types of knives, among them:
- Folding knives (e.g., pocket knives)
- Fixed-blade knives
- Hunting and utility knives
- Collectible knives, such as swords or daggers
As long as these are not used or meant to be used as a weapon against someone else, they are legal.
Prohibited Knives
By law, Minnesota does not allow these kinds of knives:
It is illegal to possess or carry any knife that opens itself with a button, pressure, or a spring. This includes switchblades and automatic knives.
People cannot have gravity knives because they open with just a flick of the wrist or the force of gravity.
If you are not sure if a knife is something that is not allowed, you should talk to a lawyer or not carry it at all.
Carrying Knives: What’s Allowed?
There is a difference between carrying a knife openly and carrying it concealed in Minnesota law:
- Pocket knives under four inches can generally be carried without issue, provided they are not used as weapons.
- Fixed-blade knives or larger blades are tolerated but will likely attract scrutiny if openly carried in environments other than outdoors.
The carrying of a knife with intent to cause harm or threats to other people is against the law. Knife defenses based on self-defense cases are considered on a case-by-case basis and difficult to claim.
Knives at Schools, Public Places and Events
Knife laws are more strictly enforced in certain areas:
- Schools: No knives of any kind are allowed on school property, even for use in a shop class, unless specifically approved (for example, for a culinary arts program).
- Government buildings and courthouses: No knives are allowed in these facilities.
- Public events: Municipal regulations may prohibit knives at public events or festivals. Check with city or county ordinances.
Hunting, Camping, and Fishing Exceptions
Minnesota outdoors enthusiasts are a force to be reckoned with. There are some exceptions:
- Hunting and fishing knives: These can be carried with you during hunting and fishing.
- Camp tools: Machetes, hatchets, and other similar blades are permissible if for outdoor use.
- Ensure proper transportation and storage of the knives when you are not using them.
Local Regulations
There’s always scope left for Minnesota cities and counties in making knife laws. This may result in cities, such as Minneapolis and St. Paul, making knives not easily available for carrying within the public sphere. Confirm the knife-carrying laws within your region prior to carrying.
Key Takeaways
Never break a law by possessing knives. All knives carried around should either be pocket knives or utility blades.
Avoid the following Gravity knives, and switchblade.
Carry your knife in a sensitive place such as a school or government building with caution.
Always look for local rules to find out if there are more restrictions.
You can stay legal in Minnesota about knife ownership and carrying by being informed. If you are unsure of your rights, talk to a lawyer.
