Minnesota maintains permissive knife laws overall, allowing most pocket knives for everyday carry. However, switchblades are explicitly banned, and intent or location can trigger violations.
Statewide Knife Regulations
Under Minnesota Statute § 609.66, subd. 1(a)(4), manufacturing, transferring, or possessing a switchblade knife that opens automatically is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Ordinary pocket knives, folding knives, and assisted-open models (non-automatic) are legal to own and carry openly or concealed, with no statewide blade length limit.
A knife qualifies as a “dangerous weapon” if used or intended to produce death or great bodily harm (§ 609.02, subd. 6), making possession for unlawful purposes another misdemeanor.
Local Ordinances
No statewide preemption exists, so cities impose restrictions. Minneapolis limits concealed blades to 4 inches; Woodbury caps at 3 inches.
St. Paul and Duluth have ordinances potentially restricting larger blades or concealed carry—check municipal codes before carrying in urban areas.
Restricted Locations
Knives deemed dangerous weapons are prohibited on school property (§ 609.66, subd. 1d), in courthouses, Capitol buildings, and correctional facilities, escalating to felonies.
Park zones, school zones (300 feet radius), and public housing also heighten penalties to gross misdemeanors for violations.
Carry and Usage Rules
Open carry of pocket knives is legal statewide absent intent to harm. Concealed carry follows the same rules, but avoid “going armed” without cause under peace bond laws (§ 625.16).
Hunters and workers face fewer issues with utility knives. Self-defense use must meet “reasonable force” standards to avoid assault charges.
Penalties Overview
Practical Advice
Verify local rules via city websites or apps before travel. For self-defense, pair with pepper spray (legal without permit).
A pending federal lawsuit challenges the switchblade ban under Second Amendment rights, but it remains enforceable as of 2026.
SOURCES :
- https://www.shieldon.net/minnesota-knife-carrying-rules-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://knifeinformer.com/state-knife-laws/minnesota/
