Montana is widely regarded as one of the most knife-friendly states in the U.S., with minimal restrictions for knife owners and carriers. However, there are still important rules and exceptions every resident and visitor should know to stay on the right side of the law.
What Knives Are Legal to Own and Carry?
- Any type of knife is legal to own and carry in Montana. There are no statewide restrictions on blade type, length, or mechanism (including switchblades and OTF knives).
- Open and concealed carry: You may carry any knife, openly or concealed, without a permit or restriction, except in certain prohibited locations.
Key Exceptions and Restricted Locations
- Schools: The main statewide restriction is that knives with a blade of 4 inches or longer, swords, and straight razors are prohibited in school buildings (including those leased or owned by local school districts for instruction or student activities). Violation can result in a fine up to $500, jail time up to 6 months, or both.
- Government and Federal Buildings: As with most states, knives are not allowed in federal buildings, courthouses, and certain government facilities.
- Local Government Property: While Montana has statewide preemption (meaning local governments generally cannot pass stricter knife laws than the state), local governments may restrict knife possession on property they own or lease (such as city halls or municipal buildings).
Statewide Preemption
- Uniformity of Law: Since April 2019, Montana law preempts most local knife ordinances, ensuring consistent knife rights across the state. Local governments can only regulate knives on their own property, not elsewhere.
Concealed Carry Clarification
- No Concealed Knife Ban: As of 2017, Montana removed knives from its concealed weapons statute. You can legally carry any knife concealed, regardless of blade length, unless you are in a prohibited area (like a school).
Switchblades and Automatic Knives
- Legal for Most: Switchblades and automatic knives are legal to own and carry for most people. Previous restrictions on blade length for automatic knives have been repealed.
- Collector Exception: If you wish to own a switchblade with a blade longer than 1.5 inches as a collector, you may need to notify your local sheriff’s department, but for most users, there are no practical restrictions.
Age Restrictions
- No Statewide Age Limit: There are no explicit age restrictions for knife ownership in Montana, but minors are prohibited from possessing knives at school.
Penalties
- Violations: Carrying a prohibited knife in a school building or violating local government property rules can result in fines and/or jail time.
Summary Table: Montana Knife Laws
| Rule/Location | Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carry any knife (open or concealed) | Yes | No blade length or type restrictions |
| Schools (blade 4″+, sword, straight razor) | No | Prohibited in school buildings; fine/jail possible |
| Switchblades/automatic knives | Yes | Legal for most, collector exception for long blades |
| Local government property | Varies | Local rules may apply on their own property |
| Federal/government buildings | No | Prohibited as per federal law |
| Age restrictions | None statewide | Minors prohibited from knives at school |
Key Takeaways
- Montana offers some of the broadest knife rights in the country: almost any knife can be owned and carried openly or concealed.
- Schools and certain government properties are exceptions: knives with blades 4 inches or longer, swords, and straight razors are banned in school buildings.
- Statewide preemption ensures uniformity—local knife laws cannot be stricter than state law, except on local government property.
- Always check for posted rules in specific buildings and avoid carrying knives into federal facilities or schools.
Montana’s laws are designed to support responsible knife ownership for outdoor, occupational, and everyday use, but it’s important to know and respect the few restrictions that do exist.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/montana/
- https://pocketmontana.com/laws/knife/
- https://billingsmix.com/five-destructive-devices-that-are-illegal-to-own-in-montana/
- https://knifeade.com/montana-knife-law/