Navigating knife laws in North Dakota is essential for anyone who owns, carries, or uses knives—whether for work, recreation, or self-defense. Here’s a comprehensive overview of what’s legal, what’s restricted, and what you need to know to stay on the right side of the law in 2025.
What Knives Are Legal to Own?
- Most knives are legal to own in North Dakota, including pocket knives, fixed-blade knives, switchblades, gravity knives, butterfly (balisong) knives, machetes, daggers, stilettos, and swords.
- There are no statewide bans on specific knife types based solely on their design or mechanism.
Carrying Knives: Open vs. Concealed
| Carry Type | Legal Status |
|---|---|
| Open Carry | Permitted for most knives, regardless of blade length. |
| Concealed Carry | Restricted for “dangerous weapons”: knives with blades 5 inches or longer, switchblades, gravity knives, machetes, daggers, stilettos, and swords. Concealed carry of these requires a North Dakota concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license (or a recognized out-of-state permit). |
Key Definition: A knife with a blade of five inches or more is classified as a “dangerous weapon” under North Dakota law. Concealed carry of such knives without a valid permit is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to 360 days in jail and a $3,000 fine.
Where Can’t You Carry Knives?
Regardless of whether you carry openly or with a permit, knives (especially those classified as dangerous weapons) are prohibited in certain locations, including:
- Schools and school property
- Government buildings
- Courthouses
- Airports
- Prisons and jails
- Bars and establishments serving alcohol
Some private businesses may also restrict knives on their premises.
Intent Matters
- It is illegal to carry any knife with the intent to use it as a weapon against another person, except for pocket knives with blades of four inches or less.
- Simply possessing a knife, even a large one, is not a crime unless you intend to use it unlawfully or violate carry restrictions.
Local Ordinances and Preemption
- North Dakota does not have full statewide preemption for knife laws, meaning cities like Bismarck, Fargo, and Grand Forks may have additional restrictions.
- Always check local ordinances before carrying a knife in a new city or town.
Age Restrictions
- There is no explicit statewide minimum age for knife ownership or carry, but responsible use is emphasized. Some exceptions exist for minors engaged in hunting or outdoor activities.
Penalties for Violations
- Class A misdemeanor for illegal concealed carry of a dangerous weapon (knife with a blade 5″ or longer): up to 360 days in jail and/or a $3,000 fine.
- More severe penalties may apply if a knife is used in the commission of a crime.
Summary Table: North Dakota Knife Law Basics
| Knife Type / Feature | Legal to Own | Open Carry | Concealed Carry (No Permit) | Concealed Carry (With Permit) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket knife (<5″ blade) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Knife (≥5″ blade) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Switchblade/Gravity knife | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Butterfly (balisong) knife | Yes | Yes | No (if ≥5″ blade) | Yes |
| Machete, dagger, stiletto | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Key Takeaways
- Open carry is broadly legal for most knives.
- Concealed carry of knives with blades 5 inches or longer (and certain other types) requires a permit.
- Restricted locations and intent laws apply—never carry a knife where weapons are banned, and never with unlawful intent.
- Local laws may add restrictions, so always check city ordinances before carrying.
By understanding these rules, you can confidently and legally exercise your knife rights in North Dakota.
Sources:
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/north-dakota/
- https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/north-dakota-knife-laws/
- https://knifeade.com/north-dakota-knife-law/
- https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state