Minnesota generally does not ban ordinary manual pocket knives or fixed blades merely by design, but it expressly prohibits manufacturing, transferring, or possessing a switchblade knife “opening automatically.” Knife legality also changes with intended use and location. [1]
Automatic-opening switchblades are not an ordinary lawful EDC category in Minnesota. The current prohibition applies to possession as well as manufacture and transfer.
What knives may you own in Minnesota?
Ordinary manual folders, fixed blades, utility knives, and kitchen knives are not prohibited merely because they are knives. However, Minnesota Statutes § 609.66, subdivision 1, specifically prohibits manufacturing, transferring, or possessing a metal knuckle or switchblade knife opening automatically. [1]
Subdivision 2 provides a narrow exception for museums, art collectors, and other lawful public exhibitions. It is not a general EDC, work, hunting, or collecting exception. [1]
How does Minnesota define a dangerous weapon?
Section 609.02, subdivision 6, includes a device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm, as well as an instrumentality used or intended in a manner calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm. [2]
A normal tool can therefore enter dangerous-weapon analysis because of its design, manner of use, or intended use. Do not brandish or carry a knife for use against another person.
May you openly or discreetly carry a manual knife?
Minnesota does not impose one general statewide knife permit or blade-length limit for every lawful manual knife. Open or covered carry of an ordinary manual tool is not automatically prohibited by § 609.66, but the dangerous-weapon definition, intent, school and courthouse rules, local ordinances, and private-property policies can change the result. [1] [2]
Because Minnesota has municipal knife regulations and no comprehensive statewide knife-preemption rule identified in the cited provisions, check the current code of the city where you carry.
What rules apply on school property?
Section 609.66, subdivision 1d, makes knowing possession, storage, or keeping of a “dangerous weapon” on school property a felony, subject to specific exceptions. School property includes school buildings and improved grounds, licensed child-care centers while children are present, school buses, and certain temporarily controlled facilities. [3]
Exceptions include a gun or knife show on school property, written permission from the principal or person in general control, and specified official or training circumstances. Do not assume an ordinary pocket knife is permitted by school policy even when the criminal dangerous-weapon definition is disputed. [3]
What courthouse and government-building rules apply?
Section 609.66, subdivision 1g, prohibits dangerous weapons in courthouse complexes and certain state buildings within the Capitol Area, subject to specified exceptions and consent procedures. [4]
Courthouses and secure government buildings may screen for all knives even when a specific item’s dangerous-weapon classification might otherwise depend on design or intended use. Leave knives outside unless the authority controlling the building has clearly authorized them.
What vehicle, local, and private-property rules matter?
Minnesota does not impose one statewide trunk-storage rule for every lawful manual knife. Keep the knife closed or sheathed and secured against movement. Do not transport an automatic-opening switchblade in reliance on vehicle storage; possession itself is addressed by § 609.66.
Cities, employers, venues, schools, and private-property owners may impose stricter rules. Verify destination rules before carrying, especially in Minneapolis, Saint Paul, Duluth, or another municipality with its own code.
What air-travel rule applies?
The Transportation Security Administration prohibits knives in carry-on baggage except for plastic or round-bladed butter knives. Checked-baggage and airline requirements still apply. [5]
What should you verify before carrying?
- Whether the knife opens automatically and falls within § 609.66.
- Whether its design, intended use, or manner of use could make it a dangerous weapon.
- Whether the destination is school property, a courthouse complex, a Capitol Area state building, federal property, a workplace, or a private venue.
- Whether a city ordinance imposes a local blade-length, carry, or weapons rule.
Conclusion
Minnesota generally permits ordinary manual knives for lawful use, but automatic-opening switchblades are expressly prohibited. Dangerous-weapon rules, schools, courthouses, local ordinances, and property policies require separate attention.
Last reviewed: August 24, 2026.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Minnesota knife law can depend on opening mechanism, design, intended use, manner of carry, location, and local ordinances. Verify current official sources or consult a qualified Minnesota attorney about a specific situation.
Sources & References
- [1] Minnesota Statutes § 609.66, subds. 1 and 2. Automatic-opening switchblade prohibition, penalties, and public-exhibition exception.
- [2] Minnesota Statutes § 609.02, subd. 6. Definition of “dangerous weapon.”
- [3] Minnesota Statutes § 609.66, subd. 1d. Dangerous weapons on school property, definitions, and exceptions.
- [4] Minnesota Statutes § 609.66, subd. 1g. Dangerous weapons in courthouse complexes and certain Capitol Area state buildings.
- [5] Transportation Security Administration — Knives. Federal carry-on and checked-baggage guidance.
