North Dakota does not impose one statewide blade-length limit on every knife. Instead, the law defines a category called a “dangerous weapon” that includes every switchblade or gravity knife, several named blade weapons, and any knife with a blade six inches or longer. [1]
The six-inch number is a classification threshold, not a universal rule saying every shorter knife is legal everywhere. Knife type, concealment, location, conduct, and local or facility rules still matter.
Which knives does North Dakota classify as dangerous weapons?
North Dakota Century Code § 62.1-01-01 includes any switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword, dagger, and any knife with a blade of six inches or more within the statutory definition of “dangerous weapon.” [1]
An ordinary manual pocketknife with a blade under six inches is not automatically included by the knife-length clause. That does not create blanket permission to carry it at schools, public buildings, liquor-focused establishments, or while using it unlawfully.
Can adults own common knife types?
The cited Title 62.1 provisions do not create a general possession ban on ordinary manual folders, conventional fixed blades, automatic knives, OTF knives, or balisongs merely because of those labels. Automatic and gravity knives are nevertheless “dangerous weapons,” so the concealed-carry and restricted-location rules that use that definition apply to them. [1]
Ownership, sale, shipment, and carry are separate questions. Federal shipment rules, seller policies, the recipient’s age, and the law at the destination can affect a transaction even when state possession is not categorically prohibited.
What are the open- and concealed-carry rules?
A firearm or dangerous weapon is concealed when it is not ordinarily discernible to a passerby. North Dakota expressly treats an unsecured weapon under clothing, in a carried bundle, under a vehicle seat, or in a glove compartment as concealed. A substantially visible belt holster or purpose-built visible case, a locked trunk, and certain hunting or transport situations are excluded from the concealed definition. [2]
Section 62.1-04-02 generally requires a license or exemption to carry a dangerous weapon concealed. Its identification-card-based permitless provision authorizes concealed carry of a firearm; it does not say that an identification card alone authorizes concealed carry of every dangerous weapon. A person carrying a dangerous-weapon knife concealed should not treat North Dakota’s firearm permitless-carry rule as a knife license. [2]
North Dakota offers a Class 2 firearm and dangerous weapon license. The Attorney General’s licensing page explains the application, testing, eligibility, and reciprocity process. [3]
How does vehicle carry work?
An unsecured dangerous weapon that is available to an occupant—including under a seat or in a glove compartment—is concealed under § 62.1-04-01. A weapon locked in a closed trunk or luggage compartment is not considered concealed under that definition. [2]
For an automatic knife, gravity knife, dagger, knife with a six-inch-or-longer blade, or another item within the dangerous-weapon definition, use a locked, less-accessible cargo area unless you are lawfully licensed or an exemption clearly applies. This is a practical risk-reduction step, not a substitute for checking the full statute.
Which locations are restricted?
Section 62.1-02-05 generally prohibits firearms and dangerous weapons at a school or school-sponsored event on school property, a church or other place of worship, and a publicly owned or operated building. The statute contains detailed exceptions, including certain vehicle possession, parks, authorized events, rest areas, approved church carry, and other listed circumstances. [4]
Do not summarize this rule as a total ban on “all knives.” The state provision applies to firearms and items that meet the dangerous-weapon definition. Schools, employers, courts, and building managers may also have policies that reach smaller knives.
Section 62.1-02-04 separately prohibits knowing possession of a firearm or dangerous weapon in the part of a business set aside primarily for retail sale and consumption of alcohol, with listed exceptions and a restaurant-area exception where people under 21 are allowed. [4]
Do local rules matter?
Section 62.1-02-05 permits a political subdivision or the State Board of Higher Education to adopt a less restrictive public-gathering rule that supersedes the state provision in its jurisdiction. It does not establish broad knife preemption. Property rules and other local ordinances can therefore matter, particularly at municipal facilities and events. [4]
Practical takeaway
For a small manual pocketknife under six inches, North Dakota’s dangerous-weapon definition may not apply solely because of blade length. For an automatic or gravity knife, named blade weapon, or knife with a blade six inches or longer, concealed carry generally requires a qualifying dangerous-weapon license or exemption. Check schools, publicly operated buildings, liquor-focused areas, and local or property rules separately.
Last reviewed: August 24, 2026.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. North Dakota knife law can depend on design, blade length, concealment, accessibility, location, licensing, conduct, and local rules. Verify current official sources or consult a qualified North Dakota attorney about a specific situation.
Sources & References
- [1] North Dakota Century Code Chapter 62.1-01. Definitions, including “dangerous weapon.”
- [2] North Dakota Century Code Chapter 62.1-04. Concealment, licensing, and reciprocity.
- [3] North Dakota Attorney General: Concealed Weapon Licenses. Current licensing and testing information.
- [4] North Dakota Century Code Chapter 62.1-02. Liquor establishments, schools, places of worship, publicly operated buildings, and exceptions.
- [5] North Dakota Legislative Branch: Title 62.1 index. Current official weapons-code index.
