🦬 North Dakota Knife Laws
Overview
North Dakota does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Open carry is legal, but concealed carry of certain knives is restricted. Blade length limits apply at 6 inches in certain contexts. Switchblades have restrictions.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of all knives is legal in North Dakota. No statute restricts open carry of any knife type or blade length. The concealed weapons restrictions in NDCC Chapter 62.1-04 apply only to concealed carry. Location restrictions still apply: dangerous weapons are prohibited at public gatherings including schools, churches, and publicly owned or operated buildings (62.1-02-05).
Statute: 62.1-01-01, 62.1-04-02.
Concealed carry of a 'dangerous weapon' requires a North Dakota concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license or a reciprocal state CCW permit (62.1-04-02). North Dakota's constitutional carry provision applies to firearms only, not to dangerous weapons such as knives. 'Dangerous weapon' includes any switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword, dagger, or knife with a blade of six inches or more (62.1-01-01, as amended by HB 1588, effective August 1, 2025). Knives not classified as dangerous weapons may be carried concealed without a license.
Statute: 62.1-01-01, 62.1-04-01, 62.1-04-02.
A knife with a blade of six inches [15.24 centimeters] or more is classified as a 'dangerous weapon' under 62.1-01-01, as amended by HB 1588 (effective August 1, 2025; previously five inches). Dangerous weapons are subject to concealed carry restrictions and prohibited at public gatherings. There is no blade length limit for open carry or for ownership.
Statute: 62.1-01-01, 62.1-02-05.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Restricted | Switchblades are legal to own, buy, sell, and carry openly. However, switchblades are specifically named in the 'dangerous weapon' definition under 62.1-01-01 regardless of blade length. Concealed carry of a switchblade requires a concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license or reciprocal CCW permit. Constitutional carry does not apply to dangerous weapons. Statute: 62.1-01-01, 62.1-04-02. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are not specifically mentioned in North Dakota statutes. They are legal to own and carry openly. A balisong would only be classified as a 'dangerous weapon' if its blade is six inches or more, in which case concealed carry would require a license. No court has classified balisongs as switchblades or gravity knives under North Dakota law. Statute: 62.1-01-01 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Disguised knives are not addressed in North Dakota statutes. No specific prohibition on possession, sale, or carry of disguised knives exists. A disguised knife would be subject to the general 'dangerous weapon' concealed carry restrictions only if it meets one of the enumerated categories (switchblade, gravity knife, stiletto, dagger, etc.) or has a blade of six inches or more. Statute: 62.1-01-01 |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are not specifically addressed in North Dakota statutes. North Dakota's 'dangerous weapon' definition lists specific knife types (switchblades, gravity knives, etc.) and a blade length threshold, but does not regulate opening mechanisms generally. An assisted-opening knife is not a switchblade under typical legal analysis. It is subject to the dangerous weapon classification only if its blade is six inches or more. Statute: 62.1-01-01 |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are not specifically prohibited under North Dakota law. No statute names or describes ballistic knives. They are legal to own and carry. A ballistic knife could potentially be classified as a dangerous weapon under the broader reading of 62.1-01-01 (which uses the word 'includes,' held to be expansive in State v. Vermilya), but no court has applied this to ballistic knives. Federal law (18 U.S.C. § 1716) independently restricts ballistic knives in interstate commerce. Statute: 62.1-01-01 |
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Always verify with official state sources before making decisions about knife carry or ownership. KnifeInformer is not a law firm — consult a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
