🗿 South Dakota Knife Laws
Overview
South Dakota does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Both open and concealed carry of knives are legal. There is no general blade length restriction. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
South Dakota has no statute restricting the open carry of knives. No knife type or blade length restriction applies to open carry under state law. The only weapon-carrying offense is SDCL 22-14-8, which requires concealment combined with intent to commit a felony. Open carry is unrestricted.
Statute: 22-14-8.
Concealed carry of knives is legal in South Dakota. SDCL 22-14-8 prohibits concealing a dangerous weapon only when done with intent to commit a felony (Class 5 felony). Without felonious intent, concealed carry of any knife is lawful. South Dakota is a constitutional carry state; the former concealed-weapon permit requirement (SDCL 22-14-9) was repealed in 2019 by SB 47. SDCL 23-7-7 confirms permitless carry for pistols, and no parallel restriction exists for knives.
South Dakota imposes no statewide blade length limit for any knife. No statute references a maximum blade length for possession, open carry, or concealed carry. However, there is no statewide preemption, so municipalities such as Rapid City (3-inch concealed carry limit) and Sioux Falls may impose local blade length restrictions.
Statute: 22-1-2.
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades are legal in South Dakota. South Dakota was the first state to repeal its automatic knife prohibition, doing so in 1976. No current statute restricts the ownership, carry, sale, or manufacture of switchblades or automatic knives. Statute: 22-1-2. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are legal in South Dakota. State law does not classify or restrict knives by type or opening mechanism. No statute prohibits balisongs. Legal to own, carry openly, and carry concealed. Statute: 22-1-2. |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Disguised knives (belt buckle knives, lipstick knives, cane swords, etc.) are not prohibited by any South Dakota statute. State law does not categorize knives by concealment mechanism or appearance. Legal to own and carry. Statute: 22-1-2. |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are not specifically addressed in South Dakota law. Since the state does not regulate knives by type or opening mechanism, and even fully automatic knives are legal, assisted-opening knives are clearly legal to own and carry. Statute: 22-1-2. |
| Ballistic Knives | Legal | Ballistic knives are legal under South Dakota state law. The former prohibition under SDCL 22-14-19 (which banned ownership, possession, and sale of ballistic knives) was repealed by SL 2005, ch 120, section 258, effective July 1, 2006. No current state statute restricts ballistic knives. Note: federal law (15 U.S.C. section 1245) separately restricts ballistic knives. Statute: 22-1-2. |
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.
