Montana stands out as one of the most knife-friendly states in the nation, offering residents and visitors a remarkable degree of freedom when it comes to knife ownership and carry. The state’s legal framework is shaped by a commitment to personal liberty, and recent legislative changes have further clarified and expanded these rights.
The Freedom to Carry
In Montana, there are no state-level restrictions on the types of knives you can own or carry, nor are there limits on blade length for most situations.
This means you can openly or concealed carry any knife, including switchblades, automatic knives, OTF (out-the-front) knives, and fixed-blade knives of any size. Whether you’re a hunter, outdoors enthusiast, or simply value self-reliance, Montana’s laws are designed to accommodate your needs.
Recent Legal Developments
A pivotal moment in Montana’s knife laws came with the passage of House Bill 251 in April 2017. This legislation amended the state’s concealed weapon laws by removing non-firearm weapons—such as knives with blades over four inches, dirks, daggers, swords, and straight razors—from the definition of concealed weapons.
As a result, the term “concealed weapon” now refers only to firearms, not knives. This change means that anyone can carry any knife concealed or openly, regardless of blade length, throughout the state.
Statewide Preemption
Montana’s commitment to knife freedom is further reinforced by statewide preemption laws. Since April 2019, local governments are prohibited from enacting or enforcing ordinances that restrict the ownership, use, possession, or sale of knives unless those knives are already prohibited by state law.
Local governments can only regulate knife possession on property they own or lease, so it’s important to be aware of any specific rules in government buildings, parks, or other public areas under local jurisdiction.
Important Restrictions
Despite the broad freedoms, there are still important restrictions to keep in mind. It is illegal to possess a knife with a blade of four inches or longer, a sword, or a straight razor in any building owned or leased by a local school district and used for instruction or student activities.
Violations of this restriction can result in a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. Additionally, federal buildings, courthouses, and airports generally prohibit knives, consistent with national regulations.
Age and Private Property Considerations
Montana law does not specify a minimum age for knife ownership, but minors are subject to school weapon laws, and it is illegal for anyone—including minors—to possess prohibited knives on school grounds. Private businesses and property owners may also set their own rules regarding knives on their premises, so it’s always wise to respect their policies.
Sources:
1. https://knifeade.com/montana-knife-law/
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_legislation
3. https://discoveringmontana.com/montana/knife-laws/
4. https://ravencresttactical.com/montana-knife-laws/
