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Are Automatic Knives Legal in Minnesota?

Are Automatic Knives Legal in Minnesota?

The Short Answer

No — with an important caveat. Minnesota is one of the few remaining states that explicitly prohibits the manufacture, transfer, and possession of switchblade knives. The statute is clear and hasn't been reformed.

Under Minnesota Statutes § 609.66, it is a crime to "manufacture, transfer, or possess metal knuckles or a switch blade knife opening automatically." That's a misdemeanor for a first offense, but the law is unambiguous: automatic knives are illegal to possess in Minnesota.

This applies to all automatic knives — OTFs, side-opening switchblades, button-release automatics. If it opens by spring, mechanical action, or any automatic mechanism, Minnesota says no.

What Minnesota Law Actually Says

The Statute (Minnesota Statutes § 609.66 — Dangerous Weapons)

The relevant language is found in subdivision 1(a)(4):

"Whoever does any of the following may be sentenced as provided in paragraph (b): ... (4) manufactures, transfers, or possesses metal knuckles or a switch blade knife opening automatically."

Penalty: Under subdivision 1(b), this is a misdemeanor. However, the penalty escalates based on context — if combined with other charges or if carried in restricted locations, additional charges may apply.

What That Means in Plain English

Minnesota law makes it illegal to:

  • Manufacture a switchblade or automatic knife
  • Transfer (sell, give, trade) a switchblade or automatic knife
  • Possess a switchblade or automatic knife that opens automatically

The statute uses the phrase "switch blade knife opening automatically." It does not further define what "opening automatically" means, but the plain language covers any knife where the blade deploys by pressing a button, switch, or lever without manual force on the blade itself.

The "Dangerous Weapon" Definition (§ 609.02, Subd. 6)

Minnesota defines "dangerous weapon" as:

"Any firearm, whether loaded or unloaded, or any device designed as a weapon and capable of producing death or great bodily harm, any combustible or flammable liquid or other device or instrumentality that, in the manner it is used or intended to be used, is calculated or likely to produce death or great bodily harm."

This broad definition means that beyond the specific switchblade ban, any knife — including a non-automatic knife — could be classified as a "dangerous weapon" depending on context and intent.

OTF Knives in Minnesota

OTF knives are automatic knives. They open automatically at the press of a button. Under § 609.66, they are illegal to manufacture, transfer, or possess in Minnesota.

This applies equally to:

  • Single-action OTFs (blade deploys out the front, retracts manually)
  • Double-action OTFs (blade deploys and retracts by button/switch)
  • Any OTF mechanism — spring-loaded, gas-assisted, or otherwise

There is no carve-out for blade length, edge configuration, or intended use. If it's an OTF, it's an automatic knife, and Minnesota prohibits it.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Minnesota Considers Them

Minnesota's statute uses "switch blade knife opening automatically" — a single category that encompasses all automatic knives. The state does not distinguish between:

  • Traditional side-opening switchblades
  • OTF (out-the-front) knives
  • Button-release automatics
  • Gravity knives (potentially, depending on interpretation)

If the blade opens by any automatic mechanism, it falls under the prohibition.

Assisted openers are a different matter. An assisted-opening knife requires manual force to begin the opening process — the spring only helps finish the motion after the user initiates it. These are generally not considered automatic knives and are legal in Minnesota. The federal Switchblade Knife Act was amended in 2009 to explicitly exclude assisted openers, and Minnesota's law follows the same logic.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Minnesota

Open Carry

Moot — you cannot legally possess an automatic knife in Minnesota, so you cannot legally open carry one.

Concealed Carry

Same answer. Possession itself is the crime under § 609.66. Whether the knife is open, concealed, in a vehicle, or in a backpack doesn't matter. If it's an automatic knife, possession is illegal.

What About Non-Automatic Knives?

For non-automatic knives, Minnesota is relatively permissive on carry. There is no general prohibition on carrying a fixed-blade or folding knife. However, § 609.66 also makes it a crime to carry any "dangerous article or substance for the purpose of being used unlawfully as a weapon against another" (subdivision 1(a)(5)). Intent matters.

Additionally, carrying a knife — or any dangerous weapon — on school property (§ 609.66, subdivision 1d) is a felony punishable by up to 5 years or a $10,000 fine.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

Even legal knives are prohibited in certain locations:

  • Schools — Public or private elementary, middle, or secondary schools, including buildings, grounds, and parking areas (§ 609.66, subd. 1d). Felony offense.
  • Courthouses — Carrying a dangerous weapon in any courthouse complex (§ 609.66, subd. 1g(a)(1))
  • State Capitol buildings — Any state building within the Capitol Area (§ 609.66, subd. 1g(a)(2))
  • Airports — Federal restrictions apply

Exceptions exist for peace officers, military personnel, permit holders who notify appropriate authorities, and people displaying weapons for court testimony or approved exhibitions.

Blade Length Restrictions

Minnesota does not impose general blade length restrictions for non-automatic knives. There is no "4-inch limit" or similar rule in state statute. The restrictions are type-based (automatic knives prohibited) and location-based (schools, courthouses, Capitol buildings).

However, the absence of a blade length limit doesn't mean a large knife can't be classified as a "dangerous weapon" under § 609.02. A 12-inch fixed blade carried downtown will attract very different attention than a 3-inch folder, regardless of what the statute says about blade length.

What About Assisted Openers?

Assisted-opening knives are legal in Minnesota. They require manual initiation — the user pushes a thumb stud, flipper, or other mechanism to begin opening the blade. A spring then assists in completing the opening motion.

This is fundamentally different from an automatic knife, where pressing a button or switch alone deploys the blade. Assisted openers are legal to own, carry, and sell in Minnesota.

Buying Automatic Knives in Minnesota

You cannot legally purchase, possess, or receive an automatic knife in Minnesota. Retailers who ship to Minnesota should verify legal status, and buyers bear responsibility for knowing their state law.

We do not ship automatic knives or OTF knives to Minnesota addresses.

If you're in Minnesota and looking for a fast-deploying knife, an assisted opener is your legal alternative. Many modern assisted openers deploy nearly as fast as a true automatic, with a spring-assisted mechanism that stays on the right side of Minnesota law.

Preemption

Minnesota does not have a broad knife preemption statute. Local municipalities can enact their own regulations on weapons, including knives. Cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul may have additional restrictions beyond state law. Always check local ordinances.

The state does preempt some firearms regulations (§ 471.634 limits municipal firearms regulation), but this preemption does not extend to knives.

Age Restrictions

Under § 609.66, subdivision 1(a)(6), it is illegal to furnish a child under 14 with a firearm or airgun without parental consent (outside a municipality). While this provision specifically addresses firearms and airguns, not knives, other provisions may apply to minors in possession of dangerous weapons.

There is no specific statutory minimum age for knife possession in Minnesota, but the school property prohibition (subd. 1d) applies regardless of age and is particularly relevant for minors.

Recent Changes

Minnesota has not reformed its switchblade law. Unlike the majority of states, which have repealed or loosened automatic knife bans over the past decade, Minnesota's prohibition remains intact as of 2026. No active legislation is pending to change this.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Minnesota?

No. OTF knives are automatic knives, and Minnesota prohibits the possession of automatic knives under § 609.66. This applies to all OTFs regardless of blade length or edge configuration.

Are switchblades illegal in Minnesota?

Yes. Minnesota is one of the remaining states that prohibits the manufacture, transfer, and possession of switchblade knives opening automatically.

Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Minnesota?

There's no blade length limit because the entire category is prohibited. You cannot legally possess any automatic knife in Minnesota regardless of blade size.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change — sometimes faster than websites update. Federal, state, and local laws may all apply to your situation, and local ordinances can be more restrictive than state law.

Before purchasing, carrying, or traveling with any automatic knife, OTF knife, or switchblade, verify current laws with official state and local sources. We are not attorneys, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on this information.

When in doubt, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

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