Are Automatic Knives Legal in North Dakota?
The Short Answer
Automatic knives are legal in North Dakota. There is no ban on possessing, buying, selling, or manufacturing switchblades, OTF knives, or any other type of automatic knife. The catch: switchblades and gravity knives are classified as "dangerous weapons" under state law, which means concealed carry is restricted unless you hold a valid North Dakota concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license or a recognized out-of-state CCW permit.
Own whatever you want. Carry it openly without worry. Carry it concealed with the right permit. That's the short version.
What North Dakota Law Actually Says
The Statute (NDCC § 62.1-01-01)
The relevant definition is found in § 62.1-01-01:
"As used in this title, unless the context otherwise requires: 'Dangerous weapon' includes any switchblade or gravity knife, machete, scimitar, stiletto, sword, dagger, or knife with a blade of five inches [12.7 centimeters] or more."
That's the complete knife-related portion of the dangerous weapon definition. Knives that qualify as "dangerous weapons" include:
- Any switchblade or gravity knife (regardless of blade length)
- Machetes, scimitars, stilettos, swords, daggers
- Any knife with a blade of 5 inches or more
What That Means in Plain English
No knife is banned in North Dakota. The "dangerous weapon" classification doesn't make anything illegal to own — it just triggers restrictions on how you carry it. Specifically, it affects concealed carry and carry in certain locations.
If your automatic knife has a blade under 5 inches and isn't a switchblade or gravity knife by design, it may not even qualify as a "dangerous weapon." But switchblades of any size are explicitly included in the definition.
The North Dakota Supreme Court has also held that the word "includes" in the definition is "not a word of limitation but of enlargement" (State v. Vermilya, 153 N.W.2d 423, 1988), meaning other instruments modified or intended for use as weapons could also be classified as dangerous weapons even if not specifically listed.
OTF Knives in North Dakota
OTF knives are legal to own and carry in North Dakota. They fall under the "switchblade" category in the dangerous weapon definition, so they're subject to the concealed carry permit requirement. Open carry is unrestricted.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What North Dakota Considers Them
North Dakota groups switchblades and gravity knives together in its dangerous weapon definition but doesn't provide a detailed statutory definition of either term. The practical effect is the same — if it's an automatic knife that opens by button, spring, or gravity, it's a "dangerous weapon" and subject to the concealed carry rules.
Assisted-opening knives are not addressed in the statute and would not typically be considered switchblades under North Dakota law.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in North Dakota
Open Carry
Legal without restriction. Any knife, including automatic knives and OTF knives, may be carried openly in North Dakota.
Concealed Carry
Legal with a permit. Under § 62.1-04-02, carrying a concealed dangerous weapon requires a valid concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license.
The definition of "concealed" is laid out in § 62.1-04-01:
"A firearm or dangerous weapon is concealed if it is carried in such a manner as to not be discernible by the ordinary observation of a passerby. There is no requirement that there be absolute invisibility of the firearm or dangerous weapon, merely that it not be ordinarily discernible."
A dangerous weapon is considered concealed if it is:
- Worn under clothing
- Carried in a bundle held by the individual
- In a vehicle under your control and available to you (including beneath the seat or in a glove compartment)
A dangerous weapon is not concealed if it is:
- In a wholly or substantially visible belt holster or carrying case
- Locked in a closed trunk or luggage compartment
- Carried in the field while lawfully hunting, trapping, or target shooting
The Concealed Carry License
North Dakota residents age 18 and older may apply for a concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license under § 62.1-04-03. Two license classes exist — the difference relates to out-of-state reciprocity.
North Dakota also recognizes concealed weapon permits from other states under § 62.1-04-03.1, including states that don't specifically license concealed carry of non-firearm weapons. If you have a valid CCW from a reciprocal state, you can carry your automatic knife concealed in North Dakota.
Note: While North Dakota recognizes "constitutional carry" for firearms (permitless carry), this does not extend to dangerous weapons like switchblades. You still need a permit to carry an automatic knife concealed.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
§ 62.1-02-05 prohibits possession of dangerous weapons at "public gatherings," defined as:
- Athletic or sporting events
- Schools
- Churches or other places of worship
- Publicly owned or operated buildings
Exceptions exist for:
- Public rest areas and restrooms
- State and federal parks
- Law enforcement and military personnel
- Designated first responders at schools
- Licensed private security personnel on duty
§ 62.1-02-04 also restricts dangerous weapons at:
- Establishments licensed to sell and serve alcoholic beverages
- Bingo gaming facilities
Blade Length Restrictions
North Dakota's dangerous weapon definition includes any knife with a blade of 5 inches (12.7 cm) or more, regardless of type. Below that threshold, a knife that isn't a switchblade, gravity knife, or one of the other specifically listed types is not classified as a dangerous weapon and can be carried concealed without a permit.
What About Assisted Openers?
Assisted-opening knives are not classified as switchblades or gravity knives under North Dakota law. If the blade is under 5 inches, an assisted opener would not be a "dangerous weapon" and can be carried openly or concealed without restriction.
Buying Automatic Knives in North Dakota
Legal without restriction. There are no limitations on the manufacture, sale, or purchase of any knife type in North Dakota.
Age Restrictions
The concealed carry license requires applicants to be at least 18 years old. Minors are subject to the school-zone dangerous weapon prohibition.
Statewide Preemption
North Dakota has no statewide preemption for knife laws. Several municipalities have their own weapons ordinances:
- Bismarck — § 6-08, Weapons
- Fargo — § 10-0304, Carrying, possession, discharge of dangerous weapons
- Grand Forks — § 9-0120, Possession of dangerous weapons in park
Check local ordinances before carrying in any municipality.
Penalties
Violations of the dangerous weapon laws in Chapter 62.1 are Class A misdemeanors, carrying a maximum of:
- 360 days confinement
- Fine up to $3,000
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in North Dakota?
Yes. You can carry an OTF knife openly without any restriction. To carry it concealed, you need a valid concealed firearm and dangerous weapon license or a recognized out-of-state CCW permit.
Are switchblades illegal in North Dakota?
No. Switchblades are legal to own, buy, sell, and carry. They are classified as "dangerous weapons," which means concealed carry requires a permit.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in North Dakota?
Not specifically for automatic knives, but any knife with a blade of 5 inches or more is classified as a "dangerous weapon" regardless of type.
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.