Are Automatic Knives Legal in South Dakota?
The Short Answer
Yes. Automatic knives — including OTF knives, side-opening automatics, and switchblades — are fully legal to own, buy, sell, and carry in South Dakota under state law. South Dakota was actually the first state in the nation to repeal its automatic knife restrictions, doing so way back in 1976.
The only real concerns are concealed carry with felonious intent, a few location-based restrictions, and local city ordinances that can be stricter than state law. More on those below.
What South Dakota Law Actually Says
The Statutes
South Dakota's knife laws are found primarily in Title 22 (Crimes) and Title 13 (Education) of the South Dakota Codified Laws. The state takes a straightforward approach — it doesn't restrict knife types at all.
SDCL § 22-1-2 defines key terms for the criminal code, including:
"(6) 'Concealed,' any firearm that is totally hidden from view. If any part of the firearm is capable of being seen, it is not concealed."
While this definition references firearms, AKTI and legal analysts note it applies to the term "concealed" throughout Title 22 — meaning if any part of your knife (like a pocket clip) is visible, it's not legally concealed.
SDCL § 22-14-8 addresses concealed carry:
It is a felony to carry a concealed weapon — including a knife — with the intent to commit a felony. That intent element is critical. Simply carrying a concealed knife is not a crime under state law.
What That Means in Plain English
South Dakota doesn't ban any type of knife. No switchblade ban. No OTF ban. No stiletto ban. No blade length limits at the state level. The only concealed carry restriction requires criminal intent — not just possession.
OTF Knives in South Dakota
OTF (out-the-front) knives are completely legal in South Dakota. There's no distinction in state law between OTF knives, side-opening automatics, assisted openers, or manual folders. The state doesn't regulate knives by opening mechanism.
Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What South Dakota Considers Them
South Dakota law doesn't define "switchblade," "automatic knife," or "OTF knife" separately — because it doesn't need to. No knife type is restricted. The state repealed its automatic knife ban in 1976 (Session Laws 1976, ch 158, § 14-14), making it the first state in the country to do so.
Whether you call it a switchblade, an automatic, an OTF, or a stiletto — South Dakota treats them all the same as any other knife.
Carrying an Automatic Knife in South Dakota
Open Carry
Open carry of any knife — automatic or otherwise — is unrestricted under South Dakota state law. No blade length limits. No type restrictions.
Concealed Carry
Concealed carry of knives is legal under state law unless you're carrying with the intent to commit a felony. Per SDCL § 22-14-8, concealment plus criminal intent equals a felony charge.
Remember the definition of "concealed" — if any part of the knife is visible (a pocket clip, for instance), it's legally not concealed.
Important caveat: South Dakota has no statewide preemption for knife laws. Several cities have their own concealed carry ordinances that are more restrictive than state law. See below.
Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)
South Dakota restricts dangerous weapons — which can include knives — in the following locations:
- Public schools (K-12): SDCL § 13-32-7 prohibits possession of dangerous weapons on public elementary or secondary school premises, in school vehicles, or in school buildings. Violation is a misdemeanor.
- County courthouses: SDCL § 22-14-23 prohibits possession in county courthouses.
- State Capitol: Also covered under § 22-14-23.
Law enforcement officers are exempt from the school restriction.
Blade Length Restrictions
There are no blade length restrictions under South Dakota state law. However, some cities impose their own limits — Rapid City, for example, prohibits concealed carry of knives with blades over 3 inches.
Watch the Local Ordinances
This is where South Dakota gets tricky. Without statewide preemption, cities can — and do — enact their own knife restrictions. Here are the major ones:
Rapid City (§ 9.28.030):
"It is unlawful for any person to carry concealed about his or her person any knife with a blade exceeding 3 inches in length..."
Sioux Falls (§ 133.001):
"No person shall carry concealed about his or her person any slingshot, brass knuckle... dagger, Bowie knife, or dirk knife."
Aberdeen (Sec. 34-76): Prohibits concealed carry of any "dangerous weapon" without a valid license.
Sturgis (13.04.02): Prohibits concealed carry of daggers, bowie knives, dirk knives, and other dangerous weapons unless licensed.
Deadwood (9.24.010): Notably restricts unconcealed (open) carry of bowie knives, dirk knives, and other dangerous weapons.
If you live in or travel through South Dakota, check local ordinances — especially in these cities.
What About Assisted Openers?
Assisted-opening knives are legal in South Dakota. They're not automatic knives — an assisted opener requires manual force to begin opening the blade, with a spring completing the action. South Dakota doesn't restrict them, and they don't fall under automatic knife definitions anywhere in state law.
Buying Automatic Knives in South Dakota
No restrictions on purchasing automatic knives in South Dakota at the state level. No age restrictions are specified in state statute for knife purchases. Standard federal rules apply for interstate commerce under the Federal Switchblade Act (which exempts knives shipped to dealers or pursuant to Armed Forces contracts, and which many states have effectively superseded for intrastate transactions).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry an OTF knife in South Dakota?
Yes. OTF knives are legal to own, carry openly, and carry concealed (absent criminal intent) under South Dakota state law. Check local ordinances if you're in Rapid City, Sioux Falls, or other cities with knife restrictions.
Are switchblades illegal in South Dakota?
No. South Dakota repealed its switchblade ban in 1976 — the first state in the nation to do so. Switchblades and all automatic knives are fully legal.
Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in South Dakota?
Not under state law. However, Rapid City prohibits concealed carry of knives with blades over 3 inches, and other cities may have their own limits.
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.