Montana law gives broad rights to own and carry knives: nearly any type of knife may be carried openly or concealed statewide, with major exceptions for schools and some government properties.
What Is Legal in Montana
- Any knife (including switchblades, automatic knives, and swords) is legal to own and carry openly or concealed.
- No state-level blade length restriction exists for general public carry.
- Statewide preemption means local governments generally cannot pass knife restrictions, except for buildings they directly own or lease.
Major Restrictions
- Schools:Â Possessing a knife with a blade of 4 inches or longer (or a sword, or straight razor) in a school building is prohibited. Violators can be fined up to $500, jailed for up to 6 months, or both.
- Certain properties: No knives allowed in federal buildings, courthouses, airports, and other secure facilities—these follow federal law regardless of state policy.
- Local ordinances: These generally don’t apply except inside property directly owned by a city or county (like municipal buildings).
Concealed Carry
- There is no longer a restriction on concealed carry of knives under Montana law; as of HB 251 and HB 155 (2017 and 2019), the only “concealed weapon” under the law is a firearm.
Practical Advice for Residents
- It is legal for adults to carry any knife without special permits, except in the few restricted locations mentioned above.
- Law enforcement usually views small pocket and utility knives as non-threatening, but large blades can draw attention; best practice is to use discretion near sensitive places.
- For official details, see Montana Code Annotated Sections 45-8-352 and 45-8-361.
Sources
(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/montana/)
(https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/montana-knife-laws/)
(https://ravencresttactical.com/montana-knife-laws/)
(https://www.montanaknifecompany.com/blogs/news/knife-laws-by-state)
(https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state)
