Pocket knives are legal to own and carry in South Dakota, with no state law restricting blade length or requiring permits for most knives, but local ordinances and certain locations may have specific rules.
Statewide Regulations
- South Dakota state law permits ownership and carry—open or concealed—of nearly any type of knife, including pocket knives, switchblades, and automatic knives, with no statewide blade length restriction.
- State statutes do not classify pocket knives as dangerous weapons and do not regulate their concealed carry for general use.
- The only exception is for public schools, courthouses, and certain government facilities, where carrying knives is prohibited.
Local Ordinances
- Municipalities such as Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Aberdeen, and Sturgis may restrict concealed carry of specific knives (e.g., Bowie knives, daggers) but typically exempt ordinary pocket knives.
- “Ordinary pocket knife” is usually defined as one with a blade entirely enclosed by the handle and not opened automatically.
Restricted Locations
- Carrying any knife (including pocket knives) on public school property, in courthouses, or government buildings is illegal and could result in misdemeanor or higher-level charges.
- Law enforcement and active-duty military personnel may have specific exceptions based on duty status.
Practical Considerations
- South Dakota’s knife laws are highly permissive; nevertheless, local ordinances and special situations still apply, so checking city codes before carrying is advised.
- Most violations occur when knives are carried in restricted locations or when concealed carry ordinances in specific cities are ignored.
Pocket knives are legal and widely allowed for open or concealed carry in South Dakota, but carrying in schools, courthouses, or government facilities is prohibited, and some cities apply extra rules.
Sources
(https://nobliecustomknives.com/us-knife-laws/south-dakota-knife-laws/)
(https://knifeup.com/south-dakota-knife-laws/)
(https://www.reddit.com/r/SiouxFalls/comments/enmvks/knife_laws/)
(https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/south-dakota/)
(https://www.carved.com/blogs/life-at-carved/pocket-knife-rules-laws-by-state)
