Is Butterfly Knives Legal in Minnesota? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Butterfly Knives are legal in Minnesota as of 2026.

Key Restriction
Age restriction: 18+ for purchase
Penalty
None
Last Updated
2026-03-25
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Quick Answer

Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Minnesota with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.

Key Conditions & Exceptions:
  • Age restriction: 18+ for purchase

What the Law Says

Minnesota law prohibits the carrying of a butterfly knife in public. Ownership is legal, but public possession is a gross misdemeanor.

Minn. Stat. § 609.66
Category Details
Possession Legal
Sale & Purchase Legal
Penalties N/A
Age Restriction 18+ for purchase
Pending Legislation None known
Recent Changes

No significant legislative changes in recent years.

Enforcement Reality

Butterfly knives are legal to own in Minnesota, but it is illegal to carry them in public. This is strictly enforced.

Charge Level
Gross Misdemeanor for public carry.
Enforcement Likelihood
High for public carry.
Common Triggers
Any public carry of a butterfly knife.
Common Mistakes

A common mistake is believing that ownership equates to the right to carry. Any public carry of a butterfly knife is a criminal offense.

Local Exceptions

None identified. State law applies uniformly across Minnesota. Local ordinances may still vary — check with your city or county government for any additional rules.

Minnesota vs. the Rest of the US

Across the US, carrying a butterfly knife is fully legal in 39 states, restricted in 10, and illegal in 1. Minnesota falls in the LEGAL category.

View the full 50-state map →

Neighboring States

Laws change at state lines. Here is how bordering states compare on Butterfly Knives:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to carry Butterfly Knives in Minnesota?
Yes — Butterfly Knives are legal in Minnesota as of 2026. Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Minnesota with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Can you carry a butterfly knife in Minnesota?
Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in Minnesota with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
What is the age restriction for carrying a butterfly knife in Minnesota?
18+ for purchase
Does the law on carrying a butterfly knife change at the Minnesota border?
Yes. Butterfly Knives are legal with restrictions in neighboring Wisconsin. Laws change at state lines — check each state individually before traveling.

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EH
Ethan Harper Independent Legal Researcher

Reviewed by cross-referencing the cited state statute against current legislative databases and regulatory publications.

Last reviewed: 2026-03-25 Method: Statute cross-reference

Sources & Verification

1.
Primary Citation
2.
Statute Summary
Minnesota law prohibits the carrying of a butterfly knife in public. Ownership is legal, but public possession is a gross misdemeanor.
Verified: 2026-03-25 Reviewed by: Ethan Harper Method: Statute cross-reference Confidence: High

This page was reviewed by Ethan Harper by comparing the legal status against the cited state statute. AllowedHere is an informational resource and does not provide legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.

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