Is Butterfly Knives Legal in North Dakota? (2026)

Confidence: High

Yes — Butterfly Knives are legal in North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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

North Dakota law prohibits the concealed carry of a knife with a blade 5 inches or longer. Open carry is permitted.

N.D. Cent. Code § 62.1-01-01
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 considered 'dangerous weapons' and cannot be carried concealed without a specific license. Open carry is legal.

Charge Level
Class A Misdemeanor for concealed carry of a blade 5 inches or longer.
Enforcement Likelihood
Moderate for concealed carry violations.
Common Triggers
Carrying a butterfly knife with a blade 5 inches or longer concealed.
Common Mistakes

The most common mistake is carrying a butterfly knife concealed without the proper license.

Local Exceptions

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

North Dakota 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. North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
Yes — Butterfly Knives are legal in North Dakota as of 2026. Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in North Dakota with no specific restrictions beyond general knife laws. No significant legislative changes in recent years.
Can you carry a butterfly knife in North Dakota?
Butterfly knives are legal to own and carry in North Dakota 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 North Dakota?
18+ for purchase

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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

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Statute Summary
North Dakota law prohibits the concealed carry of a knife with a blade 5 inches or longer. Open carry is permitted.
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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