MN Knife Laws

[Lerk]

So I'm fairly new to the knife world and have been throwing around the idea of carrying a knife on my person (besides a leatherman), but am having difficulty finding/understanding the laws concerning them in Minnesota.

First off, anyone have knowledge with clarity about MN's laws and regulations concerning carrying certain knives? What's legal, what's not.

Second, what defines "Concealed"? Now granted that most likely will fall to the DA or whoever based on interpretation, but for the average joe what would you consider concealed? I.E. In the pocket, on the belt and under a shirt, on the ankle under a pant leg...etc

Anybody have some decent recomendations for ones that will be legal. Looking for folding, assisted opening, most likely around 3", and a slim profile, most likely with a clip so it just doesn't bang around the pocket. Will be a daily user for whatever random task I come across. Self defense is very unlikely for a use but always a nice perk to be on the table.

I do have a one that I would prefer to have but sadly they're military issued benchmade switchblades and I am almost 100% they're not legal for carry due to being switchblades (darn you MN )

If someone could point me to a source of realible and straight forward explainations on MN laws that would also be greatly appreciated.

 

[hso]

The law looks pretty clear.
https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/?id=609.66

Possession of switchblades or knuckles prohibited unless as an "art collection".

No blade length prohibited.

No other restriction except for the standard gvt. buildings and schools and the broad prohibition against possession and use "for the purpose of being used unlawfully as a weapon against another".

What's complex about the state law?

Individual jurisdictions can be more baroque in their own rules and requirements.

 

[Lerk]

Theres that statutes page I've been looking for, couldn't remember what the word was (statutes) when I was searching so a generic search for MN knife laws gets you a lot of mixed results, hench the confusion.

I assume it would be in my best interest to check into local regulations as well before proceeding with anything? I doubt since I'm rural that there will be much but I'm sure it can't hurt.

Just for curiousity, according to the law as I interpret, balisongs are in a grey area for legality. Technically it would be legal according to the black and white print to carry but most would form the assumption on it being meant solely for personal harm against another, therefore making it illegal? My logic sound correct?

And thank you HSO for the help.

 

[hso]

Your logic may not be the same as an officer who sees your butterfly knife. Determining what fits in which shade of a gray area is very difficult.

OTOH, do you see anything in the law about gravity knives since that is where butterfly knives often get mired in grey.

 

[Lerk]

Eh, not too worried about butterflys, don't even own one was just a curious thought.

I guess personally I would throw gravity knives in w/ switchblades. Of course mechanically they are very different, but the end results are very similar for one-handed operation. But that's just my opinion.

Thanks again for the help

 

[JayDubs]

I'm located in Minneapolis, and the city ordinances prohibit carrying of a knives other than folding knives under 4 inches. Just something to keep in mind if you ever head into the city.

To be fair though, 4 inches is pretty liberal, and I don't honestly think I'd want to carry a larger folder even if I could. Though I do wish I could carry a fixed blade... Glock? A-okay. Fixed-blade? No can do. :banghead: