If you live in Montana or plan to visit with your knives, you’ll be glad to know that Montana has very relaxed laws about carrying knives. You can carry most types of knives openly or even concealed without many restrictions. However, there are some important rules and places where knives are not allowed. This guide explains Montana’s knife laws in simple terms so you know what’s allowed and what to avoid.
Open Carry of Knives in Montana
In Montana, you can carry almost any knife openly. This means you can wear a knife on your belt, clip it to your pocket, or carry it in plain sight. There is no official list of knives that are banned or allowed for open carry. Whether you have a small pocketknife, a hunting knife, or even a large fixed blade, carrying it openly is usually legal.
Concealed Carry of Knives
Montana used to have stricter rules for carrying knives concealed (hidden on your person), but the law has changed to make it easier. Now, most knives can be carried concealed legally. However, there is one caution: if your knife blade is 4 inches or longer and it is hidden or partially hidden (like inside a jacket or deep in a pocket), some cities or local areas may still have their own restrictions. So while the state law is relaxed, you should be careful about local rules when carrying longer blades concealed.
Places Where You Cannot Carry Knives
Even though Montana is generally knife-friendly, some places do not allow knives at all. These include:
Schools
You cannot bring knives with blades 4 inches or longer into school buildings. This also applies to straight razors and swords. Breaking this rule can lead to fines or even jail time.
Federal Buildings
Knives are banned in federal buildings such as post offices, courthouses, and other government offices. Federal laws are stricter than Montana’s laws.
Airports
Knives are not allowed in secure airport areas beyond TSA checkpoints. Even small pocketknives can cause trouble at airport security.
Private Property
When entering private property or businesses, check their rules. Some places like bars, concert venues, or offices may prohibit knives.
Montana offers a lot of freedom for carrying knives. You can openly carry nearly any knife, and concealed carry is legal in most cases. However, schools, federal buildings, airports, and some private properties are off-limits for knives. If your knife has a blade longer than 4 inches and you want to carry it concealed, be extra careful, especially in cities or on private property that may have their own rules.
Montana is one of the most knife-friendly states in the U.S., making it great for collectors, outdoors enthusiasts, and everyday users. Knowing where and how you can carry knives will keep you out of legal trouble and let you enjoy your knives safely.
