If you live in Montana or are planning to travel there with your knives, the good news is that the state has very relaxed laws when it comes to carrying knives. However, there are still a few important rules and places where carrying knives is restricted. Let’s break it down in easy terms.
Open Carry of Knives in Montana
In Montana, you are allowed to carry pretty much any type of knife openly. This means you can wear your knife on your belt or clip it to your pocket in a visible way. The state doesn’t have a specific list of knives that are allowed or banned for open carry. So whether it’s a pocketknife, hunting knife, or even a large fixed blade, you’re generally good to go.
Concealed Carry of Knives
Montana used to have more rules about concealed carry, but now, most knives can be carried concealed legally. The law changed to make it easier for people to carry knives without worrying about breaking any rules.
However, there’s still one thing to remember — if the knife has a blade of 4 inches or longer, and it’s concealed or partially hidden (like inside a jacket or deep inside a pocket), you should be more careful. While Montana law no longer strictly bans this, some cities or local areas might still have their own rules.
Where You Cannot Carry Knives
Even though Montana allows knife carry almost everywhere, there are a few key places where you’re not allowed to bring them:
Schools
You can’t bring a knife with a blade 4 inches or longer into a school building. This includes straight razors and swords too. Doing so can get you into serious trouble, including fines or even jail time.
Federal Buildings
Knives are not allowed in any federal buildings like post offices or courthouses. These places follow federal law, which is stricter than state law.
Airports
Bringing a knife into the secure areas of an airport (like past the TSA checkpoint) is a big no. Even small pocketknives can get you into trouble with airport security.
Private Property
If you’re entering someone’s private property or business, always check if they allow knives. Some places may have their own rules, especially if it’s a bar, concert venue, or government office.
So overall, Montana gives you a lot of freedom when it comes to carrying knives. You can carry almost any knife openly, and concealed carry is also allowed in most cases. But don’t forget, schools, federal buildings, and airports are still off-limits. And it’s always smart to double-check local rules if you’re unsure.
Montana is one of the more knife-friendly states in the U.S., making it easy for collectors, outdoors lovers, and everyday users to carry their blades legally. Just be aware of a few no-go zones like schools and federal buildings. If your knife has a blade longer than 4 inches and you’re planning to carry it concealed, be cautious, especially in cities or private spaces that may have their own rules. With a little awareness, you can enjoy your knife collection without any legal issues.
