South Dakota places no restrictions on the type of knife a person may legally own. Switchblades, balisongs, daggers, and other types are all legal to possess under state law. They may be carried openly or concealed. The state does not impose blade length limits or prohibit any knife categories.
South Dakota is among the states with the fewest restrictions on knife ownership and carry. However, there are intent-based statutes that can turn otherwise lawful possession into a felony charge, as well as courthouses and schools where knives are prohibited. Additionally, local ordinances in some cities restrict concealed carry beyond what state law addresses.
Anyone carrying a knife in South Dakota should understand the distinctions between state law and local ordinances.
How Knife Carry Works in South Dakota
-
All types of knives are legal to own and carry, openly or concealed, under South Dakota state law.
-
Concealed carry of a knife becomes a Class 5 felony only if done with the intent to commit a felony.
-
Knives are banned in county courthouses, the state capitol, and on school property.
-
South Dakota has no statewide preemption, so cities like Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Deadwood enforce their own knife restrictions.
-
A knife with a visible pocket clip is not considered concealed under state law.
-
As of January 13, 2026, no new knife-related legislation has been introduced in the current legislative session.
What Knives Are Legal in South Dakota?
All of them. South Dakota state law does not restrict, ban, or regulate any knife. The statutory definition of “dangerous weapon” under SDCL § 22-1-2 includes knives, but this classification does not make it illegal to possess or carry them. It simply means that a knife falls under the same legal umbrella as other weapons for intent-based and location-based restrictions.
There are no subcategories. State law does not distinguish between a pocket knife and a sword. Both a 2-inch folding blade and a 12-inch fixed blade are treated the same way. No minimum or maximum blade length is specified in statute.
|
Knife Type |
Legal to Own |
Legal to Open Carry |
Legal to Conceal Carry |
|
Switchblade / Automatic |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Balisong (Butterfly Knife) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Bowie Knife |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Dagger / Dirk |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Ballistic Knife |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Gravity Knife |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Sword |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Folding Knife (any length) |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
This summary applies strictly to state law. Local ordinances may impose different rules, as described below.
How South Dakota Got Here: A Brief Legislative History
South Dakota previously enacted a switchblade ban, consistent with many other states during the mid-20th century. In 1976, it became the first state to repeal its automatic knife prohibition through SL 1976, ch. 158, § 14-14.
The last remaining knife restriction in state law targeted ballistic knives. Under the former statute § 22-14-19, it was illegal to own, possess, sell, or manufacture a ballistic knife. This statute was repealed on July 1, 2006, through SL 2005, ch. 120, § 258. No type of knife has been prohibited under South Dakota law since that date.
Concealed Carry and Felonious Intent
This is where the law becomes specific and worth reading carefully. Under SDCL § 22-14-8, any person who conceals a dangerous weapon on or about their person with intent to commit a felony is guilty of a Class 5 felony. That charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
The key phrase is “with intent to commit a felony.” Concealed carry of a knife is not a crime under this statute unless paired with felonious intent. The law targets concealed carry with criminal intent, not concealment alone.
The prosecution must prove intent to use the concealed knife in the commission of a felony. Merely possessing a knife in a pocket, bag, or under clothing does not violate state law.
What Counts as “Concealed”?
South Dakota law defines a weapon as concealed only if it is “totally hidden from view.” If any part is visible, it is not considered concealed.
If a folding knife’s pocket clip is visible above the pocket line, the knife is not considered concealed under state law. This distinction is especially relevant in cities with separate concealed carry restrictions.
Where Knives Are Prohibited
South Dakota law does not restrict knife types or concealed carry at the state level, absent felonious intent, but there are locations where knives are prohibited entirely.
-
County Courthouses and the State Capitol: Under SDCL § 22-14-23, possessing any dangerous weapon in a county courthouse or the state capitol is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. Penalties can include up to 1 year in jail and fines of up to $2,000.
-
School Property: State law prohibits possession of any dangerous weapon on school grounds, including all knives. Violations are Class 1 misdemeanors with penalties matching those above.
These restrictions apply regardless of intent. Possession alone is sufficient for a violation.
City and Municipal Ordinances
South Dakota does not have statewide preemption for knife laws. Cities and municipalities may pass their own ordinances, and several have enacted additional restrictions, often specific to concealed carry.
Sioux Falls
Under § 133.001, Sioux Falls prohibits the concealed carry of daggers, Bowie knives, dirks, and other weapons, including slingshots and brass knuckles. Open carry of these knives remains legal within the city.
Rapid City
Rapid City’s ordinance 9.28.030 makes it unlawful to carry concealed any knife with a blade exceeding 3 inches in length or any other weapon considered dangerous. This is one of the few local ordinances that impose a blade-length restriction.
Deadwood
Deadwood takes a different approach. Instead of restricting concealed carry, it restricts the open (unconcealed) carry of knives. This makes it the inverse of most other South Dakota municipalities.
Sturgis
Sturgis restricts the concealed carry of knives but includes an exception. If you hold a carry license under SDCL § 23-7-7 or a valid license issued by another state, the city ordinance does not apply to you.
Aberdeen
Aberdeen also restricts the concealed carry of knives. Specific details should be confirmed with local authorities, since municipal codes may be amended independently of state law.
|
City |
Concealed Carry Restricted |
Open Carry Restricted |
Notable Details |
|
Sioux Falls |
Yes |
No |
Targets daggers, Bowies, and dirks. |
|
Rapid City |
Yes |
No |
3-inch blade length limit for concealed. |
|
Deadwood |
No |
Yes |
Restricts open carry instead. |
|
Sturgis |
Yes |
No |
License holders are exempt. |
|
Aberdeen |
Yes |
No |
Confirm the current ordinance locally. |
2026 Legislative Session
The South Dakota Legislature began its 2026 session on January 13. As of that date, no new legislation addressing knife ownership, carry, or regulation has been introduced. The definition of “dangerous weapon” under SDCL § 22-1-2, which includes knives, remains unchanged in all pending legislative documents for the current session.
What This Means If You Carry a Knife in South Dakota
State law allows the ownership and carrying of any knife, in any manner, unless done with the intent to commit a felony or on courthouse, state capitol, or school property.
Local ordinances introduce additional restrictions. In Sioux Falls, concealed carry of a Bowie knife is prohibited. In Rapid City, a concealed blade over 3 inches is a violation. In Deadwood, open carry of a knife is restricted. Each city has different rules and definitions.
Anyone carrying a knife in South Dakota should review city ordinances for their specific location. State law provides broad latitude, but local rules may be more restrictive. Checking the municipal code before travel can prevent unintentional violations.
