American Knife and Tool Institute

Keeping Knives in American Lives Since 1998

  • Join Today
  • Login

Keeping Knives in American Lives Since 1998

  • About
    • History and Successes
    • Board of Regents
    • Advisory Members
    • Premier Members
    • FAQs
    • Contact Us
    • Refund Policy
    • Terms of Service
  • Membership
    • Knife Industry Memberships
    • Individual Memberships
    • Be a Grassroots Supporter!
  • Legislation
    • Follow Current Knife Legislation
    • Finding Knife Laws
    • Contacting Legislators
    • How a Bill Becomes Law
  • Education
    • Knives Save Lives!
    • Kids and Knives
    • Traveling With a Knife
    • For Law Enforcement
    • For Legislators
    • The Ivory Ban
  • News & Events
    • Latest AKTI News
    • Industry News
    • Action Alerts
    • Upcoming Events
    • Carry With Confidence Giveaway
    • Free to Carry
  • Resources
    • Career Center
    • Knife Industry Resources
      • Knife Standards
      • Brand Protection
      • Social Media Censorship Initiative
      • Proposition 65
    • Knife Owner Resources
      • Encounters With Law Enforcement
      • Traveling With a Knife
      • The Legal Edge
      • Brandishing a Knife
      • Schools and Knife Laws
      • AKTI Monthly Knife Auction
    • Counterfeit Knives
    • Brochures & Handouts
    • For Media
    • Buy an AKTI Luggage Tag
  • State Knife Laws
    • State Auto-Open Laws
    • About Statewide Knife Preemption
    • Know Your Knife Laws
    • Federal Switchblade Act
    • Encounters With Law Enforcement
    • Court Case Summaries
    • The Legal Edge

Montana Knife Laws

Quick Legal Facts

Montana

Statewide Preemption:

Yes.

Concealed Carry:

Not an issue.

Schools:

The possession of a knife with a blade of 4 or more inches, a sword, or a straight razor is prohibited in schools. § 45-8-361, MCA.

Critical Dimensions:

None.

At a Glance:

Any knife may be carried openly or concealed.

Relevant Statutes:

45-8-352. Restriction on local government regulation of knives
45-8-361. Possession or allowing possession of weapon in school building-exceptions-penalties-seizure and forfeiture or return authorized—definitions

Restricted Knives:

None.

Concealed Carry:

Not an issue.

Restrictions on Sale or Transfer:

None noted.

Restrictions on Carry in Specific Locations / Circumstances:

A knife with a blade 4 inches or longer may not be possessed or stored in “school buildings” defined as all buildings owned or leased by a local school district that are used for instruction or for student activities. A violation may be punished by a fine not to exceed $500, a jail term not to exceed 6 months or both.

Statewide Preemption:

Yes.  Effective April 3, 2019, local governments may by ordinance or regulation restrict the possession of knives on property leased or owned by the local government entity, but may not otherwise enact or enforce any restriction on the ownership, use, possession, or sale of any knife.

Discussion:                              

2017 Legislation Regarding Knives

A bill labeled H.B. 251, which became law in April 2017, amended 45-8-315 and 45-8-316. The effect of the amendments was the removal of non-firearm weapons from 45-8-316. Cutting instruments that were removed included dirks, daggers, swords, and knives with blades 4 inches in length or longer. The amendment also removed the residual clause “or other deadly weapon” and changed the caption of 45-8-316 from “Carrying concealed weapons” to “Carrying concealed firearms.” The 45-8-315 definition of “concealed weapon” was changed to mean a concealed firearm.

Montana Removes Knife Restrictions

Montana citizens and those visiting the state may exercise their own judgment as to the selection and carry of knives.

Updated August 21, 2020, by Daniel C. Lawson

This information is presented as a brief synopsis of the law and not as legal advice. AKTI is not, and cannot be, a legal service provider. Use of the site does not create a lawyer/client relationship. Laws are interpreted differently by enforcement officers, prosecuting attorneys, and judges. AKTI suggests that you consult legal counsel for guidance.

The complete State Knife law information is now available to AKTI members and non-members alike. If you find the State Knife Laws useful please consider an AKTI membership or making a contribution to AKTI.

Last Revised: February 26, 2021

Back to all AKTI State Knife Laws

Take Action

  • Become a Member (Industry)
  • Become a Member (Individual)
  • Stay Informed
Make a Contribution

Popular Resources

  • AKTI Knife Auction
  • AKTI Approved Knife Definitions
  • State Knife Laws
  • State Auto-Open Laws
  • What Every Knife Owner Should Know
  • Traveling with Knives
American Knife & Tool Institute

11 hours ago

American Knife & Tool Institute
What is Concealed? Many knife laws contain a section on concealing knives. Which knives are included, and when is a knife “concealed?”www.akti.org/concerning-concealment/#KnowYourKnifeLaws #CarryWithConfidence #AKTI ... See MoreSee Less

Photo

View on Facebook
· Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linked In Share by Email

As a nonprofit association, AKTI’s role is to be the reasonable and responsible advocate for the knife-making and knife-using community; educating, promoting and informing that knives are important tools.

Copyright © American Knife and Tool Institute, all rights reserved
22 Vista View Ln, Cody, WY 82414
307-587-8296
Privacy & Security
| Terms of Service

  • Home
  • About
  • Membership
  • Legislation
  • Education
  • Brand Protection
  • Contribute Today
  • News
  • Resources
  • Contact

Follow AKTI:

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter

Account

  • Login