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Louis Martin Custom Knives

Reviewed September 2026

South Dakota Knife Laws

In South Dakota, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Legal to carry openly or concealed under state law. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

All common knife types are legal.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Legal to carry openly or concealed under state law.

Local Ordinances

South Dakota has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. No knife type is prohibited under state law, but some cities (Rapid City) cap concealed blades at 3 inches.

Not legal advice. Statuses reviewed September 2026 from state statutes and reputable trackers. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: S.D. Codified Laws §§22-1-2, 22-14-8, 13-32-7

South Dakota was the first state to repeal its automatic knife restrictions, doing so in 1976 (SL 1976, ch 158). Concealing a weapon with intent to commit a felony under §22-14-8 is itself a felony. With no statewide preemption, municipal knife ordinances are common: Rapid City bans concealed blades over 3 inches and Sioux Falls prohibits Bowie knives.

South Dakota Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in South Dakota?
Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in South Dakota. All common knife types are legal. Reviewed September 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.
Are butterfly knives legal in South Dakota?
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in South Dakota. Butterfly knives are legal.
Is it legal to carry a knife in South Dakota?
Generally yes, within limits: Legal to carry openly or concealed under state law. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere.
What size knife can you legally carry in South Dakota?
South Dakota has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. No knife type is prohibited under state law, but some cities (Rapid City) cap concealed blades at 3 inches.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to South Dakota

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.