Michigan knife laws can be complex, especially concerning what is legal to carry. It’s important to understand these laws to avoid legal issues.
Legality and Restrictions
- Folding Pocket Knives: Michigan law specifies that only folding knives with blades under 3 inches can be legally carried concealed without presumption of unlawful intent.
- Concealed Carry: You can openly display anything from a butter knife to a sheathed longsword, but which knives a person can conceal becomes a little trickier. You cannot conceal carry a dagger, dirk, stiletto, a double-edged non-folding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other dangerous weapon.
- Double-Edged Knives: Double-edged fixed-blade knives are disfavored in Michigan. It is a felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine not to exceed $2,500, to carry any “dagger, dirk, stiletto, double-edged, non-folding stabbing instrument” concealed. The same prohibition also applies to the possession of such items “in any vehicle operated or occupied by the person,” whether or not the knife is accessible.
- Intent: Michigan law considers the intent of the carrier. Even an ordinary pocketknife, if carried concealed with the intent to use it unlawfully, could lead to legal repercussions. Any knife may be carried concealed if it is not double-edged and the possessor is not intent on using it as a weapon.
- Automatic Knives: Possession of automatic knives (switchblades) and gravity knives is legal in Michigan, but carrying them concealed is prohibited if they are used as a dangerous weapon. The prohibition on automatic knives was removed in October 2017.
Legal Knife Length
The legal knife length in Michigan does not have a specific restriction for pocket knives but is guided by context and intent. Folding pocket knives with blades less than 3 inches are legal to carry concealed. Fixed-blade knives or any knife with a blade over 3 inches can be considered a dangerous weapon if carried with intent to harm, making concealed carry illegal.
Location Restrictions
Certain locations may prohibit the carrying of any knife, regardless of size or type. Schools are weapons-free zones in Michigan. Schools, courthouses, and other government buildings often have strict no-knife policies.
Local Laws
Some Michigan cities and municipalities have their own knife ordinances. These local laws may be more restrictive than state laws. Detroit has stricter rules regarding knives, including potential limits on blade length and open carry in specific locations.To avoid legal trouble, it’s necessary to know and respect Michigan’s knife laws. Transport knives correctly. If you need to transport a knife, make sure it is visible and not hidden, especially if you are in a vehicle.
Sources:
- https://www.couteaux-morta.com/en/michigan-knife-laws/
- https://cpcontacts.cimarron-firearms.com/post/pocket-knife-laws-michigan
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/michigan/
- https://blade-city.com/blogs/resources/michigan-knife-laws
