Michigan Knife Law – The Complete Guide (In Plain English)

Michigan is a relatively knife-friendly state, especially after the October 2017 amendment that made significant changes to the existing law. As a knife owner, it is crucial to stay on the cutting edge, so this guide will summarize everything you need to know about Michigan knife laws.

Does Michigan Have Statewide Preemption on Knife Laws?

Michigan does not enforce statewide preemption on knife laws, meaning local municipalities can establish additional knife regulations. For example, cities like Detroit and Lansing have stricter rules, such as prohibiting knives over three inches in public spaces​.

Therefore, it is essential to consult a lawyer or law enforcement personnel to educate you about specific knife laws in any local town you plan to visit in Michigan.

Legal Knives in Michigan

In October 2017, the prohibition on switchblades and other automatic knives was revoked, making them legal to own and carry as long as they are not used with unlawful intent​.

However, as with all knives, intent matters—any knife could potentially be viewed as a “dangerous weapon” depending on how it’s carried and used.

Here’s a list of legal knives in Michigan:

• Pocket knives
• Switchblades and other automatic knives
• Butterfly or Balisong knives
• Stabbing knives like daggers, dirks, and stilettos (with open carry)
• Throwing knives
• Bowies and other large knives
• Disguised knives
• Undetectable knives
• Gravity knives

Illegal Knives in Michigan

While Michigan doesn’t ban the ownership of any knife types outright, it does have restrictions on carrying certain knives, particularly when it comes to concealment and intent​.

Michigan Knife Definitions

To better understand Michigan knife carry laws, familiarize yourself with the following definitions:

• Dangerous weapon: This term denotes any weapon carried with the intent to use it against someone for bodily harm. The prosecution must prove intent, meaning any knife can be considered a dangerous weapon if carried with harmful intent.
• Double-edged, non-folding stabbing instrument: A double-edged, non-folding instrument is typically used as a weapon and includes items like daggers and stilettos. These are illegal to carry concealed​.

Michigan Knife Carry Laws

With these definitions in mind, let’s delve into Michigan knife carry laws:

• It is illegal to carry with unlawful intent a dirk, dagger, razor, stiletto, or a knife with a blade longer than three inches.
• You can open carry all legal knives as long as you do not have the intention to harm others.
• You can carry a hunting knife, open or concealed, as long as it’s used for hunting and not as a weapon.
• It’s illegal to conceal carry a double-edged, non-folding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other dangerous weapon unless you’re in your home, place of business, or on land you own.
• Carrying a knife in a vehicle, regardless of length, is illegal unless the knife is stored out of reach, such as in the trunk, to avoid concealed carry issues​.

Exemptions

Michigan knife carry laws apply to everyone except:

• Peace officers
• Employees in public or private correctional centers
• Military officers on active duty
• Security guards and other security employees employed by the state
• Members of the National Guard, US military reserves on active duty or during drills
• Any organization authorized by the law to receive or buy weapons from the state or country
• Motor carrier officers

Michigan Knife Length Laws

Michigan law states that carrying a knife with a blade longer than three inches is illegal if you intend to use it unlawfully or harm others​. This means you can carry any knife regardless of length if your intent is lawful. However, carrying any knife in a vehicle is illegal unless it’s stored properly, such as in a trunk​(

Michigan Knife Laws by Demographic

The knife carry laws in Michigan apply to everyone regardless of age, with no specific age restrictions on ownership or carry. However, there are strict prohibitions on carrying knives in schools, and it’s illegal for a student to have a dangerous weapon in school, at school events, or on school transport​.

Michigan State Knife Law References

Official Sources of Michigan’s Knife Laws

• Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL): The primary source for Michigan’s knife laws is within the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL), specifically under sections MCL 750.226 and MCL 750.227 which discuss the legality of carrying certain types of knives.
• Michigan Legislature’s Official Page: The official page of the Michigan Legislature provides the legal codes concerning knife laws in Michigan.
• State of Michigan’s official website: This website provides information on amendments to the Michigan Penal Code concerning knives.

Significant Court Cases

Case Name	Summary
Michigan v. Mata	The defendant was charged for possessing a Kershaw Speedsafe knife, which the Michigan law at the time considered to be an automatic knife. The court ruled in favor of the defendant, finding that the Kershaw Speedsafe knife did not fit the definition of an automatic knife under the law​.
People v. Vaines	The defendant was convicted for carrying a concealed jackknife under Section 750.227(1) of Michigan law. This case reached the state supreme court and is one of the earlier significant cases involving knife laws in Michigan.

Timeline of Major Changes in Michigan’s Knife Laws

• 1931: Initial enactment of Act 328 effective from September 18, 1931, which laid down the basic framework for knife laws in Michigan.
• 1973: Amendment Act 206 effective from March 29, 1974, which brought changes to the existing knife laws.
• 1986: Amendment Act 8 effective from July 1, 1986, brought further changes to the knife laws.
• October 2017: Public Act 96 of 2017 repealed the prohibition on switchblades and other automatic knives, making spring-assisted knives legal.
• 2021: The Michigan Knife Rights Act (HB 4066) further clarified knife rights in Michigan, allowing more leniency for legal carry.

Conclusion

Understanding Michigan’s knife laws may require some time and effort, especially given the lack of statewide preemption which allows for local variations in knife laws. Always check with legal professionals to ensure compliance with all state and local laws regarding knife ownership and carry in Michigan.

Stay sharp, and always consult your state website for the most up-to-date information!