Pocket knives have been useful for a long time for campers, outdoor lovers, and hobbyists. It is important to know the state rules about having and using them, though, if you live in or plan to visit Michigan.
Like many other states, Michigan’s rules about pocket knives are complicated. They depend on the type of knife, how it will be used, and where the person carrying it is. This blog post will explain the laws in Michigan about carrying and keeping pocket knives.
Overview of Michigan Knife Laws
Michigan’s knife rules are part of the state’s more general gun laws. Knives, even pocket knives, are usually seen as tools rather than weapons unless they are used to commit a crime.
Section 750.226a of the Michigan Penal Code is the most important law in Michigan when it comes to knives. It lists banned weapons and their limits.
As a general rule, Michigan law lets people own and carry many types of knives. However, there are some important limitations that you should be aware of.
Legal Carry of Pocket Knives in Michigan
It is allowed to carry a pocket knife with a blade length of less than 3 inches in Michigan for most reasons, even for self-defense.
This includes popular folding knives like Swiss Army knives and utility knives, as long as the person carrying them does not mean to hurt other people.
For some reasons, though, having pocket knives with blades longer than 3 inches can be tricky, since bigger knives are more likely to be declared dangerous.
What the person carrying the knife is trying to do is a big part of whether or not they can legally do so in Michigan.
This is usually okay as long as the person is carrying the knife legally, like for fishing, outdoor sports, or everyday use. But even a small pocket knife can be illegal if it is carried with the purpose to use it as a weapon or for illegal activities.
Prohibited Knives
There are some kinds of knives that are illegal in Michigan. These are mostly knives that are made for fighting or have features that make them naturally dangerous. In particular, Michigan law makes it illegal to have the following:
Do not carry daggers or dirks, which are knives with blades that are sharp on both sides. They are illegal to carry because they are dangerous weapons.
Automatic knives, also called “switchblade” knives: In Michigan, switchblade knives were banned until not long ago. On the other hand, Michigan no longer bans automatic weapons as of October 2017.
This means that people can now legally own automatic knives, also known as switchblade knives, as long as they are not carried with the purpose to hurt someone.
Ballistic knives: These knives are still banned in Michigan no matter what. They have a blade that moves out of the handle by a spring or an explosion.
Restrictions on Where You Can Carry a Knife
You can own and carry a knife legally in Michigan, but there are some places you can not go with it.
Section 750.227 of the state’s hidden weapons law says that you can not hide any knife, no matter how big or small, on your person or in your car if you plan to use it as a weapon.
People are also not allowed to carry knives in some public places, like schools and government buildings.
The Federal Knie Act says that knives of any kind, even pocket knives, are not allowed on school grounds. If you break this rule, you could face harsh punishments like fines and jail time.
Knife Use in Self-Defense
Michigan law says that someone can use a knife to defend themselves if they are in immediate danger and the amount of force used is appropriate for the danger.
But if you plan to use a knife as a weapon instead of a tool, you can get in trouble with the law, even if you are acting in self-defense. For those who want to keep a knife for self-defense, it is important to know that the courts will carefully look into any use of force.
Summary of Key Points
Pocket knives that are legal to carry: You can carry knives with blades that are less than 3 inches long. Based on their purpose, bigger knives may be limited.
Not Allowed Knives: In Michigan, it is against the law to have a double-edged knife or a lethal knife.
Since 2017, you can own a switchblade, but you can not carry one with the purpose to commit a crime.
Concealed keep: If you plan to use a knife as a weapon, it is against the law to keep one on your person.
Places Where Knives Are Not Allowed: Schools, some government buildings, and other sensitive places do not allow knives.
Final Thoughts
The knife rules in Michigan are just right because they let people carry useful tools while also keeping the public safe by limiting access to dangerous weapons.
If you live in Michigan and own or carry a pocket knife, you need to know the rules about carrying and owning them so you can follow them.
Always remember that purpose is a big part of whether or not you can carry a knife, so think about how and why you carry your pocket knife.
Also see:-Understanding the Legal Landscape of Pocket Knives in Georgia
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