🚗 Michigan Knife Laws
Overview
Michigan does not have statewide preemption, so local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. Open carry is legal, but concealed carry of certain knives is restricted. There is no general blade length restriction. All common knife types are legal to own and carry.
Quick Legal Facts
Carry Laws & Blade Length
Open carry of all knives is legal in Michigan provided there is no unlawful intent. MCL 750.226 prohibits going armed with a dagger, dirk, stiletto, or knife with a blade over 3 inches only when there is intent to use it unlawfully against another person. Without unlawful intent, open carry is unrestricted at the state level. Note: MCL 750.227 prohibits certain knives (daggers, dirks, stilettos, double-edged nonfolding stabbing instruments) in vehicles whether concealed or not, which effectively restricts transport of those items even if openly carried.
MCL 750.227 makes it a felony to carry concealed a dagger, dirk, stiletto, a double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other dangerous weapon, except a hunting knife adapted and carried as such. The same prohibition applies in any vehicle occupied by the person, whether the weapon is concealed or not. Exceptions exist for one's dwelling, place of business, or owned land. Single-edged folding knives (pocketknives) may be carried concealed. Carrying any knife concealed with the intent to use it as a weapon against another person may result in the knife being classified as a 'dangerous weapon' regardless of type. Penalty: felony, up to 5 years imprisonment and/or $2,500 fine.
Michigan has no statewide blade length limit for general carry. The 3-inch threshold in MCL 750.226 applies only when a person carries a knife with intent to use it unlawfully against another person; it is not a general possession or carry restriction. Local ordinances may impose blade length limits (e.g., Detroit and Lansing prohibit carrying knives with blades over 3 inches in public places). Michigan has no statewide knife preemption law; a preemption bill (HB 4066) passed both chambers in 2021 but was vetoed by Governor Whitmer.
Statute: 750.226
Knife Type Legality
| Knife Type | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Switchblades | Legal | Switchblades and automatic knives are legal to own and carry in Michigan. The former prohibition under MCL 750.226a was repealed by Public Act 96 of 2017, effective October 11, 2017. That repealed section had banned knives that could be opened 'by the flick of a button, pressure on a handle, or other mechanical contrivance.' Switchblades that are single-edged folding knives may be carried concealed. However, an OTF (out-the-front) switchblade that does not fold and is double-edged would still be restricted under MCL 750.227's concealed carry prohibition. Note: Detroit municipal ordinance still prohibits switchblades locally. |
| Balisongs / Butterfly Knives | Legal | Balisong (butterfly) knives are legal to own and carry in Michigan. They are classified as folding knives because the blade must be manually manipulated out of the handle. They were never covered by the former MCL 750.226a switchblade ban (which targeted knives opened by a button, pressure, or mechanical contrivance) since balisongs require manual manipulation. As folding knives, single-edged balisongs may be carried concealed. However, a court could classify a balisong as a 'dangerous weapon' under MCL 750.227 if carried with intent to use as a weapon. Statute: 750.227 |
| Disguised Knives | Legal | Michigan state law does not specifically prohibit disguised knives such as cane swords, belt buckle knives, lipstick knives, or umbrella swords. Ownership and possession are legal. Concealed carry legality depends on the blade characteristics: a single-edged disguised knife may be carried concealed if not carried as a dangerous weapon, but a double-edged or non-folding stabbing instrument disguised as another object would be restricted under MCL 750.227. Note: Detroit municipal ordinance specifically prohibits cane swords and umbrella swords. Statute: 750.227 |
| Assisted-Opening | Legal | Assisted-opening knives are legal in Michigan. The former MCL 750.226a, which was broadly worded to cover knives opened by 'pressure on a handle or other mechanical contrivance,' was repealed by Public Act 96 of 2017. Even before the repeal, there was debate about whether assisted-opening knives fell under that prohibition. Since the repeal, there is no restriction on the opening mechanism of a knife. Assisted-opening knives are folding knives and may be carried concealed if single-edged and not carried as a dangerous weapon. Statute: 750.227 |
| Ballistic Knives | Unclear | Michigan state law does not specifically mention or prohibit ballistic knives by name. They are not listed in MCL 750.224 (prohibited weapons). Ownership may be legal under state law. However, a ballistic knife would almost certainly be classified as a 'dangerous weapon' under MCL 750.227, making concealed carry illegal. Open carry with lawful intent may be permissible under state law. Critically, federal law (15 U.S.C. Section 1245) prohibits the possession, manufacture, sale, and import of ballistic knives in interstate commerce, which effectively makes them illegal regardless of state law. |
Relevant Statutes(8)
Legal Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws change frequently and local ordinances may impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Always verify with official state sources before making decisions about knife carry or ownership. KnifeInformer is not a law firm — consult a qualified attorney for specific legal questions.
