I'm in the market for a new knife, and I want to make sure my understanding of the knife laws is correct. As many of you have seen, you know I stay pretty on top of the laws, but for some reason I just have an uneasy feeling about this.

MCL 750.227 states:
My interpretation of this law is that daggers, dirks, stilettos, double-edged nonfolding stabbing instruments, and any other dangerous weapons are legal to possess. They are legal to be carried as long as they are not concealed, and not carried on the person while in a vehicle. My main point of unease is regarding vehicles. So those items can be carried in a vehicle, but I should follow procedures similar to those of non-CPL holders transporting a pistol? (keep the knife in the trunk or something)


MCL 750.226 states:
I interpret this to mean that knives with blades over 3" are legal as long as I'm not planning to use it against someone unlawfully (not self defense).


MCL 750.226a states:
I interpret this law to mean that automatic knives are not legal. What about spring assisted knives? Specifically ones that can be opened from pressure on the knob on the blade. My understanding has always been that spring assisted knives are legal as long as you have to physically touch the blade to open them, is that correct?


Now I know there is not state preemption for knives, and some cities have placed stricter knife laws. That and the "any other dangerous weapon" line are things that we need to work to have changed.

Thanks guys, hopefully this reinforces my understanding of the knife laws, helps anyone that is unclear, and opens a discussion about changing our knife laws.

The confusion I've had before is this:

By its wording, MCL 750.226 seems to imply that any knife with a blade over 3 inches is a "dangerous weapon".

MCl 750.227 then states that "any other dangerous weapon" may not be concealed on the person or carried at all in a vehicle.  This would seem to imply that carrying around a 4" folding knife would be a legal grey area, even if the pocket clip was visible.  What if your jacket covered the pocket clip?  What about in a vehicle?

That would be my approach to it for something fitting the description.  I do know there is legislation pending that changes some of that, but it doesn't do any good until it is signed by the guv.



Your interpretation is the same as mine, in that I do not intend or plan to use a knife unlawfully.  



Again, that is how I interpret it.  I do not know of any case law that would back up or counter any of the above interpretations unfortunately.  



I think Lansing at one time (perhaps still) had an ordinance that stated anything over 2 1/12 or 3" was in violation.  Having lived within the city limits for a few years I never had an issue with any knife I carried just going about my own business.

Here is a link to Michigan city knife laws, you are right about the state laws, but each city has it's own laws.

http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf