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Louis Martin Custom Knives

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Michigan Knife Laws

In Michigan, switchblades are legal and butterfly knives are legal. Concealed carry of dirks, stilettos, daggers, and other double-edged fixed blades is prohibited; folders are generally fine. There is no notable statewide blade length limit.

Switchblades: Legal

Legalized in 2017.

Butterfly Knives: Legal

Butterfly knives are legal.

Concealed Carry

Concealed carry of dirks, stilettos, daggers, and other double-edged fixed blades is prohibited; folders are generally fine.

Local Ordinances

Michigan has no statewide preemption, so cities and counties can add stricter rules. Check local ordinances before carrying. The double-edged fixed-blade rule is the main restriction left.

Not legal advice. This page was last reviewed October 13, 2026. Statuses come from state statutes and reputable trackers, and the linked facts below were checked against the official statute or code text on October 13, 2026. Laws change; verify the current statute or consult a lawyer before buying or carrying. See the full 50-state comparison.

The Law in Detail

Key statutes: MCL 750.227, 750.226, 750.237a

Michigan makes concealed carry of a dirk, dagger, stiletto, or double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument, including carry anywhere in a vehicle, a felony punishable by up to 5 years or a $2,500 fine. That vehicle clause creates a notorious quirk: a person may own a double-edged knife at home and even walk with it openly, but cannot lawfully drive it between the two. Governor Whitmer vetoed a statewide preemption bill in 2021, so Detroit and Lansing keep restrictive local ordinances.

Checked Against the Statute Text

  • In a weapon free school zone, meaning school property or a vehicle a school uses to take students to or from school property, violating MCL 750.226 or 750.227 is a felony punishable by up to that section's maximum prison term, up to 150 hours of community service, a fine of up to three times that section's maximum fine, or any combination. (MCL 750.237a(1), (6)(e))

The FAQ answers below include statute details from these sources:

Each fact linked above, including those in the FAQ answers, was checked against the official statute or code text on October 13, 2026. General information, not legal advice.

Michigan Knife Law FAQ

Are switchblades legal in Michigan?
Switchblades (automatic knives) are legal in Michigan. Legalized in 2017. The old ban on pocketknives opened by a mechanical device, former MCL 750.226a, was repealed by 2017 Public Act 96, effective October 11, 2017. Reviewed October 13, 2026; this is general information, not legal advice.
Are butterfly knives legal in Michigan?
Butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal in Michigan. Butterfly knives are legal.
Is it legal to carry a knife in Michigan?
Generally yes, within limits: Concealed carry of dirks, stilettos, daggers, and other double-edged fixed blades is prohibited; folders are generally fine. Carrying any knife with intent to use it unlawfully is a crime everywhere. The concealed-carry ban covers a dagger, dirk, stiletto, or double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument of any length carried concealed on your person, or in any vehicle you operate or occupy whether concealed or not, except in your home, your place of business, or on other land you possess. A hunting knife adapted and carried as such is exempt from that rule.
What size knife can you legally carry in Michigan?
Michigan has no notable statewide blade length limit, but restricted places (schools, courthouses) and local ordinances still apply. The double-edged fixed-blade rule is the main restriction left. Carrying a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, or any knife with a blade over 3 inches with intent to use it unlawfully against another person is a separate felony, punishable by up to 5 years or a fine of up to $2,500.

Traveling Through?

Knife law changes at the state line. Bordering states: Indiana, Ohio, Wisconsin.

Hand-Forged Knives, Shipped to Michigan

Every Louis Martin blade is hand-forged and ships free anywhere in the US, including right here in Michigan. Start with our pocket knives and everyday carry pieces, browse the full collection, and keep our national knife law guide handy when you travel.