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Are Automatic Knives Legal in Michigan?

Are Automatic Knives Legal in Michigan?

The Short Answer

Yes. Automatic knives — including switchblades and side-opening autos — have been legal to own, carry, and sell in Michigan since October 2017, when the legislature repealed the state's longstanding switchblade ban (MCL 750.226a).

There's one important catch that separates Michigan from the fully unrestricted states: double-edged, nonfolding stabbing instruments remain prohibited from concealed carry and from being carried in a vehicle. This means a double-edged OTF knife — the kind with a dagger-style blade that deploys out the front — sits in a legal gray area that you need to understand.

What Michigan Law Actually Says

The Key Statutes

Michigan's knife laws are primarily found in two sections of the Michigan Penal Code:

MCL 750.226a (Repealed 2017):

"The repealed section pertained to unlawful possession of pocket knife opened by mechanical device."

This was Michigan's switchblade ban. It was repealed by Public Act 96 of 2017, effective October 11, 2017. Gone. Done. Owning and carrying a switchblade or automatic knife is no longer a crime in Michigan.

MCL 750.227 — Concealed Weapons:

"A person shall not carry 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, concealed on or about his or her person, or whether concealed or otherwise in any vehicle operated or occupied by the person, except in his or her dwelling house, place of business or on other land possessed by the person."

Penalty: Felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment or a fine up to $2,500.

MCL 750.222a — Definition:

"'Double-edged, nonfolding stabbing instrument' does not include a knife, tool, implement, arrowhead, or artifact manufactured from stone by means of conchoidal fracturing."

What That Means in Plain English

After the 2017 repeal:

  • Owning any automatic knife — legal. No restrictions on switchblades, OTFs, or any other type of automatic knife.
  • Carrying a side-opening automatic knife — legal, including open carry and concealed carry (unless it's a dagger/stiletto type).
  • Carrying a single-edge OTF — technically legal, though law enforcement may scrutinize it more closely.
  • Carrying a double-edged OTF — this is where it gets risky. A double-edged OTF is, by its nature, a "double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument." Under MCL 750.227, you cannot carry one concealed or in a vehicle — period. You can only have one at home, at your place of business, or on your own property.

OTF Knives in Michigan

This is the critical distinction in Michigan law.

Single-edge OTF knives: Legal to own and carry. The blade folds/retracts into the handle, deploys out the front, and has one sharpened edge. These don't trigger the "double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument" prohibition.

Double-edged OTF knives: Legal to own. But MCL 750.227 prohibits carrying a "double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument of any length" concealed on your person or in any vehicle. The only safe places to have one are your home, business, or your own property.

A practical note: even though a single-edge OTF might be legally clear, police and prosecutors may not always draw the distinction carefully. If you carry an OTF in Michigan, a single-edge model is the significantly safer choice.

Switchblades vs. Automatic Knives: What Michigan Considers Them

Michigan no longer has a statutory definition of "switchblade" — because the law banning them was repealed entirely. The state doesn't distinguish between:

  • Side-opening automatic knives
  • Button-release switchblades
  • Spring-loaded OTFs
  • Gravity knives

All are legal to own. The only restriction that remains is the concealed carry / vehicle prohibition on double-edged nonfolding stabbing instruments and other "dangerous weapons" like daggers, dirks, and stilettos under MCL 750.227.

Assisted openers have always been legal in Michigan and remain so.

Carrying an Automatic Knife in Michigan

Open Carry

Open carry of automatic knives is legal in Michigan. There is no statute prohibiting the open carry of any knife, including automatics, OTFs, and switchblades. The restrictions in MCL 750.227 apply to concealed carry and vehicle carry.

Exception: Even for open carry, a double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument cannot be carried in a vehicle under MCL 750.227.

Concealed Carry

You may not conceal carry:

  • Daggers, dirks, or stilettos
  • Double-edged nonfolding stabbing instruments of any length
  • Any "other dangerous weapon" (interpreted by courts as stabbing instruments — People v. Smith, 1975)

You may conceal carry:

  • A hunting knife "adapted and carried as such"
  • Folding knives (including automatic folders/switchblades)
  • Single-edge knives that are not classified as daggers, dirks, or stilettos

The People v. Smith (1975) decision clarified that "other dangerous weapon" in this statute means other types of stabbing instruments. People v. Grandberry (1980) confirmed that non-stabbing cutting tools like axes don't fall under this provision.

Where You Can't Carry (Restricted Locations)

Michigan restricts weapons, including knives, in certain locations:

  • Schools — MCL 750.237a prohibits weapons in school zones
  • Government buildings — courthouses, state buildings
  • Deprivation of liberty facilities — jails, prisons, detention centers
  • Churches, hospitals — may have their own policies
  • Anywhere posted — private property owners can prohibit weapons

Federal restricted locations (airports, courthouses, military installations) also apply.

Blade Length Restrictions

Michigan has no blade length restrictions for automatic knives or any other knives. The restrictions are based on knife type (double-edged, dagger, etc.), not blade length.

What About Assisted Openers?

Assisted-opening knives are legal in Michigan and always have been. They were never classified as automatic knives under the now-repealed MCL 750.226a. Carry them freely — open or concealed.

Preemption

Michigan's preemption law (MCL 123.1102) prevents local governments from regulating "the ownership, registration, purchase, sale, transfer, transportation, or possession of pistols, other firearms, or pneumatic guns." This preemption covers firearms but does not explicitly cover knives. Local municipalities could theoretically enact knife-specific ordinances, though few have done so since the 2017 repeal.

Check local ordinances in your area, particularly in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and other larger cities.

Age Restrictions

Michigan does not set a specific statutory minimum age for knife possession in the general penal code. However, selling or furnishing dangerous weapons to minors may be restricted under other provisions, and school zone restrictions apply regardless of age.

Recent Changes

  • October 2017: Michigan repeals MCL 750.226a, legalizing switchblades and automatic knives
  • No additional knife legislation has passed since 2017
  • The double-edged nonfolding instrument prohibition (MCL 750.227) remains unchanged

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I carry an OTF knife in Michigan?

A single-edge OTF — yes, you can own and carry one, including concealed carry. A double-edged OTF — you can own it, but you cannot carry it concealed or in a vehicle. Home, business, and your own property only.

Are switchblades illegal in Michigan?

No. Michigan repealed its switchblade ban in 2017. Switchblades and all automatic knives are legal to own and carry, with the exception of double-edged nonfolding stabbing instruments for concealed/vehicle carry.

Is there a blade length limit for automatic knives in Michigan?

No. Michigan has no blade length restrictions for any type of knife.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change — sometimes faster than websites update. Federal, state, and local laws may all apply to your situation, and local ordinances can be more restrictive than state law.

Before purchasing, carrying, or traveling with any automatic knife, OTF knife, or switchblade, verify current laws with official state and local sources. We are not attorneys, and we are not responsible for actions taken based on this information.

When in doubt, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

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