Knife Laws by State

Knife laws in Michigan can create confusion, as an urban area such as Detroit and Lansing pass statutes that are much more restrictive than the knife laws passed at the state level. The major cities in Michigan have followed the legal lead set by San Francisco and New York City.

However, Michigan knife laws typically protect the right of citizens to bear arms, as clearly written into the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.

The robust outdoor recreational industry-especially fishing and hunting has played a huge role in drafting knife laws that are favorable to outdoor recreational enthusiasts.

From wilderness areas located in the Upper Peninsula to well-stocked ponds in the backcountry of the Lower Peninsula, Michigan Knife laws remain citizen and visitor friendly. However, this does not mean that some state legislators have stopped trying to curtail your constitutional rights.

Legal Knives to Own

Despite conflicting municipal laws that cause confusion among residents of and visitors to the State of Michigan, state law clearly permits ownership of the following styles of knives:

• Butterfly Knives (Balisong)
• Daggers
• Stiletto
• Throwing
• Switchblade
• Automatic
• Gravity
• Bowie
• Belt
• Undetectable

Michigan does not permit ownership double-edged, out of the front knives.

Open Carry Knife Laws in Michigan

As of early 2019, the State of Michigan law considers every legal knife to be eligible for open carry. However, open carry laws represent the state law that has the most conflict with municipal and residential district laws. Local knife ownership laws that address open carry typically are stricter than what state law allows. In fact, the difference between state and municipal open carry laws has triggered the most lawsuits filed in state courts.

Concealed Carry Knife Laws in Michigan

Michigan Penal Code 750.227 clearly addresses the legality of the concealed carrying of knives:

(1) A person shall not carry a dagger, dirk, stiletto, a double-edged non-folding 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. […] (3) A person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 5 years, or by a fine of not more than $2,500.00.

The Michigan Penal Code does a better job of clarifying the definition of a double-edged, non-folding knife than the definitions written into other state laws.

(1) As used in this chapter, “doubled-edged, non-folding stabbing instrument” does not include a knife, tool, implement, arrowhead, or artifact manufactured from stone by means of conchoidal fracturing.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an item being transported in a vehicle unless the item is in a container and inaccessible to the driver.

In other words, any weapon designed to stab is considered illegal to conceal carry in the Wolverine State. This means the only knives eligible for conceal carry possess blunt ends that are incapable of breaking skin without the use of tremendous force. Moreover, folding knives of any kind are illegal to conceal carry in Michigan.

How Does Michigan Knife Laws Address Vehicles?

The quirk with Michigan open knife carry laws is how the state deals with the issue of transporting knives inside vehicles. Although a knife such as a pocketknife is eligible for concealed carry, it cannot be concealed carried inside a vehicle. This means you cannot store an eligible concealed carry knife in the glove compartment or between the front and back seats.

Legally owned knives must be secured in a concealed place that no one but the owner of the car can access. For example, you can place an eligible conceal carry knife inside a vehicle by placing the knife into a secured case and then storing the case in the trunk of the car.

Michigan Law and Knife Length

As of January 2019, Michigan law does not place restrictions on knife length. The only time state statutes mention knife length occurs in the section of the penal code limiting knife length to three inches if the intent of the knife owner is to harm another person. State law muddies the knife length restriction further by stating all dangerous weapons are considered illegal regardless of the length of the knives.

Notice to Harm

MCL § 750.226 covers firearms and other dangerous weapons used with illegal intent. Michigan law defines the illegality and the punishment handed out by using a dangerous weapon against another human. Knives measuring more than three inches are automatically considered dangerous, even if there is no intent to harm someone.

Yet, the clause defining dangerous weapons finishes with this: “or any other dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument.” What does this mean? Case law, which establishes legal precedents, gives us a clue as to the meaning of the entire dangerous weapons provision.

The 1971 case of People v Iverson ruled that carrying a hunting knife is not considered a crime unless the purpose of carrying a hunting knife is to harm another person. State law is clear that intent to harm takes all legal knife ownership rights off the table.

The problem is the prosecution must prove intent, which typically relies on anecdotal evidence and not the type of hard evidence like threatening emails and handwritten letters. There is also sometimes the blurring of the distinction between accident and premeditation.

Michigan Knife Laws in 2019

As we enter 2019, the political climate appears to be much calmer when it comes to knife laws. Other than a strengthening of the school weapons-free provision in 2018, the Michigan legislature mostly stayed with the legal status quo. In October 2017, the Michigan legislature approved the legality of several types of knives, which represented the most sweeping change to knife laws in decades. Such sweeping change is not expected to materialize in 2019 from either side of the political aisle.

Please note: None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

• What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
• Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
• Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
• Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
• SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review

Maryland’s knife laws have been under scrutiny lately. The Chesapeake State is not only in close proximity to the Washington, D.C., but it is the home to one of the most violent cities in America, Baltimore, which reported 98.6 violent crimes per 10,000 residents in 2018.^[i]

However, it is not just a surge in violent crimes that have brought Maryland’s knife laws back into focus.

It is the prohibition on the possession of switchblade knives, thought to be an antiquated law that has led to alleged thousands of invalid arrests, that have led activists to investigate and question the laws utility, if any.^[ii]

Restrictions do not just apply to switchblades and gravity knives in Maryland, however.

A far more cumbersome system exists in Maryland— and one that has proven not to be knife friendly.

Overview of Maryland Knife Laws

While there are no limitations on the type of knife you can own in Maryland, there are limits on open and concealed carry. Additionally, there are no state preemption so different counties may impose stricter limits on carrying. The law, which is codified at Md. Criminal Law Code Ann 1-101(2012), is regularly described as archaic.

For this reason, many find Maryland knife laws confusing. The text of the law has been the subject of debate recently in the high-profile case regarding the death of Freddie Gray, where there was a sizable debate on whether the knife he was carrying at the time of his arrest was legal or not.^[iii]

Given that the knife was never shown to the public, this may seem like a moot point, but it speaks to a larger issue in Maryland knife laws – how a dangerous weapon is defined in black letter law.

Even before the case of Freddie Gray, a man was charged with carrying a concealed weapon when he was in possession of a knife at Starbucks.^[iv] A careful reading of Maryland’s knife laws is critical.

Permitted Knives

There are no restrictions on the types of knives that are legal to own in Maryland. Surprisingly, and unlike many other states, undetectable knives, larger knives, throwing stars and bowie knives are also legal to own.  The following knives are legal to own:

• Butterfly knives
• Dirks, daggers, stilettos, and other slim knives.
• Switchblades
• Gravity knives
• Automatic knives
• Ballistic knives
• Disguised knives

Dangerous Weapons

• 4-101 defines star knives and classifies which knives are deemed weapons. The statute, in part, reads: “ ‘[A] Star knife’ means a device used as a throwing weapon, consisting of several sharp or pointed blades arrayed as radially disposed of arms about a central disk. [A] ‘Weapon’ includes a dirk knife, bowie-knife, switchblade knife, star knife, sandclub, metal knuckles, razor, and nunchaku.”

Interestingly, Md. Code, CR § 4-101(a)(5)(i) excludes penknives as a dangerous weapon unless it has a switchblade.

Maryland law does prohibit concealed carry of a dangerous weapon, which includes “chemical mace, pepper mace, or a tear gas device openly with the intent or purpose of injuring an individual in an unlawful manner.” It is worth noting that this prohibition applies in certain counties, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Caroline County, Cecil County, Harford County, Kent County, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, St. Mary’s County, Talbot County, Washington County, and Worcester County.

Here is where the arcane language comes in. Minors in certain counties cannot carry a dangerous weapon between certain times. The law reads: “(ii) A minor may not carry a dangerous weapon between 1 hour after sunset and 1 hour before sunrise, whether concealed or not, except while: 1. on a bona fide hunting trip; or 2. engaged in or on the way to or returning from a bona fide trap shoot, sport shooting event, or any organized civic or military activity.”

In Maryland, a person who violates this law is “guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or both” and if it “appears from the evidence that the weapon was carried, concealed or openly, with the deliberate purpose of injuring or killing another, the court shall impose the highest sentence of imprisonment prescribed.”

Prohibition on the Transfer of Switchblades and Ballistic Knives

The relevant law reads, in part, “A person may not sell, barter, display, or offer to sell or barter: (1) a knife or a penknife having a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button, spring, or other device in the handle of the knife, commonly called a switchblade knife or a switchblade penknife; or (2) a device that is designed to propel a knife from a metal sheath by means of a high-compression ejector spring, commonly called a shooting knife.” The penalty for violations of this law? Imprisonment and a fine not exceeding $500 or possibly both.

Specific Bans on School Property

A person cannot possess, display or carry a knife on school property. The pertinent law reads, in part: “A person may not carry or possess a firearm, knife, or deadly weapon of any kind on public school property.” There are, of course, limited exceptions. However, the penalties are stiff: “[A] person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or a fine not exceeding $ 1,000 or both.”^[v] Knife owners should be particularly aware of this law and ensure that they do not carry by any means on school grounds.

Moving Forward

Given the proximity to the Nations’ capital, advising all knife owners to be wary of their surroundings and jurisdictional changes when traveling is an understatement.  While Maryland is not the most restrictive state, there is certainly more that can be done in terms of evolving the state’s knife laws.

While switchblades and gravity knives are legal to own, as with many other states, possessing a knife on public school property is illegal.^[vi] There are also specific rules relating to the transfer of switchblades and ballistic knives. Given that Maryland does not have state law preemption, county rules are also important to note. In sum, Maryland knife owners – be careful.

[i] https://www.businessinsider.com/most-violent-city-every-us-state-fbi-2018-4

[ii] http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2014/10/nyc-gravity-knife-law-arrests.php

[iii] For more information: https://www.villagevoice.com/2015/04/27/prosecutor-says-freddie-grays-knife-was-legal-under-maryland-state-law/

[iv] https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/crime_and_justice/man-charged-with-carrying-knife-in-starbucks/article_984327ba-0bbc-53bf-8d5c-3624aed48226.html

[v] Md. CRIMINAL LAW Code Ann. § 4-102 (2012)

[vi] Md. Code, CR 4-102.

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer. Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction. This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions. This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

• What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
• Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
• Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
• Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
• SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review

Knives laws in the Golden State are not as complicated as they initially seem. California is a big state and there is no state law preemption. Surprisingly, however, California is relatively relaxed in terms of ownership.

Broadly speaking, carrying knives whether open or concealed is legal in California. However, it is illegal to own many knives which are detailed below. It is also important to note that California, unlike many other states, has a very clear and strict definition of switchblades.

While knife owners should always be cognizant of the jurisdiction in which they are carrying, California is more welcome than most. The open and concealed carry of many knives is completely legal.

Restrictions on Knife Ownership in California

California is an open-carry state. Rather than listing, the knives are that legal to own, it may be easier to list the knives that bear restrictions. It is illegal to own the following types of knives in California:

• Cane knives, lipstick knives, belt knives and any other knife that can be classified as misleading is illegal to own in California;
• Undetectable knives, like misleading knives, are also outlawed
• Dirks
• Daggers
• Stillettos
• Ballistic knives

Switchblades in California

It is legal to own a switchblade that is less than two inches or shorter. The relevant law reads: “Every person who does any of the following with a switchblade knife having a blade or two or more inches in length is guilty of a misdemeanor: (a) possesses the knife in the passenger or driver’s area of any motor vehicle in any public place or place open to the public (b) carries the knifes upon the person (c) Sellers, offers for sale, exposes for sale, loans, transfers or gives the knife to any person.”[i]

This statute begs the question of whether it is legal or not to carry a switchblade in one’s personal vehicle. The plain reading of this statute suggests that it is legal to carry a switchblade in one’s car as long as the blade of the knife is less than two inches long. However, California defines switchblade in great detail stating that a switchblade is:

“[A] knife having the appearance of a pocketknife and includes a spring-blade knife, snap-blade knife, gravity knife, or any other similar type knife, the blade or blades of which are two or more inches in length and which can be released automatically by a flick of a button, pressure on the handle, flip of the wrist or other mechanical device, or is released by the weight of the blade or by any type of mechanism whatsoever.

“Switchblade knife” does not include a knife that opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position.”[ii] (emphasis added)

Knife owners should be cognizant of whether their particular knife fulfills all of the criteria outlined by this definition.

Open and Concealed Carry in Calfornia

The law also notes that all legal fixed blades knives must be worn in plain sight. Dirks and daggers are exempted from this law. There is no language in the law that prevents openly carrying a sword or similar knife.

Any blade that is concealed that is found to be locked in the open position cannot be conceal carried. The law, in relevant part, reads: “As used in this part, “dirk” or “dagger” means a knife or other instrument with or without a handguard that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death.

A nonlocking folding knife, a folding knife that is not prohibited by Section 21510, or a pocketknife is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death only if the blade of the knife is exposed and locked into position.” (emphasis added)[iii]

Moving Forward

California is one of the friendlier states for knife owners. Following a “two-inch” rule, however, is prudent. If the blade of the knife is longer than two inches, it is not wise to conceal carry. There are additional rules for Los Angeles County specifically, which outlaw openly carrying a knife with a blade over three inches long.

It is important, as always, for knife owners to be cognizant of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions when carrying in a public place.

[i] https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&sectionNum=21510

[ii] http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN&sectionNum=17235

[iii] https://hobanco.com/blogs/news/california-knife-laws

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer. Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction. This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions. This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

• What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
• Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
• Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
• Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
• SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review

It is not surprising that Indiana is touted as one of the best states for knife enthusiasts to live. Unlike most states, switchblades are legal to own and carry in the Hoosier State. However, like many states, Indiana recently overturned a knife ban that began in the 1950s.

The historic ban on switchblades arguably began in 1954 when Representative James Delaney of New York authored the first bill submitted to Congress banning the sale of switchblades.

However, Indiana followed many other states and in 2013 repealed this ban. While some view this as a victory, it is worth noting that Indiana does not have state law pre-emption. Given that some municipalities have more restrictive limits on concealed carry, an understanding of Indiana state law is paramount.

Overview of Indiana Knife Laws

While ballistic knives and throwing stars are illegal in Indiana, many other types of knives are legal. The length of the blade is not discussed in Indiana’s state knife laws. Additionally, there is no state law preemption in Indiana. Therefore, knife owners should be cognizant of the legality of their knives while traveling to certain locations within the state.

Knives on School Grounds

Indiana specifically codifies possession of a knife on school grounds as either a Class B or Class A misdemeanor. The relevant law defines a knife as consisting of a sharp-edged or sharp-pointed blade capable of inflicting cutting, stabbing, or tearing wounds and, additionally, as an instrument that is intended to be used as a weapon.[i]

The statute specifically notes that daggers, dirks, poniard, stilettos, switchblades and gravity knives are included in his definition. By specifying the types of knives at issue, it appears that the legislature is aiming for a full ban on these types of knives on school grounds, regardless of their intended use.

Further, “a person who recklessly, knowingly, or intentionally possesses a knife on: (1) school property; (2) a school bus; or (3) a special purpose bus commits a Class B misdemeanor. However, the offense is a Class A misdemeanor if the person has a previous unrelated conviction under this section and a Level 6 felony if the offense results in bodily injury to another person.”[ii]

Permitted Knives in Indiana

The following knives are legal to own and carry, either openly or concealed:

• Disguised blades such as dipstick knives or knife-pens,
• Folding knives,
• Single-edged hunting knives
• Daggers
• Stilettos
• Poniards
• Bowie knives
• Pocket knives
• Utility knives
• Brass knuckles are also legal in Indiana.

Restrictions on Knife Ownership in Indiana

Ballistic knives and throwing stars are still illegal to own in Indiana. The pertinent law relating to throwing stars states that owning, buying, selling or carrying “any knife-like weapon with blades set at different angles” is a Class C misdemeanor.[iii]

The restriction on ballistic knives is incredibly broad. Notably, Indiana does not simply limit ownership of ballistic knives. The relevant law on ballistic knives reads as follows: “It is a Class B misdemeanor for a person to manufacture, possess, display, offer, sell, lend, give away, or purchase any knife with a detachable blade that may be ejected from the handle as a projectile by means of gas, a spring, or any other device contained in the handle of the knife.”[iv] (emphasis added)

Indiana Knife Laws Moving Forward

Given that there is no state preemption law, knife owners should weary about carrying either open or concealed in government buildings, school grounds or public parks. From a review of the state’s legislative docket, there is no indication that there will be changes to the knife laws in the future. For now, knife owners in Indiana can rest assured that they live in own of the most straightforward states.

[i] Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-5-2.5 (Effective July 1, 2013)

[ii] Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-5-2.5 (Effective July 1, 2013)

[iii] http://www.knifeden.com/knife-laws-in-indiana/

[iv] Burns Ind. Code Ann. § 35-47-5-2 (Effective July 1, 2013)

None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice.  I am not a lawyer.  Never take any action with legal consequences without first consulting with a lawyer licensed in your jurisdiction.  This article should not be relied upon for making legal decisions.  This information is provided for scholarship and general information only.

[ Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. I love this knife! It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]

Check out these related articles:

• What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC
• Best Survival Knife of for Under $100
• Best Folding Knives For Self-Defense
• Work Sharp Pocket Knife Sharpener Review
• SOG Tactical Tomahawk Review