Knives
MCL 750.227 — stabbing weapons concealed or in a vehicle, and a hunting knife excepted
In Michigan, the concealed weapons section bars carrying a dagger, dirk, stiletto, a double-edged nonfolding stabbing instrument of any length, or any other dangerous weapon, concealed on or about the person, or, concealed or not, in a vehicle the person operates or occupies, except a hunting knife adapted and carried as such.
Home, business and one's own land. The section does not reach carrying in one's dwelling house, place of business or on other land one possesses. A violation is a felony punishable by imprisonment for up to 5 years or a fine of up to $2,500.
Intent makes it a different offense. Going armed with a dagger, dirk, razor, stiletto, a knife with a blade over 3 inches, or any other dangerous or deadly weapon, 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.
| The assumption | What the law actually does |
|---|---|
| The assumptionAny knife in a car is a felony | What the law actually doesThe section lists the knives it covers, and excepts a hunting knife adapted and carried as such |
| The assumptionBlade length decides everything | What the law actually doesLength matters to the unlawful intent offense, over 3 inches, not to the listed stabbing weapons |
Federal buildings, courthouses, airports, schools and private property with its own rules are separate questions, and so are court decisions on whether a listed knife is protected by the Second Amendment. Whether a particular knife, or a particular way of carrying it, falls inside the section is a question for a licensed Michigan attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- MCL 750.227 — Carrying a concealed weapon
- MCL 750.226 — Firearm or dangerous or deadly weapon or instrument; carrying with unlawful intent
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Michigan attorney.