Growing up in Michigan, pocket knives were as common as flashlights or screwdrivers, simply a tool used for many practical purposes. For many Michiganders, a pocket knife isn’t a weapon, it’s part of everyday carry. From opening packages to cutting string, it serves countless mundane yet essential functions. Yet, under current Michigan law, folding pocket knives are restricted to a blade length of no more than 3 inches. I believe that this regulation is unnecessarily strict and does not reflect the realities of knife ownership in our state.

For years, thousands of gas stations and stores across Michigan have legally sold knives ranging from 3.5 to 4 inches in blade length. These are knives designed to fold neatly into one’s pocket, providing ease of carrying and safe handling. The fact that these knives can be so readily purchased, yet remain illegal to carry, creates a confusing paradox.

I am proposing amending the current knife restriction law to allow Michiganders to legally carry folding pocket knives with blades up to 4 inches in length. This modification will still respect the existing ban on automatic knives exceeding 3 inches, thus preserving the integrity of personal and public safety.

The current legislation is counterintuitive and hinders practical knife usage. By allowing 4" folding knives, we acknowledge their role as practical tools, not potential weapons. This change would modernize our laws, align them with common practices, and eliminate unnecessary criminalization of ordinary citizens.

Please join me in calling on Michigan legislators to revisit and amend the existing knife laws to accommodate both the practicality and the preference of Michiganders. Sign this petition to support the change and affirm our right to responsibly owned cutting tools.