Balisongs in Michigan

[Whirlwind]

Could I legally own a balisong (butterfly knife) in Michigan? Could I walk downtown with it? What about concealed carry?

Thanks,

Whirlwind

 

[wam03]

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm#I-M

Whirlwind, check out the above link if you haven't already. I read Mr. Levine's case summary closely to answer the same question. My interpretation is "yes" to Balisongs being ok to own (I have one on order from 1sks), and "why" regarding carrying it. Like it or not, you should consider someone's reaction to seeing the knife you carry. Being legal isn't going to insulate you from attracting unwanted attention to yourself. For example, would you pull out a Balisong to cut rope at a boy scout camp? I've attended several with my son and I have no interest in seeing someone demontrate using a Balisong to a group of kids. Being legal isn't sufficient.

A few months ago I was called to Jury duty in Pontiac. I was in the jury pool where a guy was alleged to have pulled a "pocket knife" to defend himself (bad idea). I wasn't selected so I was eventually ushered out with the others, but I've always been curious as to what knife he used and what affect his "choice of carry" had on the jury. Put yourself in the defendent's position and imagine if the prosecutor pulled out your Balisong and showed it to the jury.

I won't be toting one around, legal or not.