Can we change the laws?

[jeff357@tds.net]

I am an avid knife nut, and like to carry larger tactical folders. My EDC is a 4" Cold Steel Recon 1. I have never had any trouble from LEO or anyone else, and like any sensible person only ue my knife for sensible tasks. I am trying to enforce in my three sons the importance of a man having a good, dependable, sharp knife in his possesion at all times, be it a Shrade Old Timer Stockman, or a tactical folder.

I also am a liscensed CPL holder in the state of MIchigan. My biggest concern is being involved in a routine traffice stop while carrying my gun, and getting in a tight spot over my knife. I know that Michigan law has the "with intent to do bodily harm" clause:jerkit: when refering to the legal blade length, but that does not give me confidence that I would not have my CPL revoked over the knife. This hypothetical situation being considered with that assumption that the only thing I have done wrong was to exceed the speed limit or forget to buckle my seatbelt.

Any advise on the most effective way to try and change Michigan knife laws? Understadably this would be a monumental task for the average guy to attempt. Historically speaking, all it takes is a small group of determined, average guys to shake things up. I am open to ideas

 

[darth kcorbe]

no advice for you other than be careful.
the only way to affect change is mass organization. that's why the NRA has clout. a single person changing laws only happens in movies. everyone in history who gets credited with bringing about change would have just been anouther inmate without the support of millions of people.

when the state of society dictates that you can carry a loaded gun on your person but get into trouble over a folding knife, there seems little hope of getting people to listen to reason.

dun dun..
dun dun dundundundun...

Everywhere i hear the sounds of marching charging feet boy......

 

[shootist16]

Put together argument and contact your state representative. You'll need to find someone that is willing to sponsor some legislation. As stated above, their is power in numbers.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Welcome to Bladeforums!

There are organizations already working to support our rights as they concern knives: AKTI and KnifeRights. You can find links to both in my signature line. Check them out, read a bit, and see if they have any ideas applicable to your interests.

The first step in any program of this sort is to let people know there is another opinion than that so clumsily built into current law. Whenever you get a chance, write to a legislator or a newspaper. If knives come up in conversation, let the group see that you are the reasonable one, and the anti-knife side is the hothead.

This won't change laws overnight, but it may get the attention of other people who will work with you, and it's the beginning of an educational campaign, which is how cultural priorities have to be shifted.

 

[jill jackson]

Kentucky had the common sense to allow anyone with a CDW(in our case concealed deadly weapon means just that, any weapon prohibited by law to be carried concealed) permit to carry any knife. That means any blade length and even an auto. Maybe it would be easier since you have a permit to try to change the law to allow CPL holders to carry more than just pistols, concealed? If it is looked at in a common sense manner it's pretty easy to see that if you are trusted with a loaded concealed pistol, you certainly should be trusted with a knife irregardless of blade size. Of course the people that make the laws aren't known for looking at things with "common sense".