Can I own a knife in Michigan for self defense?

As far a pepper spray goes, go to Wal-Mart or Meijer and pick up a canister of SabreRed. Its Michigan Legal and has a 15 ft Spray. Its about the same or hotter then most police departments carry.

If you are interested n carrying a firearm, Taser, or Stun gun, go check out these guys..

http://www.legallyarmedindetroit.com/

They are great people and will help you develop a self defense strategy.

Because of the 2nd amendment and the NRA, it is actually often times MORE illegal to have pepper spray or a knife over some magic limit than to have a gun. Heck in Michigan to legally carry a tazer or stun-gun you need to be able to legally carry a firearm.

And honestly, a tiny 21 year old girl with knife whose blade is no longer than my pinkie is going to STILL read 'easy prey'

Being other than easy prey really starts with situational awareness, the vibe you put out, not carrying a pocket knife or rape whistle. (heck a rape whistle may be a better tool than a small pocket knife)

It's also being smart. It's things like choosing shoes you can run in, even if it means being less fashionable, or having to carry a different more work appropriate pair with you.

However if I had to choose a non-firearm weapon that was Detroit Legal I'd go with a big maglite flashlight.

I carry a knife for self defense, but I fully accept the fact that if I end up using a knife I will be extremely likely to be seriously injured myself simply due to the fact that to be in close enough to use my knife on THEM, I am close enough for THEM to use their knives, fists, bricks, chains, etc on me. A knife doesn't stop a fight fast, so if I deliver a deep slash they are still going to be able to fight right back.

At best, your attacker's blood on YOUR knife is going to be used as very solid evidence against your attacker when he is being tried for your murder.

A knife is not a valid self defense tool for most people- they require far too much training to be effective, and to be within knife range means that your attacker will be within range to grab you and take the knife, most likely. You're 21; Michigan has laws that allow someone 21 years of age to carry concealed handguns with the proper permits.

Go here:

http://michigan.gov/msp/1,1607,7-123-1591_3503_465...

Read through that list of requirements. If you are eligible to carry concealed, consider doing so. A firearm is the only tool that can put a tiny 21 year old white girl on the same footing as a 300 pound gang member.

You can carry a knife concealed if the blade is 3" or under ( remember its a tool not a weapon wink wink ) otherwise it's considered a concealed weapon.You can get pepper spray but it can only be so potent.You might be able to get it from Dunham's.Or you can shoot down tho Ohio ( not sure where you are exactly but if you are in the Detroit Metro are but Ohio is about 30 mins away )

Knive fighting is not a good alternative, most people don't have a clue, and in my opinion, the knive is a last *defensive* alternative- in trained hands.

Better plan:

Obtain a quality handgun - with a minimum caliber at least 380 ACP

Find a defensive handgun class- attend it

Apply for a Michigan weapons permit.

Learn to carry and fight with a handgun.

Keep up the situational awareness. The best fight is the one you avoided.

get a can of wasp spay and put in your purse it will shot 30 feet and burn the hell of there eyes and there is no law against having it and unlike a knife it will give you time to run