Lesche the Impaler

[Silver Simon]

I received my Lesche digger this afternoon, and I am impressed with the quality! My only concern is that it looks like a deadly 7" blade, especially with the root chopping edge. Here in Michigan, knife laws dictate that you cannot carry a fixed/folding blade over 3" long. I know this isn't considered a knife, but it seems like I might have some explaining to do if the local authorities see it strapped on my hip.

Has anyone had issues with their digger being confused for a weapon?

I had thought about carrying my knife for protection while MD, but I suppose I do not need it, as it appears that my Lesche could seriously ruin someone's weekend if they tried to mess with me.

 

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[Produce Guy]

First up,welcome to this site,you'll be on it allot,2nd. I think if you do get in trouble with the law,you can show them what you actually do with it,on some sites it's discribed as a sod cutter.

 

[richbat]

Well look at this way you could have bought a Hori Hori and had a real hard time explaining that one.LOL

 

[olfacere]

It's not classified as a weapon, but it looks like a deadly, 7" blade because it is a deadly, 7" blade. There's always the argument that you could just as effectively use almost any kind of tool to deadly effect, but if someone wants to make a stink out of it, then it really is a 7" blade. If you're under the radar and have a good spiel in case someone approaches, you should be fine. Make sure you pay attention to how you're holding it, though. Hold it like something used for digging instead of gouging and hold it softly.

 

[Coureur de Bios]

It appears to boil down to a question of "intent". The law regarding the 3 inch knife blade is covered in MCL 750.226 as an excerpt of The Michigan Penal Code Act of 1931.

It states, in part,: ....."with intent to use the knife unlawfully against another, shall not go armed with a knife having a blade over 3 inches in length."

This poses another interesting question which deserves a legal opinion. With the adoption of Michigan's 'Castle Doctrine' which clarifies the right to self protection up to and including lethal force, would that not reinforce the 'intent' to 'lawfully' carry, openly, a knife of any blade size for self protection? We have always taught the Castle Doctrine's no retreat concept at concealed pistol classes but I never heard it applied to other means of self defense.

Will have to pursue it.

 

[dougofpa]

Make no mistake.....it is a bad a$$ tool.

 

[Critical Recovery]

Don't worry about it.
It is a tool, and if some jackbooted thug wants to harass you he has no grounds as it was designed as, and is being used a a digging tool.
I had a dulled AK47 bayonet when I was in MI, and I talked to many cop types and they could care less.

 

[TerryC]

Two people beat up a guy, locally, using baseball bats. Do you think there will be a baseball bat "turn in" program? NOOOOOO! Some day, the Leshe will end up in court to define it's purpose. I don't think anyone has attacted anyone with a Leche so I think you're safe from prosecution. TTC

 

[shinerod]

Don't worry about it.
It is a tool, and if some jackbooted thug wants to harass you he has no grounds as it was designed as, and is being used a a digging tool.
I had a dulled AK47 bayonet when I was in MI, and I talked to many cop types and they could care less.

I'm glad that the Michigan cops don't care about me detecting either. Sometimes they'll slow down for a second, then nod and drive off.

 

[fistfulladirt]

Every fall thousands of deer hunters in Michigan are gutting deer carrying knives having less than 3" blades? I can't recall ever seeing it.
I've never had trouble with the cops driving by, me on public property with my Lesche.