Michigan State University’s Surplus Store is warning customers after discovering that several pens handed out for free during its Teachers Sale on July 8 contained hidden knives.

According to the Surplus Store's X account, the knife can be found after pulling apart the middle of the pen, revealing the knife blade. The pens feature a flashlight on one end, the other end with a working pen. 

Store officials said they became aware of the issue after the event and are urging anyone who picked up free pens at the sale to inspect them carefully.

"If you took any of the free pens, we ask that you look through them to ensure you don’t have one of these," the store wrote in a post.

The Teachers Sale, which took place Tuesday, July 8, is an annual event that offers discounted and free supplies to educators from across the state. It’s unclear how the pens with hidden knives ended up in the free item bin, and the Surplus Store has not indicated whether the items were donated, purchased or mistakenly placed among other inventory.

No injuries or incidents have been reported in connection with the knife pens, according to the store’s posts. However, store staff emphasized the importance of returning the items due to safety concerns and potential legal implications, especially in school or public settings where concealed weapons are prohibited.

MSU Surplus Store frequently sells and distributes a variety of used and surplus items ranging from office supplies and furniture to electronics and lab equipment. It also conducts special sales like the Teachers Sale to support the campus community and promote sustainability through reuse and recycling.

Anyone who finds a pen containing a hidden knife is asked to contact the Surplus Store at surpluss@msu.edu.