Hey Robert,
I wish I could have a neck knife, too. It's really frustrating. I'd rather have a Spyderco Perrin or Temperance fixed blade in a belt sheath, but a neck knife would be great as well. Unfortunately, we can't have a concealed fixed blade in Calif. of any length, and there are problems with carrying a fixed blade in a belt sheath here (unwanted attention even if it's legal, blade length issues in some cities under local law).
Here's the deal with "concealed dirks or daggers" under California law. Penal Code Section 12020 says:
"12020. (a) Any person in this state who does any of the following
is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year
or in the state prison:
...
(4) Carries concealed upon his or her person any dirk or dagger."
Note that it says up to a year in county jail--this is a misdemeanor charge/conviction--or in the state prison. The state prison part is 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years (judge's choice), which is a felony charge/conviction.
I highly recommend you read all of Jim March's California knife laws page. It's a fantastic resource!
http://www.ninehundred.com/~equalccw/knifelaw.html
Here's a Bladeforums thread where I made some posts that will be of interest to you:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=215496
Also, here's how you can quickly look up California laws: Go to
http://www.sen.ca.gov click on Legislation, then on Codes.
Regards,
Johnny