Assisted Openers Legal In LA, CA?

[Duffin444]

I am pretty new to the knife world and would like to say hello!

I have a few questions that maybe some of you know the answers for. I live in Los Angeles County (not the city). I believe that the California and LA County laws apply to me as well as my city laws. My city laws do not mention knives at all, however, so I believe that the only laws that are applicable to knives and me are the California ones and the LA County ones. Am I right in this?

The California laws are explained very well at this website. I have read the latest laws and nothing appears to have changed in the letter of the law since that article was written, but has the interpretation changed? I like the explanations very much (and I trust them) but are they current? I am mainly interested in assisted openers like rush line made by buck. It seems as though these knives are on the edge of legality, have they tipped over the edge into illegality yet?

Looking at the Los Angeles County Municipal Code I am stumped. The actual text of the code that deals with knives seems to be quite simple. However, when I look at the definition of "knives and daggers" I get very confused. Does the part that reads "any spring-blade, switch-blade or snap-blade knife; any knife any blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device" include the assisted opening knives? I have had a terrible time trying to get an answer to this question.

I really appreciate any feedback that I can get from anyone, especially a LEO.

Thank you everyone!
-Duffin

 

[donteatgrandma]

i think that the words automatically released are key here...as long as it it assisted opening, be it spring, gravity, or otherwise, i THINK it's ok. at least that was what i was told at a local knife shop.

 

[Duffin444]

@donteatgrandma: Thanks for your opinion. I interpret the line that you pointed out as you do. However, what about the "any spring-blade, switch-blade or snap-blade knife" part? This phrase is separated by semi-colons and seems to be an independent statement.

I would REALLY like the "inside" opinion of a LEO as they are experienced on the subject and have the "inside" feel on how the law is interpreted by the law enforcement community. I don't really care as to the opinions outcome, I just want to know and be safe.

Thank you!
-Duffin

 

[Ascoe]

There are police forums, possibly you could find one and ask them there? They may interpret the law differently than a knife forum :]

I'm fairly sure they are legal, but "any spring blade" could be construed a ban on assisted openers.

Personally I think the assisted opens are safer than non assided. Nothing is more dangerous to the user than a half-open blade.

edit - another good option is getting a sub 2 inch auto, as they are legal for civilians in CA. The city of LA very well may be different.

 

[Argyll]

Even if you find cop to answer your question, its really not going to settle anything. LEOs are notoriously ill informed of knife laws, and at any rate opinions will vary. I personally believe assisted openers are a gray area in general, and even more so under the local ordinance you cited. If your concerned about it, or are likely to get stopped and searched, you might want to think about carrying somethings else.

Best regards,
Argyll

 

[allyourblood]

don't forget: "Switchblade knife" does not include a knife that opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position."

abe

 

[allyourblood]

Even if you find cop to answer your question, its really not going to settle anything. LEOs are notoriously ill informed of knife laws, and at any rate opinions will vary.

there's the understatement of the year!

i carry my AOs in confidence, but i am definitely aware that any LEO that sees it is going to confiscate it and i may have to hack my way thru some red tape to get it back and avoid a fine (or worse!). i'm willing to accept that, and i make every effort to keep myself out of situations that might result in my being questioned about my knife.

i've been pulled over with friends twice while carrying an AO (both times were well-meaning stops, no crimes committed, and no "warnings"; ie: both times we were being 100% law-abiding), and knives never entered the picture. a friend of mine had his Scallion taken from him and then returned, no questions asked (on a separate occasion). i think this proves that if you're on the "up and up", more often than not, you won't have to concern yourself with confiscation/fines/detention.

abe

 

[hso]

LEOs are often knowledgable about the clear cut distinctions of the law they deal with day in and day out. Whether an assisted opener falls under the switchblade definiton of a particular law is one of those fine distinctions that I wouldn't consult an LEO that wasn't a knife collector about. Nor would I ask a knife shop employee.

The two best sources of whether the knife is legal under the particular law would be Kershaw or the AKTI. They will have spent some time, and money, determining if this type of knife is legal or not.

http://www.kershawknives.com/small.htm

http://akti.org/

My personal interpretation of your regulations is that an assisited opener is not the same as a switchblade because you have to open the blade manually before the mechanism engages and it has a thumbstud and resists opening before the mechanism engages.

 

[Duffin444]

When you post a reply as reasonable and well thought out as that how can I argue?

Thank you all for your answers and if anybody else has anything to add please do.

Thanks,
Duffin

 

[pigsfly]

Let me see if I have this straight: In LA county, I can legally carry an automatic knife if it is under 2" in length and it is concealed. But if I wear it on my belt, it is illegal. Does that seem backward to anyone?

 

[SteelDriver]

The LA Municipal Code and LA County Code are nearly identical in their knife laws, probably because one followed the other. Here's the municipal code:

SEC. 55.10. CARRY KNIVES OR DAGGERS IN PLAIN VIEW PROHIBITED.

(Added by Ord. No. 162,995, Eff. 1/7/88.)

(a) As used in this section, the term “knife” or “dagger” shall include any knife, dirk or dagger having a blade 3 inches or more in length, any ice pick or similar sharp tool, any straight edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle.

(b) No person shall wear or carry in plain view any knife or dagger upon any public street or other public place or in any place open to the public.

(c) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply where a person is wearing or carrying a knife or dagger for use in a lawful occupation, for lawful recreational purposes, or as a recognized religious practice, or while the person is traveling to or returning from participation in such activity.

And here is the county code:

13.62.010 Knives and daggers defined.
As used in this chapter, the terms "knives and daggers" shall include any knife having a blade of three inches or more in length; any spring-blade, switch-blade or snap-blade knife; any knife any blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device; any ice pick or similar sharp stabbing tool; any straight-edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle. (Ord. 11915 § 1, 1979.)

13.62.020 Carrying knives and daggers in plain view prohibited.
It is unlawful for any person to carry on his person, in plain view, any knife or dagger. (Ord. 11915 § 2, 1979.)

13.62.030 Exemptions to chapter applicability.
The foregoing restrictions shall not be deemed to prohibit the carrying of ordinary tools or equipment for use in a lawful occupation or for the purpose of lawful recreation, or where the carrying of a knife or dagger is a recognized religious practice. (Ord. 11915 § 3, 1979.)

13.62.040 Violation -- Penalty.
Any person violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not exceeding $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 11915 § 4, 1979.)

It appears that assisted-opening folders fall under the category of "any knife any blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device." You should consult with a lawyer in LA county who is familiar with the knife laws for a more definite answer.