CA Law: Definitive Q&A

D

Darknight

Joined
Jul 17, 2000
Messages
22
Hi all. I've tried to do my own research as to this subject time and time again only to become more confused then I was to start. However I have come to something of an understanding which I would like to run by you. Here we go: It is legal for me to carry a one-hand opening pocket knife of any blade length so long as, it isn't automatic, the knife is closed, And it is worn openly(not concealed-kept from open view in any way). Here are my specifics: I live inn Anaheim CA, usually carry a "tactical folder" with a blade length between 3-4 inches. and I wear the knife clipped to the inside of my right pants pocket with the clip and a small part of the knife in plain view, unobstructed by clothing in any way. Here's where the trouble might start. Its usually a black knife, with black clip, sitting in the pocket of black jeans. I know this is long-winded, but I think this will clarify some things for a lot of people. Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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"Anything worth fighting for is worth fighting dirty for."
 
In CA it is illegal to carry on your person or in the driver and passenger area of your car any switchblade, gravity knife, or balisong. Any other folding knife of any length can be carried, and can be concealed so long as it is not locked in the open position. Any size or style fixed blade can be carried, so long as it is not concealed on your person. A folding knife which is designed to open with one hand with a hole/disk/stud is not a gravity knife, even if it can be opened with a flick of the wrist. So your tactical folder can be legally carried and concealed under state law. I don't know whether or not Anaheim has more restrictive laws, and the definition of concealment varies from place to place, so check your local laws. According to state law, you're fine, and would be even if the knife were concealed. Hope this helps - if you have any more questions someone here should be able to help you out.


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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"I have often laughed at the weaklings who call themselves kind because they have no claws"

- Zarathustra
 
I just got Kershaw minitask and once you push the thumbstud out a little it flicks open on its own. Is this considered a switchblade? Is this going to depend on the mood of the cop?
 
I own a Ken Onion Blackout and from what I understand its not considered an automatic, but jsut to stay on the safe side I tend not to carry it to places where its likley to be found by a law enforcement officer.

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"Anything worth fighting for is worth fighting dirty for."
"First you get the sugar, then you get the power. And then, you get the women."
"Will act for food."
 
On my reading of 653k, a speedsafe knife is not a switchblade because it does not open automatically, but requires you to push on the thumbstud. However, a cop may disagree, and you may have to go to court to prove that you were not breaking the law. I would not carry one if I expected a cop to search me that day, I would carry one every other day
smile.gif


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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"I have often laughed at the weaklings who call themselves kind because they have no claws"

- Zarathustra
 
I'd be more likely to carry "interesting"
knives if I had any sense of security at all
that I wouldn't be illegally searched by any
cop who felt like it. I've been searched in
such circumstances too many times to assume
it won't happen again.

We don't just need better knife laws but also
more stringent protection against illegal and
unreasonable search...

T.
 
OK, first thing, we've been talking about CALIFORNIA knife laws, not Canada.

Whoever did the title for this thread screwed up - DO NOT use "CA" as an abbreviation.

OK? Please? Just DON'T.

I've got some old BF California knife law threads linked here: http://www.ninehundred.com/~equalccw/blades.html

Penal Code 653k specifically declared thumbstud pushopen knifes LEGAL. It's hard to see how the Onion Speedsafe fails to be protected under that cool rule.

Jim
 
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