California Knife Law "Simplified" Q&A Need to Know Whats LEGAL Whats Not

S

SREagle1

Joined
Dec 25, 2013
Messages
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Hello I am new here and have some basic Questions and Requesting some Basic/ Simple Answers.
A. If your Intent is to be a SA please feel free to go elsewhere Thank You.
B. For the vast Majority that are here to help Educate not only myself but Others as well Please try to keep it Simple I for one Especially Appreciate your help your Time and Knowledge.

Questions;
Based upon Calif STATE Knife Law Only, NOT Local Government i.e. Cities, Counties
Knife Type: Assisted or Non-Assisted with Locking Mechanism
Knife Examples: Benchmade barrage/ Adamas 275/ Spyderco Paramilitary/ Kershaw Blur/ Cold Steel Recon 1/ Etc.. NO-AUTO KNIFES for these Questions.
1. A knife with a Pocket Clip and used as such is Considered CONCEALED ? or NOT CONCEALED ?
2. Same Knife as #1 Legal Carry or Has to be Completely Inside ones Pocket ?

Fixed Blade Knife
1. What is Legal to Open Carry ?
2. Any Blade Length Restrictions i.e. Nothing over 9" for Example ?

ALL KNIFES
The Do's & Don'ts of Knife Carry

Other Questions or Comments are welcomed Pertaining to CALIFORNIA STATE KNIFE LAWS,
I would like to Thank Blade Forums and it's members in Advance for there Help & Participation.
Steven
 
SREagle1 said:
Knife Type: Assisted or Non-Assisted with Locking Mechanism
Click to expand...
Assisted knives and locking knives (regardless of the type of lock) are all LEGAL under CA state law.

Knife Examples: Benchmade barrage/ Adamas 275/ Spyderco Paramilitary/ Kershaw Blur/ Cold Steel Recon 1/
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All of these^ knives are LEGAL under CA state law.

1. A knife with a Pocket Clip and used as such is Considered CONCEALED ? or NOT CONCEALED ?
2. Same Knife as #1 Legal Carry or Has to be Completely Inside ones Pocket ?
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It is completely LEGAL to carry any size of manual-opening folder openly or concealed under CA state law. Since it is LEGAL to carry folders both openly and concealed, the issues of visibility and pocket clips are irrelevant.

Fixed Blade Knife
1. What is Legal to Open Carry ?
2. Any Blade Length Restrictions i.e. Nothing over 9" for Example ?
Click to expand...
Under CA state law, we can openly carry almost any type of fixed-blade. By "any type" I mean- any size, any blade length, almost any style, single or double-edged. And by almost I'm referring to "knuckle-knives". Knives with metal knuckles attached are illegal.

ALL KNIFES
The Do's & Don'ts of Knife Carry
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There are many. Mostly just use common sense, and read the laws for yourself. There are laws restricting what type of knives that you can carry onto public school grounds. And there are laws regarding the carrying of knives into state government buildings.

A few general things that I will mention are- never refer to your knife as a weapon when dealing with cops. And, the owners of private property have the legal right to tell you to leave if they don't like you openly carrying a knife on their property, and you are required to leave if they tell you to.

Naturally there's a lot more to this topic, but that's all I've got for you at the moment.
 
Thank You,
I asked as I have seen in at least one place in the Law where it says "as long as it's a CONCEALED locking knife" it's legal, not the exact words but that is what i got out of it.
I want to Carry my Benchmade 275 Adamas in a Sheath on my belt and it may or may not be concealed depending upon my clothing i.e. a jacket. lose shirt etc...
I am a law abiding citizen and thought I would bring up this topic Hope it helps out others as it has helped me,
I may have a few other questions I will post here.
Steven
 
It is only legal to carry a fixed blade knife openly. You CAN NOT conceal a fixed blade. So I would be careful about what I wore covering up a fixed blade. Folders are OK to conceal at any length.
 
SREagle1 said:
Thank You,
I asked as I have seen in at least one place in the Law where it says "as long as it's a CONCEALED locking knife" it's legal, not the exact words but that is what i got out of it.
I want to Carry my Benchmade 275 Adamas in a Sheath on my belt and it may or may not be concealed depending upon my clothing i.e. a jacket. lose shirt etc...
I am a law abiding citizen and thought I would bring up this topic Hope it helps out others as it has helped me,
I may have a few other questions I will post here.
Steven
Click to expand...
You're welcome.

But remember, you specifically asked about STATE law. There are counties/cities in CA that have their own, more restrictive knife laws that trump state law. For example- Los Angeles limits the length of blade on any knife that is carried OPENLY to under 3". However there are exemptions to that law- if you are carrying a knife for work or legitimate recreational purposes (fishing, camping, etc) and can prove it, then the length limit doesn't apply to you.

It's always important to know if your county/city has it's own knife laws and to know what they are. Doing something that is legal under state law might get you arrested and put in jail as a result of local laws.
 
Personally unless you are up to date and know the knife law in the specific area you are in I wouldn't carry a fixed blade. In fact even if you know for a fact it's legal I wouldn't carry one unless you were out in a rural area, in cities you cause people to be a lot more nervous around you and some people may panic a little and the likely hood of having a cop called on your skyrockets. And being a cop doesn't mean they know knife laws, I have talked to many of them and an attorney (classroom settings) and in general I was quite a bit more knowledgeable.

State laws are easy, local laws makes things quite hairy and annoying. Oakland for example has another 3in limit on knives and I am not positive on this part but I think fixed blades are illegal. Government buildings such as court houses, police stations, post offices, etc your looking at another 2.5in limit. In the city I live in it generally falls onto the state law, but a neighboring city has the annoying 3in limit. If I go to a larger city nearby I think they have a 2.5 or 3in limit that is in place for "loitering" which falls upon whatever the cop deems it to be in general.

If your visiting Ca and going to several cities, my advice a folding knife 2.5in or shorter. A 84mm SAK fit's this bill perfectly and can be carried very discretely and if you ever do have a run in with a cop it will go by a whole lot smoother than the Adamas on your side.
 
Here's some of my personal experience carrying knives in California- For ten years now I have been openly carrying a fixed-blade daily in public here in urban San Diego. I've openly carried my fixed-blade in the presence of many cops, some of them close enough to reach over and touch my knife. And yet, not one of them has ever said a word about it, much less hassle me over it. And in all this time not one person has ever called the cops on me. Prior to openly carrying a fixed-blade, I openly carried a Buck 110 in a sheath on my belt for around 20 years. And I never had any negative experiences as a result. And I'm not alone. I know, and have seen, several other people who openly carry fixed-blades in San Diego.

Based on my firsthand experience here in California, it would be easy for me to say that cops WON'T hassle people for openly carry a fixed-blade. But I would never tell other people to base their choice of knife on MY experience. Just as I would never tell people that they should base their choice of knife on the hypothetical possibility of what other people, or cops, might do.
 
killgar said:
Here's some of my personal experience carrying knives in California- For ten years now I have been openly carrying a fixed-blade daily in public here in urban San Diego. I've openly carried my fixed-blade in the presence of many cops, some of them close enough to reach over and touch my knife. And yet, not one of them has ever said a word about it, much less hassle me over it. And in all this time not one person has ever called the cops on me. Prior to openly carrying a fixed-blade, I openly carried a Buck 110 in a sheath on my belt for around 20 years. And I never had any negative experiences as a result. And I'm not alone. I know, and have seen, several other people who openly carry fixed-blades in San Diego.

Based on my firsthand experience here in California, it would be easy for me to say that cops WON'T hassle people for openly carry a fixed-blade. But I would never tell other people to base their choice of knife on MY experience. Just as I would never tell people that they should base their choice of knife on the hypothetical possibility of what other people, or cops, might do.
Click to expand...

Just another data point that supports my opinion that San Diego is the best city in California. :D
 
I'm with killgar on every point, just change the city to Stockton, CA. The only issues I have had with law enforcement has been one particularly quick-to-judge university cop. She is a badged officer of the law, but belongs to the university police. I was at a gas station buying a candy bar, had a 2.75" fixed blade hunter on the strap of my messenger bag. She told me it was illegal and she would have to confiscate it because the blade was longer than the width of the palm of her hand. Not only are such subjective measurments FALSE, she also couldn't even give me the actual laws reguarding knife carry ON CAMPUS, which I was not. I recited the actual laws to her and instilled enough doubt in her mind, politely mind you, that she didn't press it any further. I also offered to bring up the current city code on my phone, if I was infact wrong I would gladly forfeit my knife.

But, rule #1 with any encounter with law enforcement is to pass the "attitude test." Being a blatant d**k about it, even if you are completely in th right will just make things way worse. Know your local laws, know when they change and always, be polite and sincere to officers asking questions.


-Xander
 
I appreciate all the helpful Post here.
I would like address the Local Cities/ Counties here in the upcoming Days HERE then Schools Etc... but for Now would like to stay on Point for STATE KNIFE LAWS Only at this Time, It's not my Intention to be rude or controlling but rather ORGANIZED to the extent for FUTURE Readers of this Forum "Perhaps they Make a Sticky HERE for Reference"

QUESTION
The Definition of DIRKs & DAGGERs as Referred in STATE-LAW ? I ask as this seems to me a bit Confusing at Times in reading the Law
 
Is there any length fixed knife allowed to be concealed? 1 inch 0.5 inch?

Are there any kind of small knifes allowed in all schools and public buildings and events?

I am asking because I never really need a big knife but would like to EDC one at all times and not having to worry about what I can carry where and when.
 
California penal code 16470 defines "dirks" and "daggers" as- "A knife or other instrument with or without a hand guard that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon...".

This definition includes many items, including but not limited to- all fixed-blades, ANY folding knife with the blade all the way open, icepick type items, sharpened screwdrivers, home-made shanks and shivs, etc.

Although it isn't illegal to own or carry any of those items, it is illegal to carry such items concealed. There is no mention of double-edged blades anywhere in the CA penal code.

It is illegal to carry ANY fixed-blade concealed in CA, regardless of size.

In regards to schools, under California penal code 626.10, it is illegal to carry any "dirk" or "dagger", any folding knife with a locking blade, or any non-locking folder with a blade longer than 2.5", on any public OR private school property. There are exceptions for people like cops, firefighters, school employees with special permission, etc, but not for average civilians like students and parents of students.

So basically, on any public or private school grounds, you can only legally carry a slipjoint with a blade no longer than 2.5", and it must not be carried with the blade open.
 
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CITIES & COUNTIES
Questions about Legal Carry in California CITIES/ COUNTIES

I have a Few I would like to know about any Informative Links Welcomed too.

1. Riverside County
2. Hemet
3. San Jacinto
4. Perris
5. Moreno Valley
6. Menifee
7. Murrieta
8. Temecula
9. Etc Surrounding Areas/ or Your City/ County
Please feel free to chime in on your Local Area Knife Laws, and any Web Links too...

I have to Say Everyone here has been so helpful, kind and very Informative, a NICE change from other Forums that tend to be on the rude side.
Steven
 
killgar said:
California penal code 16470 defines "dirks" and "daggers" as- "A knife or other instrument with or without a hand guard that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon...".

This definition includes many items, including but not limited to- all fixed-blades, ANY folding knife with the blade all the way open, icepick type items, sharpened screwdrivers, home-made shanks and shivs, etc.

Although it isn't illegal to own or carry any of those items, it is illegal to carry such items concealed. There is no mention of double-edged blades anywhere in the CA penal code.

It is illegal to carry ANY fixed-blade concealed in CA, regardless of size.

In regards to schools, under California penal code 626.10, it is illegal to carry any "dirk" or "dagger", any folding knife with a locking blade, or any non-locking folder with a blade longer than 2.5", on any public OR private school property. There are exceptions for people like cops, firefighters, school employees with special permission, etc, but not for average civilians like students and parents of students.

So basically, on any public or private school grounds, you can only legally carry a slipjoint with a blade no longer than 2.5", and it must not be carried with the blade open.
Click to expand...
Awesome, that a 2.5 not locking folder would be allowed everywhere in CA.
Great that means my SAK pioneer for example can go anywhere with me.

Thank you for your help!
 
In regards to schools, under California penal code 626.10, it is illegal to carry any "dirk" or "dagger", any folding knife with a locking blade, or any non-locking folder with a blade longer than 2.5", on any public OR private school property. There are exceptions for people like cops, firefighters, school employees with special permission, etc, but not for average civilians like students and parents of students.

So basically, on any public or private school grounds, you can only legally carry a slipjoint with a blade no longer than 2.5", and it must not be carried with the blade open.

The way I read the SCHOOL Knife Carry LAWs are
LEGAL to Carry any Folding Knife lock blade or non lock blade as long as it is not in Opened In the Locked Position & It's Under 2.5 Inches in Blade length.
Question
What is a Slipjoint ?
What about Fixed Blade Open Carry in Schools ? Note; I could not Imagine why anyone would but I bet there could be a reasonable explanation under certain circumstances.
 
SREagle1 said:
In regards to schools, under California penal code 626.10, it is illegal to carry any "dirk" or "dagger", any folding knife with a locking blade, or any non-locking folder with a blade longer than 2.5", on any public OR private school property. There are exceptions for people like cops, firefighters, school employees with special permission, etc, but not for average civilians like students and parents of students.

So basically, on any public or private school grounds, you can only legally carry a slipjoint with a blade no longer than 2.5", and it must not be carried with the blade open.

The way I read the SCHOOL Knife Carry LAWs are
LEGAL to Carry any Folding Knife lock blade or non lock blade as long as it is not in Opened In the Locked Position & It's Under 2.5 Inches in Blade length.
Question
What is a Slipjoint ?
What about Fixed Blade Open Carry in Schools ? Note; I could not Imagine why anyone would but I bet there could be a reasonable explanation under certain circumstances.
Click to expand...
Not answering your main question. Just an open carry fixed scenario at schools.
Did a few years research on plants in a univ lab. Almost every day I needed a fixed scalpel to cut small roots of plants to be infected with soil bacteria. Never had a special permission but would have gotten one if I knew that fixed knifes are illegal. Unlikely my co workers and me would have gotten arrested but I like doing things by the book.

Just to be clear. I never carried the knife-scalpel outside our bldg. :)
 
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