california knife laws. be specific.

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knifeeater213

Joined
Jun 22, 2013
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just want to have some more info. the laws online seem to get very confusing and contradict them selves a lot. also my freinds dad is a police officer and he said spring assisted knives are illegal. also are there any adge restrictions. preaty muchc just post you knolage on this in the comments thanks!!!!!


-Max
 
CA doesn't restrict spring assist but it may very between each CITY, as in San Francisco you can't have them, but in SJ you can.
 
(You should post this in the Knife Laws subforum.)
In California:
Automatic knives are basically illegal if the blade is over 2". That means switchblades or typically a knife that is disengaged with a button or a switch and has a spring.
Assisted-opening knives are legal. Those are often confused with switchblades; the differences are technical.
I'm not aware of any age restrictions.
 
Your friend's father is misinformed. Assisted knives are not illegal in California. Other than that, I'm not too knowledgeable about the knife laws here. Nor do I care. After obtaining my CCW and carrying a gun on me every day it seems silly to worry about what kind of knife is in my pocket.
 
AFAIK, assisted opening folders are legal to import and carry in CA.

Push button autos, OTFs, and Balisongs are legal to own, but may not be imported or carried. There are, however, CA legal 2" switchblades.

I carry an assisted opening folder almost daily, and my buddy is a local Sheriff. He said that he would only question someone if they had a stiletto type switchblade. Assisted opening, purpose built work knives are not a problem.
 
Actually, I'd say that California's knife laws are very clear, and not at all contradictory.

Spring assisted knives are legal if there is a ball detent or other feature of the knife that has to be overcome in order to open the knife. Knives with blades designed to be opened by a flick of the wrist, or the pressing of a button or lever are considered "switchblades". It is illegal to carry any switchblade in public if the blade is 2 inches long or longer. It is legal to have longer bladed switchblades at home.

There are no age restrictions for carrying knives in California. However, there are very strict laws regarding carrying knives on school property (school property includes the parking lot, playgrounds, and sports fields). If I recall correctly, knives are not completely forbidden on public school grounds, but there are length restrictions.

I wouldn't take legal advice from a cop or ask them what the knife laws are. Cops often don't know every knife law, or they may just repeat something they've heard, or they might tell you that something is illegal just because THEY don't want you carrying it.

There are several knife laws in California, both state and local. I've commented on just a few here.

Of course, you should be wary of any legal advice provided by total strangers on the internet. When in doubt, do what I do- consult a criminal defense attorney.
 
First off, you can’t generalize knife laws in the “whole” state to be the same, you have to research the county you’re in, or about to visit.

I’ll tell you what I know & have researched over the years -

1) Basically you cannot carry - switchblades (greater than 2”), Ballisongs, gravity knives, dirks/daggers (however, if you’re dagger has a “false-edge,” it’s technically not a dagger which makes places like REI ok to sell a 530 - which is a dagger..)

2) You have to be over 18 to buy a knife in a shop. Online no one really checks as long as you have a valid CC.

3) You cannot carry a folder in the “locked position” while carrying in the streets. Therefore, carrying a folder, closed and concealed is legal - no real length issues if concealed.

4) Fixed knives are ok, just have to be carried on a belt, and not concealed.

5) You’re county might have specific school and other public spaces laws - so it’s up to you to research yours.

For me, I live in CA, and carry my folders concealed (no clip) in the front and back pockets of my pants. I have never had an issue with LE. Just be smart about when you pull your knives out and you’ll be good :) Hope this helps
 
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Forgot to mention, assisted-openers are legal for carry (for now :rolleyes:), just practice what you would say to LE if they ever found one on you.. Chances are, the police officer would not be to clear on carry laws and peg your assisted as an “auto.” Just remain calm, and explain its an assisted and technically not an “auto.” - no attitude also, other than that, that’s pretty much it..
 
P_Meticulous said:
dirks/daggers (however, if you’re dagger has a “false-edge,” it’s technically not a dagger which makes places like REI ok to sell a 530 - which is a dagger..)
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Fully sharpened double-edged knives are NOT illegal to sell, buy, own, or OPENLY carry according to California state law. California state law only mentions "dirks and daggers" as a generic term for "concealed stabbing weapon". California penal code 16470 specifically defines a "dirk or dagger" as "any item, with or without a guard, that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon". And even then such language only pertains to CONCEALED CARRY.

There is no mention of double-edges, or single-edges, or false edges, in California state law. Many items, even ones with NO edges, qualify as "dirks and daggers" under California law, including but not limited to - sharpened screwdrivers, icepicks, folders carried in the open and locked position, homemade shanks, etc. Basically, any item carried CONCEALED and capable of being used as a stabbing weapon.

Many stores here in California sell fully sharpened double-edged knives and daggers (I've bought several here), and it is completely legal under Ca state law to OPENLY carry double-edged knives. I know this because my lawyer explained the law to me in detail. I've carried fully sharpened double-edged knives openly on several occasions without concern here in San Diego.
 
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P_Meticulous said:
2) You have to be over 18 to buy a knife in a shop. Online no one really checks as long as you have a valid CC.
Click to expand...

Often true, but it's not part of any law. It's strictly stores setting sales policy to avoid getting sued, though sales reps have been observed lying by saying it is the law. A store or individual selling a knife to a minor violates no law of any kind at the state level if the sale would otherwise have been legal for an adult. Some local municipalities might have laws though.

knifeeater213 said:
what about Danvile CA.
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Contra Costa County has no knife laws
Source: http://library.municode.com/HTML/16286/level3/TIT4HESA_DIV44DAMA_CH44-4WE.html#TOPTITLE

Danville also does not have any knife laws, just firearm possession and discharge regs.
Source:http://www.amlegal.com/nxt/gateway.dll/California/danville_ca/volumeigeneralregulations/chapterivpoliceregulations?f=templates$fn=default.htm$3.0$vid=amlegal:danville_ca

Therefore, simply follow all state regs (I vouch for Killgar as the most accurate information).
 
Pretty much what everyone else said is right on the ball, and is true as far as my knowledge as I looked into Ca knife laws quite a bit to make sure I wasn't breaking them when I carry my Kershaw Tremor and than Cryo. The hard part is following all the local laws, just find them out beforehand. And if your extremely worried carry a small card on the penal code which defines a switchblade and why the spring assist doesn't qualify or at least memorize the penal code (or bookmark it on a smartphone if you have one).
 
This.

killgar said:
Fully sharpened double-edged knives are NOT illegal to sell, buy, own, or OPENLY carry according to California state law. California state law only mentions "dirks and daggers" as a generic term for "concealed stabbing weapon". California penal code 16470 specifically defines a "dirk or dagger" as "any item, with or without a guard, that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon". And even then such language only pertains to CONCEALED CARRY.

There is no mention of double-edges, or single-edges, or false edges, in California state law. Many items, even ones with NO edges, qualify as "dirks and daggers" under California law, including but not limited to - sharpened screwdrivers, icepicks, folders carried in the open and locked position, homemade shanks, etc. Basically, any item carried CONCEALED and capable of being used as a stabbing weapon.

Many stores here in California sell fully sharpened double-edged knives and daggers (I've bought several here), and it is completely legal under Ca state law to OPENLY carry double-edged knives. I know this because my lawyer explained the law to me in detail. I've carried fully sharpened double-edged knives openly on several occasions without concern here in San Diego.
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Also, a folder in the locked position and concealed can also be considered as a readily available weapon or a dirk/dagger. It is not limited to fixed blades, spikes, etc.
 
P_Meticulous said:
4) Fixed knives are ok, just have to be carried on a belt, and not concealed.
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Man I wish more people would take advantage of this freedom and freely carry their fixed blades. I would love to carry some of my fixed blades but here in Southern California it is very odd and unorthodox. If I were to be carrying a fixed blade in public I'd be getting funny looks from everyone and probably fearful ones too. In my entire lifetime living here I have only seen one person in my life carrying a fixed blade in public.

Does anyone know what the laws are on neck knives here in Southern California? I want to buy one of those hideaway type knives but not sure if I can carry them legally. The specific model I want has a blade under 2 inches if that makes any difference.
 
I have worn a kukri on my belt before.

yes they look but it is perfectly legal.

im wondering, are flippers considered assisted? It only takes 1 finger to open
 
Metal Made Fox said:
Man I wish more people would take advantage of this freedom and freely carry their fixed blades. I would love to carry some of my fixed blades but here in Southern California it is very odd and unorthodox. If I were to be carrying a fixed blade in public I'd be getting funny looks from everyone and probably fearful ones too. In my entire lifetime living here I have only seen one person in my life carrying a fixed blade in public.

Does anyone know what the laws are on neck knives here in Southern California? I want to buy one of those hideaway type knives but not sure if I can carry them legally. The specific model I want has a blade under 2 inches if that makes any difference.
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What part of SoCal are you in? I live in San Diego and have been openly carrying a fixed-blade daily for about nine years now without issue, and I'm a biker (I also carried one infrequently for several years before that, but only while riding at night). Of course, I don't look for any negative reactions from others, I generally ignore other people. It's certainly possible that people have stared or made comments that I couldn't hear, but I couldn't care less. I have also seen more people than I can remember carrying fixed-blades in urban San Diego, from other bikers, to construction workers, to clean-cut college looking guys, etc.

I'd say, if you want to carry a fixed-blade, then fulfill your own wish and start doing so. I too was originally reluctant to openly carry a fixed-blade at first, but after awhile, and after not having any negative experiences, now I don't think anything of it and it's just as normal to me as wearing shoes.

As far as neck knives, as long as they are not concealed (like under a shirt) then they are legal under California state law. California law does specifically say that knives "worn in sheaths suspended from the waist of the wearer" are legal, but since the law does not specifically say that wearing a knife hanging from the neck is illegal, that means it isn't a crime to do so. The law cannot specifically state every possible way that a person can legally carry a knife, so it specifically says which methods of carry are ILLEGAL. And nowhere in California law does it say that it is illegal to openly wear a knife hanging around your neck.

Of course, as always, when in doubt about the law, consult a criminal defense attorney.
 
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HwangJino said:
I have worn a kukri on my belt before.

yes they look but it is perfectly legal.

im wondering, are flippers considered assisted? It only takes 1 finger to open
Click to expand...
If you are talking about California law, as long as a folder requires the use of a finger to be opened, and as long as the knife isn't being opened by pressing a button or activating a lever, then it is legal. Now that isn't the actual wording of the law, but the law does specifically defines what makes a one-hand opening folder legal, and both assisted knives, and knives with flippers, both qualify as legal.

This law I'm referring to is a rare occasion where the laws specifically describes what is LEGAL rather than what is Illegal. It does this for the purpose of clearly distinguishing the difference between "autos" and manual one-hand opening folders. And that's one of the great things about California's knife laws, they actually make it very clear what makes a folding knife LEGAL, and as a result, there is much less opportunity for cops and prosecutors to interpret the law however they like and define any folder as an illegal auto. I will also mention that in December of 2012 the California Supreme Court confirmed that manual one-hand opening folders are not switchblades, and therefore perfectly legal to carry. Kudos to them.
 
Hmm lucky for me that this thread is new and about a topic I need an answer to.

I was a bit shocked to find out that it is illegal to carry a fixed bladed knife concealed. I was hoping to find a kydex sheath with a clip so I could carry it in my pocket or in my waistband. So, now I am curious, what is the California legal definition of "concealed"? I know this sounds stupid but I am truly curious. For example, would carrying it on my belt with my shirt covering it actually make it concealed?
 
boy am I am glad I don't live in California and New York. these are the two biggest places that are knife hated states and I get that just from the post of people that live there asking about there rights just to carry a knife.
 
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