California Knife Laws

[knarfeng]

I appreciate the information shared here.

So, all fixed blade knives, no matter the size or type have to be openly carried in the state of California? Doesn't matter if it's a weapon, or a hunting knife, correct?

Yes. All fixed blade knives must be openly carried "suspended from the belt" to satisfy the California state law. Some local city ordinances are more restrictive. Los Angeles and San Francisco among them.

 

[killgar]

I appreciate the information shared here.

So, all fixed blade knives, no matter the size or type have to be openly carried in the state of California? Doesn't matter if it's a weapon, or a hunting knife, correct?

Correct.

I will disagree with Knarfeng on one point- although California penal code 20200 specifically references carrying a fixed-blade "suspended from the waist of the wearer" (link below), that is not the ONLY legal method of carrying a fixed-blade under California law.

As it was explained to me by my attorney, the purpose of 20200 is not to declare that "suspended from the waist" is the only legal method for carrying a fixed-blade, the purpose of the statute is to state that a fixed-blade carried in a sheath, worn openly, is not to be considered "concealed" just because the actual blade of the knife is not visible. The reference to the knife being "suspended from the waist" is simply a generic reference to how the legislators imagined that people normally carry fixed-blades. The key language in 20200 is "a knife carried in a sheath that is worn openly", not "suspended by the waist of the wearer".

Time and again the California Appeals court have addressed concealed fixed-blades, and they have made it clear that the visibility of the knife, the design of the knife, and the intent of the person carrying it, are the determining factors in deciding if a person violated the concealed dirk/dagger statute (CA pc 21310), not where on their person the knife was being carried or how it was attached to their person.

For example, carrying a fixed-blade openly attached to the outside of a backpack, or a clearly visible neck knife hanging around ones neck, are perfectly legal means of carrying fixed-blades under California state law. Visibility is what is important.

Here is a link to CA pc 20200- https://www.leginfo.legislature.ca....aySection.xhtml?sectionNum=20200.&lawCode=PEN

Of course I am not a lawyer. The information in this post is based on my study of California knife laws and the teachings of my former attorney.

 

[JM2]

Thank you both!