California Knife Laws

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Yosemite_Sam

Joined
Jan 8, 2011
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Hello, I am an Eagle Scout in California and I had a couple questions about the knife laws here.

Firstly: Are butterfly knives like the balisong legal to carry under the current regulations? I looked this up a few years back and It explicitly stated that they were, but I have not found that section in the most recent revision of the law.

Secondly: Many of my friends in Boy Scouts are minors, does this change the laws surounding knife carrying in public? Are there more strict regulations on the carying of knives by minors?

Thank you for any help here.
 
Butterflies are illegal. Stated in a section. Forgot exactly which one.

Schools, airports, etc. will count as a felony if you're caught.

I'm a newb so I could be wrong, but it's what I've read regarding California knife laws.

Good luck,

Tom
 
Hello fellow Eagle!

Actually, it depends on the length of the balisong. First, know that balisongs and switchblades are considered to be the same thing for purposes of law in CA. They are legal to carry so long as the blade is less than 2 inches long. It is legal to own larger ones but they cannot be carried or sold within the state. Though really, balisongs are not all that great for outdoor activities and I frankly find them clumsy and primitive.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/waisgate?WAISdocID=50484929262+3+0+0&WAISaction=retrieve

There is no age related law about knives in CA. There may be some in individual counties and cities though, so take care too look up local statutes. Though in my experience most just regulate sale, where as possession with parental consent is permitted.

In general, folders of any length are legal to carry concealed (except in certain counties), and fixed blades must be carried openly.
 
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