California, Laws and knife recomendations

B

biggerfastermore

Gold Member
Joined
May 9, 2001
Messages
28
Hi everyone,
I'm new here.
That usually means that I'll ask a question that people are probably sick of answering... feel free to refer me to an appropriate resource.

I have two questions.
What are the main restrictions on folders in California: I'm a professional, I'm not on a campus or other 'restricted' place. I work in the Silicon Valley (or Silicon Gulch as they're calling it now).

Also, could you recomend a good folder that fits the restrictions above, for about 80 bucks (plus or minus)? I'm willing to trade some effectivness for a more court-resistant design.

Thanks very much,
BFM,

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The only thing to fear is fearlessness
 
No worries, pretty much everyone here is friendly ... I will tell you that your question has been asked before, and that your best bet is to do a search.

That said, check out this site:
http://www.akti.org/statecur.html

THis is a listing of current state laws regarding knives.

In terms of blades, I'm a *huge* fan of CRKT (Columbia River Knife & Tool) blades. They have a slew of folders, from defensive to utility, that are under $50. It is generally agreed by the (very opinionated
biggrin.gif
) members of this board that CRKT knives are one of the best bangs for your buck. Go to www.1sks.com to check them out!! (Your purchase at 1sks supports the BladeForums, too!!)

Hope this helps!!

[This message has been edited by JBoS6 (edited 05-10-2001).]
 
Thanks for the reference.
I couldn't find any length restrictions.
Anyone know fi CA has blade length restrictions?
How 'bout a practical rationale for a maximum blade one should carry.
I was thinking of keeping it at or under 3 inches... too small?
-BFM

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The only thing to fear is fearlessness
 
California knife laws are pretty simple for the most part. It is illegal to carry on your person or driver/passenger area of a car any auto, gravity knife, or bali if the blade is over 2" (note they are legal in your home and trunk of your car). Other than that, any size or style of folding knife can be concealed. Any size or style of fixed blade can be carried on your person as long as it is not concealed, this includes double edged daggers, swords, etc. Anything with a brass knuckle style handguard is illegal though.

For reference, go to www.leginfo.ca.gov that's the state legislature's website with a searchable database of penal codes. You'll want to look at 653k & 12020 (4 & c24). There are a few sites that try to list laws for different states, but they are not always right and not always up to date, going to the state's website should always have the correct information.

So a tiny fixed blade neck knife under your shirt could send you to jail, but you can conceal any size manual folding knife. I carry a Sifu, 5.5" blade daily. For under $80, you can probably find an AFCK on closeout somewhere. I can't think of a better deal than that. Also check out the for sale forums here, there's always good deals there.
And Welcome to the Forums! This is a great place for knife knuts and anything knife related. If you have any other questions, post here or you can email me.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
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"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
In some places, any knife with a sharpened false edge, no matter how short, is considered a double edged knife. Or if enough of the spine of the blade is covered by the handle much of the spine can be sharpened. I can't think of too many folders that could really be considered double edged, Emerson Rhino, Pirela Commander, REKAT Pocket Hobbit, but a double edged folder is a folder and, since there ain't no such thing as a folded dagger, double edged folders are legal to carry and conceal in CA.

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Jason aka medusaoblongata
-----------------------
"Is not giving a need? Is not receiving mercy?" - Thus Spoke Zarathustra
"Cutting his throat is only a momentary pleasure and is bound to get you talked about." - Lazarus Long
"Knowledge is not made for understanding; it is made for cutting." - Michel Foucault
 
Agreed. Thanks, I just wanted an affirmation of my readings of the California Penal Code.

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">...but a double edged folder is a folder and, since there ain't no such thing as a folded dagger, double edged folders are legal to carry and conceal in CA.

</font>
Click to expand...

 
You also need to check your county code and city municipal ordinances. For example, LA City and County have the same prohibition against open carry of knives with blades of 3 or more inches. There are exceptions for legitimate recreational and vocational uses, but it is worth reviewing the applicable laws in your area. If your local law enforcement can't supply copies or references (NEVER rely on what they say over the phone----many don't really know), there's a website with many county/city codes. If a search engine doesn't pull it up for your county/city, e-mail me at swsurgical@hotmail.com and I'll try to locate it for you.

Generally a blade of less than 3 inches is unlikely to draw law enforcement attention, but if you have to fight with it you may wish you had something more substantial.

Best Regards,

DPD
 
Many thanks, everyone.
I really appreciate the information.
I'm now trying to decide between the kasper/crawford CRKT (large) or an equivalent size emerson CQ-something
Don't worry I'll buy from a sponsor of this site.

thanks again,
bfm

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The only thing to fear is fearlessness
 
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