California Laws regarding Fixed Blades?

B

Brian Smith

Joined
Nov 12, 1999
Messages
38
Hi all,
I am going to California for a week and would like any information you might provide on their "Fixed Blade" Knife Laws. I am going for a Tennis Tournament, so the knife is just for fun. Along with my trusty Leatherman, I would like to bring my Anso Amboina Droppoint w/3.25" Stamascus blade. (My sister will love this one!) I have heard that CA is tougher than most states, and I would HATE to have it confiscated.

Any info is very much appreciated.
Regards,
Brian

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Brian-The new knife in the Block, and definitely not the sharpest!
 
Posession of the fixed blade should pose no problem. Also, I'm pretty sure the basic law for fixed blades is that open carrying is fine (except for in public/govt. buildings and educational institutions). Concealed carry is generally illegal. You also have to look at which city you are in. I'm not sure, but I believe San Francisco may have no-tolerance law for most all knives (or was that Berkeley?). The knife laws in CA are a little on the confusing side (e.g., the laws are relatively obscure when determining what a "dirk/dagger" is). If you want to be sure, better ask the local law enforcement. Either way I don't think you have to worry about confiscation unless you are waving it dangerously in crowd. Open carry is still likely to attract attention, though.
 
There's a few cities with ordinances against the open-carry of "readily available stabbing implements" (fixed blades) greater than 3". Enforcement is spotty. Berkeley PD is fairly gung-ho about it but even then, at 3.25" I wouldn't sweat it. SF has a similar ordinance but as with BPD, if you're not "thuggy lookin'" and otherwise pass all "attitude checks" you'll be fine. LA is another, Glendale, several others in SoCal. Such local ordinances are a bit more common in SoCal.

The STATE law says such pieces must be open-carry (see also penal code 12020 towards the end, do a lookup at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov - pull up the laws box at the bottom of the first screen, hit the "Penal Codes" checkbox on the next, use search term "12020" no quotes). PC12020 gives an *example* of guaranteed-legal: "openly suspended from the waist". This is widely viewed as a "sole option" by cops and DAs when it's no such thing at all; a neck knife above all your layers of clothes would be fine for example but you could get hassled.

Double-edge is NOT illegal per state law. There's also no length limits on your "readily available stabbing implement" - that language was written to include screwdrivers, wood chisels and such.

If hassled: stay cool, calmly explain the law, let the cop know you know this stuff, worst case ask for a supervisor. Explain that you're aware all these rules changed radically over the last couple of years, that'll give his ego an excuse for his ignorance (and it's true). Don't talk about local ordinances, odds are fair the cop doesn't even know about them - stick with state law!

Watch schools (including Universities), courthouses, PD Stations for starters.

California has GOOD knife laws, better than most of the shall-issue CCW states. They're just a bit weird sometimes. Where we really have it good is the "unlimited length concealed folders" which the REKAT Sifu and CSVG gleefully exploit. Take another look at PC12020 - as long as it's concealed while folded, it ain't "readily available".

Jim
 
Jeff, Felix and Jim,
Thank you all for the information, I really do appreciate it. Although there does seem to be some room for interpretation of Calif. PC12020, I think I will be within the Law, and therefore OK. I'll spend most of my time at the Tennis Courts, so my contact with Law Enforcement types will be limited and as always, very polite.

Thanks again, I knew someone on the Forum would come through for me.

Take care,
Brian

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Brian-The new knife in the Block, and definitely not the sharpest!
 
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