California state law wth.

65535

65535

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Mar 14, 2007
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Someone was telling me today that they knew the law as any folder over 3" that locked was illegal, this raised a wtf flag for me. So what's the current scoop on CA knife laws?
 
That sounds right. The Peoples Republic of California is a horrible place to live for knives or guns. That is one place I plan on spending little time, if any, in my life.
 
Cauldra said:
That sounds right. The Peoples Republic of California is a horrible place to live for knives or guns. That is one place I plan on spending little time, if any, in my life.
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actually, it is completely wrong.

the california penal code places no blade length restrictions on knives (except autos). dislike california all you want, but at least get your facts straight.


cities and counties may, but the state currently does not. los angeles city and county, for example, also have no blade length limit for concealed folders carried by an adult.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
actually, it is completely wrong.

the california penal code places no blade length restrictions on knives (except autos). dislike california all you want, but at least get your facts straight.


cities and counties may, but the state currently does not. los angeles city and county, for example, also have no blade length limit for concealed folders carried by an adult.
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I was kinda wrong. The state seems to not have any leagal limit, but the cities are different. http://www.thehighroad.org/library/blades/knifelaws.html The link shows that L.A. has a 3" limit. Sorry for any mistakes. It is 1:30 in the morning here.
 
MORIMOTOM said:
actually, it is completely wrong.

the california penal code places no blade length restrictions on knives (except autos). dislike california all you want, but at least get your facts straight.


cities and counties may, but the state currently does not. los angeles city and county, for example, also have no blade length limit for concealed folders carried by an adult.
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Ditto for Massachusetts. No state law regarding blade length, but Boston and many other cities (Lawrence, Worcester, Lynn, Salem, Cambridge, Chelsea and Revere, just to name a few) have local ordinances prohibiting the carrying of knives with over 2 1/2" blades. Exceptions are made for employment and sporting purposes, law enforcement, active-duty military, etc.
 
Charlie Mike said:
Is his interpretation up to date? Has the law changed since...

"By Jim March 5/16/02"

I just bought the CS medium and large Espadas. It would be nice to carry the large once and a while.
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as of 2008, there were no changes to 12020 pc.

i dont have a 2009 penal code handy, but i don't recall seeing a legal update indicating a change to the section.
 
That's what concerned me, the lady I talked to (an older woman in my chemistry class) said she had picked up the lasted copy of the 2009 penal codes. So maybe there was a change that went under the radar. I hope not, because as far as I know what has been said here is what I have always remembered as CA state law. For knives it really isn't a terrible penal code, guns yeah maybe it sucks. Thanks Morimotom if you by chance pick up the latest penal codes can you post here and/or PM me?
 
(24) As used in this section, a "dirk" or "dagger" means a knife or other instrument with or without a handguard that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death. A nonlocking folding knife, a folding knife that is not prohibited by Section 653k, or a pocketknife is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death only if the blade of the knife is exposed and locked into position.


???

Nothing states much about length limits, locking mechanisms or any of that. I am led to believe from this that any knife is illegal as are anything that can be thrust through human tissue. I know that's not the case, but I hope cops that enforce these laws realize that too. Hopefully we can get a solid answer, and someone can tell it to me because I'm still confused.
 
65535 said:
(24) As used in this section, a "dirk" or "dagger" means a knife or other instrument with or without a handguard that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death. A nonlocking folding knife, a folding knife that is not prohibited by Section 653k, or a pocketknife is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death only if the blade of the knife is exposed and locked into position.


???

Nothing states much about length limits, locking mechanisms or any of that. I am led to believe from this that any knife is illegal as are anything that can be thrust through human tissue. I know that's not the case, but I hope cops that enforce these laws realize that too. Hopefully we can get a solid answer, and someone can tell it to me because I'm still confused.
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a folder must be carried locked open.

generally, this section is applied to concealed carry of fixed blades.
 
65535 said:
That's what concerned me, the lady I talked to (an older woman in my chemistry class) said she had picked up the lasted copy of the 2009 penal codes. So maybe there was a change that went under the radar. I hope not, because as far as I know what has been said here is what I have always remembered as CA state law. For knives it really isn't a terrible penal code, guns yeah maybe it sucks. Thanks Morimotom if you by chance pick up the latest penal codes can you post here and/or PM me?
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i checked a 2009 penal code today.

the only change in saw was a reference to an enhancement concerning use of replica grenades by gang members. i don't recall seeing this in last years text.

i saw no changes regarding knives in 12020 or its subsections.
 
So then is it right to say that as a californian I can carry my 12 in. bowie knife in public as long as it is in a sheath and is not being brandished?
 
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lucky21 said:
So then is it right to say that as a californian I can carry my 12 in. bowie knife in public as long as it is in a sheath and is not being brandished?
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per california law, yes.

however, you must also comply with county or city laws. many, if not all, will have prohibitions for carrying such items unless for lawful recreation or employment.
 
Hmmm, so im thinking it would probably be best not to carry it in the Hayward area unless I say I just got back from a fishing trip or such? Because even though it is legal, there isn't really any reason, "excuse" I should be carrying it in public?
 
lucky21 said:
Hmmm, so im thinking it would probably be best not to carry it in the Hayward area unless I say I just got back from a fishing trip or such? Because even though it is legal, there isn't really any reason, "excuse" I should be carrying it in public?
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im not at all familiar with hayward laws nor the local culture. you will need to check the local laws where you live or plan to visit.

per ca law, you dont need an excuse to carry your knife. it will likely be a municipal law that requires you to have a legal reason.

whether or not you should is up to you. i would not recommend carrying it, but people in hayward may be accustomed to seeing such things.
 
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