Folder in pouch sheath: concealed?

S

SteelDriver

Joined
Jan 28, 2002
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Here in LA, I can only legally carry a folder with a blade over 3" if it's concealed. However, would a pouch sheath (carried on the belt or on the strap of a shoulder bag) be considered as concealed carry?

According to the pertinent California Penal Code:
(d) Knives carried in sheaths which are worn openly suspended from the waist of the wearer are not concealed within the meaning of this section.

But LA Municipal code states:
It is unlawful for any person to carry on his person, in plain view, any knife or dagger. (Ord. 11915 § 2, 1979.)

A folder carried in a pouch cannot be immediately and clearly identified to be a knife. Is there any case law that could clarify this for me? Thanks.


~SteelDriver
 
The State says sheaths are not concealed so put the knife in your pocket or clip the tacical folder inside your boxers and NOT on your pants. If anyone can see part of your knife or pouch you can be arrested. First time I when to LA, the cop told me I could not have my knife clipped to my pants because a little bit was showing and he could tell I had a knife clipped there. He just told me to keep it out of sight and in my pocket.:)

BTW, I read (hearsay) that some parts of LA have 3" limits concealed or not. I do not know for sure but you may want to look for the fine print. And don't forget to let us know if it is true! Hey, I have more need to carry the mega folders in LA than in San Diego.:rolleyes:
 
Thanks for the tip, Mr. Simpson. I didn't know that some parts of LA county had and absolute 3" law, but this doesn't surprise me. Maybe in the city of LA proper. And I wanted to get a megafolder, too...;)

~SteelDriver
 
I can't say for sure, but I have never heard of anywhere in the LA area with a flat 3" limit. I know that Berkeley, Oakland, Sacramento, and Davis have 3" limits, but all I've seen in the LA area is 3" max for open carry, no limits for concealed carry. Like I said, I'm not sure about this, and you don't want to bet your ass on what you hear from anonymous people over the internet, but look into it yourself and find out what the law actually says. Also, while a visible sheath is considered open carry, a knife in a fanny pack is not. If you can find a belt pouch that doesn't look like a knife/multitool/mag sheath, you might be able to use that. I've got a belt pouch that'll easily carry a Sifu that doesn't look like a knife sheath and you could probably find something similar.
 
I'm fairly certain that you would never be checked out by a LEO in L.A. if you present yourself in an unassuming fashion, and avoid any potential hotspots where an LEO may scrutinize you more closely (bars, strip clubs, etc.)

I work in and around the L.A. area, live in L.A. County, and have a number of folders with blades that are between 3" and 4" that I have carried clipped inside my right front pocket (to the far right against the seam), and have never been questioned about them by a LEO or anyone else. If I need to use a folder in public within the L.A. city limits, I tend to use a sub-3" folder or a SAK to reduce the risk of being questioned. Outside of L.A. proper, I will use any of my folders.

I recently had dinner with a neighbor kid's parents whose father is a L.A. County Sheriff deputy, and I carried my BM 710. He never said a thing. Your mileage may vary :)
 
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