In my opinion, that would be considered a "dirk or dagger" under California law. The phrase "dirk or dagger" is how California law refers to ALL fixed-blade knives, and several other types of items.
There is case law in California, People v. Pellecer, wherein it was determined by the California Appeals Court that carrying a fixed-blade inside of a parcel (backpack, bag, etc) is NOT considered a "concealed dirk or dagger" and is therefore a LEAGL means of carrying a fixed-blade.
You can Google People v. Pellecer California and read all about it for yourself.
However, based on the design, that knife might very well be looked upon as a "metal knuckle", which is illegal to posses all throughout the state of California. So I personally would not risk carrying it in any manner. But that's me. Even though it is unlikely that you will be stopped and searched by police, in these times it's always a possibility. And of course, if you ever take it out to use it or show it to someone in a public place, you take the risk of someone seeing you with it and calling the cops on you ("Oh my god! There's a man here with a knife!"). If the knife in question were guaranteed legal then I wouldn't worry about such things. But if it's not legal, then you certainly wouldn't want to draw negative attention to yourself while carrying it.
Disclaimer- Although I've lived in California for almost 48 years, and although I have been extensively educated on California's knife laws, both by personal research and the instruction of multiple lawyers in my employment, I am not suggesting that you just take my word for it and make legal decisions based on my post. Do as much research as you can, and then decide for yourself.
