Call the local PD where you are at. I've called Concord PD here several times, and I know several officers personally. Usually they'll tell you what the local laws are, and more specifically, what they will ding you for if you break them and they catch you. When I call, I get badge #'s and note the time & date of the call. If there's an issue, I can go back to that if needed. It's never been a problem before, and every time I've called they've appreciated that I checked.
thx - cpr
I find these threads interesting at times, especially comments that Calif. has such "draconian" laws.
Several things to think about. Some has already been mentioned.
There was a comment that LE/Fire personnel aren't exempt. They are if their Dept's policy allows it (For work).
There have been comments that LE knows exactly what the law is & some comments that they don't. Unfortunately, the later can be true, but can still be embarrassing & a PITA for you even if they're wrong.
While it seems to be against the law, many LE will not have a 2nd thought if your concealed FB has a blade length of less than 2". I believe ANY concealed FB is illegal in CA (Never mind municipal &/or country laws). But you may get away with it. However, is it worth it to try?
Yes, you can carry a FB of any length & even double edged. However, as has been said, you might get stopped, checked out, etc. Who needs that. If you're going to carry a FB, I think it'd be wise for it to be an avg. length FB & not something that's going to attract looks.
Personally, I EDC a small FB & it is not concealed, although it's not very obvious, either (On my keychain).
I don't carry an auto, except at work, & even then, I usually have 1-2 other knives with/on me.
People talk about Calif's "bad" knife laws (& I'll admit, some of it is silly), but I know some people that only carry 3" blade or shorter knives because of their state's knife laws. I have no blade length limit on the folders I carry.
To quote another BF member & brother LEO, you're better off to error on the side of caution.
Hope this helps, even if it is an old thread, I think it's still helpful to not forget the law (Good or bad, as it may be).
Of course, if one doesn't like their "liberal" Govt. (Which usually have more restrictive gun/knife laws), don't vote them in.