Knife Law in Sacramento, CA

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sacknife

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Aug 5, 2013
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Hello all! I've been doing a lot of research on the laws regarding concealed carry and carrying knives in automobiles in Sacramento, CA and I have some more question just to clarify. It's all very confusing and the terms are very...vague. For example, the law regarding knives in Sacramento are listed under Title 9 Chapter 9.32 here: http://www.qcode.us/codes/sacramento/. It seems to me as if anything that even closely resembles a knife or can be used to stab is illegal. Real ridiculous. Instead of defining what isn't legal, they've simply left it up to interpretation. With that said, I've ordered a spring assisted rescue knife from Walmart.com to carry in my car in the case that I ever need to use the glass break or seat belt cutter (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Whetstone-Tough-Rescue-Tactical-Spring-Assist-Folding-Knife-Black/17243798). I've also ordered this knife from Amazon in the case I'd ever need a knife and to have as a backup (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00172UJ6A/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Does anyone know if these would be legal to keep in my car and keep on me concealed at all times? I'm under the impression that as long as I don't say it's for self defense, I'd be fine but I wanted to get a second opinion. I'm planning on asking SacPD directly as well as soon as my knife comes in.
 
At this point in my life I have read so many criminal code statutes that I believe I have a good grasp of how they are written. As a result, I would describe Sacramento's knife laws as very clear.

Sac. law specifically defines what a "dangerous or deadly weapon" is, but also goes on to specifically explain under what circumstances it is ILLEGAL to carry them. And that's how the law works, it doesn't come right out and tell you specifically what is LEGAL, instead it explains what is ILLEGAL, and anything not described as ILLEGAL is therefore LEGAL.

As far as carrying a knife in your car, Sac. law is both very clear and permissive. Although it says in 9.32.050 that it is illegal to carry a deadly or dangerous weapon in your car, it also specifically states and I quote-"but this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit the carrying of ordinary tools or equipment carried in good faith for use of honest work, trade or business, or for the purpose of legitimate sport or recreation".

In short, if a cop ever asks you about the knife, as long as you don't refer to the knife as a "weapon", or say that you are carrying it for self-defense, then you should be alright. Just say that you have it in your car for utility work and to free yourself from your seatbelt if you are ever in an accident.

As far as carrying such knives concealed on your person, as long as you are not engaging in any of the specified activities where Sac. law says you cannot carry such knives concealed, then I would say that legally you would be in the clear. Of course there is always the chance that some individual cop you may encounter won't know the law, or that they might not interpret the law correctly, after all, cops are only human and can make mistakes. I would recommend printing out the Sacramento knife laws and carrying them in your wallet. It never hurts to have the actual law handy to show cops who might not know it.

I would not be the least bit concerned carrying either of the knives you linked, either in my car, or concealed on my person, while in Sacramento.
 
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As long as the knife is a folder it could be concealed and there is no length limit for a folding blade.

If it's a fixed blade it must be non-concealed and attached to your belt.

If you are doing some type of work or outdoor activity then you can carry fixed blades and machetes in your vehicle.
 
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I live close to Sacramento and it does not seem to be a knife hostile city. Keep your head down and don't refer to it as a weapon but just a regular pocket knife and it should be OK. I think the Sac PD is a lot less nuts when it comes to knives compared to my town, Folsom. The cops there don't have enough to do so they look to be a PITA.
 
killgar said:
At this point in my life I have read so many criminal code statutes that I believe I have a good grasp of how they are written. As a result, I would describe Sacramento's knife laws as very clear.

Sac. law specifically defines what a "dangerous or deadly weapon" is, but also goes on to specifically explain under what circumstances it is ILLEGAL to carry them. And that's how the law works, it doesn't come right out and tell you specifically what is LEGAL, instead it explains what is ILLEGAL, and anything not described as ILLEGAL is therefore LEGAL.

As far as carrying a knife in your car, Sac. law is both very clear and permissive. Although it says in 9.32.050 that it is illegal to carry a deadly or dangerous weapon in your car, it also specifically states and I quote-"but this restriction shall not be deemed to prohibit the carrying of ordinary tools or equipment carried in good faith for use of honest work, trade or business, or for the purpose of legitimate sport or recreation".

In short, if a cop ever asks you about the knife, as long as you don't refer to the knife as a "weapon", or say that you are carrying it for self-defense, then you should be alright. Just say that you have it in your car for utility work and to free yourself from your seatbelt if you are ever in an accident.

As far as carrying such knives concealed on your person, as long as you are not engaging in any of the specified activities where Sac. law says you cannot carry such knives concealed, then I would say that legally you would be in the clear. Of course there is always the chance that some individual cop you may encounter won't know the law, or that they might not interpret the law correctly, after all, cops are only human and can make mistakes. I would recommend printing out the Sacramento knife laws and carrying them in your wallet. It never hurts to have the actual law handy to show cops who might not know it.

I would not be the least bit concerned carrying either of the knives you linked, either in my car, or concealed on my person, while in Sacramento.
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Awesome! Thanks a lot! I hope I never have to use it but I like to be prepared for the worst and hoping for the best. And I like that idea of carrying a printout of the law in my wallet. Just wondering though....Do you carry a knife for self defense? My true intentions for carrying one in my car is for the seatbelt cutter and glass break in the case of an emergency but I also like the blade in the event that I would ever need it. I don't know if I'd be able to actually use it as a weapon against someone but as an intimidation factor if I was in a sticky situation I can't escape, definitely.




Nutty Knife Nut said:
As long as the knife is a folder it could be concealed and there is no length limit for a folding blade.

If it's a fixed blade it must be non-concealed and attached to your belt.

If you are doing some type of work or outdoor activity then you can carry fixed blades and machetes in your vehicle.
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Awesome, I actually saw your thread that you posted a year ago which brought me to wonder about the current knife law in Sacramento.


tomsch said:
I live close to Sacramento and it does not seem to be a knife hostile city. Keep your head down and don't refer to it as a weapon but just a regular pocket knife and it should be OK. I think the Sac PD is a lot less nuts when it comes to knives compared to my town, Folsom. The cops there don't have enough to do so they look to be a PITA.
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Ahh thanks. And hey at least that means it (presumably) is pretty safe if the cops have nothing to do :)
 
I live about an hour south of Sac and make my way up there from time to time. This page interprets it that you cannot carry a folder in Sac. However I do not follow this as it is insane. Last time I went up there with a BM Griptilian. I didn't flash it around, but I was walking around in parking garages at night and felt better with that and my flashlight. I did make sure the clip blended into my pants so it is more difficult to detect
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf
 
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Sacknife,

I openly carry a fixed-blade (Wilson Tactical model 25), I have done so for many years (not always that fixed-blade). I use this fixed-blade for daily utility purposes. I also carry it as a last-ditch all-else-has-failed self-defense weapon. I have used a knife once in my life to defend myself, it was a horrific experience which I hope never to repeat. But I was very glad that I had a knife with me on that night, and that is something I think about every morning when I put on my knife and head out into the world.

As far as carrying a printout of the law, I know of one specific incident where a former co-worker of mine used such a printout to saved himself from having his knife confiscated by a cop. I had advised the guy to carry a printout of the law, and one night he was stopped by a cop on the street, who apparently was just looking to hassle someone. He searched the guys backpack (without his consent) and found a sheathed fixed-blade. The cop told him that it was illegal to possess a fixed-blade and that he was going to confiscate it. But the guy said "It's not illegal, I've got the law right here in my wallet", at which point the cop said "Ok, ok". Apparently the cop thought he was going to take advantage of someone who didn't know the law, or his rights. But when the guy made it clear that he did, the cop gave him back his knife and sent him on his way. He never even had to take the printout out of his wallet.

The next day at work the guy came and told me the story and thanked me for the tip about carrying the law with him. I just love a happy ending.
 
killgar said:
Sacknife,

I openly carry a fixed-blade (Wilson Tactical model 25), I have done so for many years (not always that fixed-blade). I use this fixed-blade for daily utility purposes. I also carry it as a last-ditch all-else-has-failed self-defense weapon. I have used a knife once in my life to defend myself, it was a horrific experience which I hope never to repeat. But I was very glad that I had a knife with me on that night, and that is something I think about every morning when I put on my knife and head out into the world.

As far as carrying a printout of the law, I know of one specific incident where a former co-worker of mine used such a printout to saved himself from having his knife confiscated by a cop. I had advised the guy to carry a printout of the law, and one night he was stopped by a cop on the street, who apparently was just looking to hassle someone. He searched the guys backpack (without his consent) and found a sheathed fixed-blade. The cop told him that it was illegal to possess a fixed-blade and that he was going to confiscate it. But the guy said "It's not illegal, I've got the law right here in my wallet", at which point the cop said "Ok, ok". Apparently the cop thought he was going to take advantage of someone who didn't know the law, or his rights. But when the guy made it clear that he did, the cop gave him back his knife and sent him on his way. He never even had to take the printout out of his wallet.

The next day at work the guy came and told me the story and thanked me for the tip about carrying the law with him. I just love a happy ending.
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Very interesting. If I may ask, would you be willing to elaborate on the time you had to use your knife? I'm simply curious is all.
 
NateReed said:
I live about an hour south of Sac and make my way up there from time to time. This page interprets it that you cannot carry a folder in Sac. However I do not follow this as it is insane. Last time I went up there with a BM Griptilian. I didn't flash it around, but I was walking around in parking garages at night and felt better with that and my flashlight. I did make sure the clip blended into my pants so it is more difficult to detect
http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf
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that page is not accurate, you can carry a folding knife concealed in your pocket in Sacramento, as long as it is folded. The police and sheriff in Sac are pretty laid back about knives and they are more worried about all of the gang bangers in Sac that carry guns. Sacramento does have a pretty big gang problem.
 
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Just read more into it. The one they used in the link above only applies to county buildings. The link in the first post by the OP says anything over 3 inches. Again, I don't follow these rules because they are ridiculous and, when carrying in such a circumstance, I don't flash it around
 
sacknife said:
Hello all! I've been doing a lot of research on the laws regarding concealed carry and carrying knives in automobiles in Sacramento, CA and I have some more question just to clarify. It's all very confusing and the terms are very...vague. For example, the law regarding knives in Sacramento are listed under Title 9 Chapter 9.32 here: http://www.qcode.us/codes/sacramento/. It seems to me as if anything that even closely resembles a knife or can be used to stab is illegal. Real ridiculous. Instead of defining what isn't legal, they've simply left it up to interpretation. With that said, I've ordered a spring assisted rescue knife from Walmart.com to carry in my car in the case that I ever need to use the glass break or seat belt cutter (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Whetstone-Tough-Rescue-Tactical-Spring-Assist-Folding-Knife-Black/17243798). I've also ordered this knife from Amazon in the case I'd ever need a knife and to have as a backup (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00172UJ6A/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1). Does anyone know if these would be legal to keep in my car and keep on me concealed at all times? I'm under the impression that as long as I don't say it's for self defense, I'd be fine but I wanted to get a second opinion. I'm planning on asking SacPD directly as well as soon as my knife comes in.
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This is a great question, and if the knife law is that ridiculous I would like to know the laws on knives too , I could be doing something wrong, knowingly breaking the law carrying a gravity knife or Bali song ! But what about automatic knives or “out the front” knives?? I’m epileptic ,have cerebral palsy and at a physical disadvantage ! My historical evidence is “rufas king 3” civil war militia general/ambassador to the pope for Abraham Lincoln!
 
allen janek jr said:
This is a great question, and if the knife law is that ridiculous I would like to know the laws on knives too , I could be doing something wrong, knowingly breaking the law carrying a gravity knife or Bali song ! But what about automatic knives or “out the front” knives?? I’m epileptic ,have cerebral palsy and at a physical disadvantage ! My historical evidence is “rufas king 3” civil war militia general/ambassador to the pope for Abraham Lincoln!
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Further reading for you

California law on automatics

Sacramento City Weapons Code

Sacramento County Weapons Code

Relevant part of the county code:

§ 9.42.010Prohibition.
The carrying, transportation, use or possession of dangerous weapons or dangerous articles is prohibited in or upon any building or grounds.
(SCC 264 § 1, 1976)


§ 9.42.020Dangerous Weapon Defined.
As used in this chapter, "dangerous weapon" includes any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, razor with an unguarded blade, and any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used in a club.
(SCC 264 § 1, 1976)

Reads to me like a complete prohibition of any type of knife in a county building, or county lands, which I find rather disturbing. Given our current political climate, I'd say this is a law that has a very good chance of being overturned, but I wouldn't want to be that person!
 
draggat said:
Further reading for you

California law on automatics

Sacramento City Weapons Code

Sacramento County Weapons Code

Relevant part of the county code:

§ 9.42.010Prohibition.
The carrying, transportation, use or possession of dangerous weapons or dangerous articles is prohibited in or upon any building or grounds.
(SCC 264 § 1, 1976)


§ 9.42.020Dangerous Weapon Defined.
As used in this chapter, "dangerous weapon" includes any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slingshot, billy, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, pistol, revolver, or any other firearm, razor with an unguarded blade, and any metal pipe or bar used or intended to be used in a club.
(SCC 264 § 1, 1976)

Reads to me like a complete prohibition of any type of knife in a county building, or county lands, which I find rather disturbing. Given our current political climate, I'd say this is a law that has a very good chance of being overturned, but I wouldn't want to be that person!
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This is ridiculous I am genuinely starting to wonder how much it would cost to sue the county of Sacramento and or state of California! And wondering if I present a good argument!?
 
allen janek jr said:
So it would be considered a civil case if I were to sue the county/ state! Would I present a good argument/ case ?
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The part of the statute that simply says 'knife' is what the problem is. All other statutes I've seen along these lines usually exempt a folding knife with a restriction on blade length or lock. For instance in the California state code, it says in K-12 schools that a folding knife is allowed as long as the blade is under 2.5" and is non-locking.

The way this Sacramento county code is written leads me to believe that ANY knife is considered a dangerous weapon in county buildings, which includes places like libraries, the courthouse, etc. those aren't the big deal for me, but it's the 'grounds', which includes virtually all unincorporated land. Parks, rural areas, etc.

I do wonder how and if this is actually enforced, but it most certainly is in conflict with the recent Bruen decision.

Hope you have deep pockets for this one...... Maybe Critter Critter would be a good person for advise on this one?
 
No sadly I don’t! I come from humble means! And yes, you’re right, it does conflict with the bruen decision ! That’s why I think I even got into this conversation! And would use a civil war general in a civil case for my right to carry an automatic/ out the front knife! Because I’m at a physical disadvantage as well with my cerebral palsy that effects my right side in a way I can’t ball a fist or rotate my wrist with my right hand! I mean what about the federal switchblade ban , even ? That’s not my point but it could be another’s!
 
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