LA, California knife laws?

C

carrot

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Jan 9, 2006
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I'm going to be in Los Angeles for the month of July. I'd like to know as much as I can about knife laws there so I don't risk getting arrested or getting a summons for something illegal if I can prevent it, and so I can order something now if none of my knives meet the legal limits.

I've done a bit of searching but I'm not sure how much of the state law pertains to LA, so I decided to just come out and ask the experts.
 
LA = no fixed blades, open or concealed. Pretty much any size folder, but 3" is always safe.

schools = no carry of any knives over 2.5", no fixed and no locking (locking part debatable, but heard a good argument for it from a LEO on the forums)
 
MrSuicide said:
LA = no fixed blades, open or concealed. Pretty much any size folder, but 3" is always safe.

schools = no carry of any knives over 2.5", no fixed and no locking (locking part debatable, but heard a good argument for it from a LEO on the forums)
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not debatable, clearly stated in pc 626.10 (a): any person....who brings or possesses any dirk, dagger, ice pick, knife having a blade longer than 2 1/2 inches, folding knife with a blade that locks into place, a razor with an unguarded blade, a taser, or a stun gun, any instrument that expels a metallic projectile such as a BB or a pellet, through the force of air pressure, CO2 pressure, or spring action, or any spot marker gun, upon the grounds of, or within, any public or private school....
 
i heard that fixed blades are legal, as long as its fully revealed. thats what my local shop told me... i have a ka-bar USMC so i kinda wanna get that straight. and a leek...which is no problem.
 
statewide= yes.

in certain counties, like los angeles = no. (unless doing a legal activity, like hunting or whatnot where you would need one)
 
carrot said:
I found this site while trying to find out more about California laws. Now I'm worried. Please tell me it is wrong? http://www.donath.org/Rants/StateKnifeLaws/
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that is a rather interesting interpretation.

any folder concealed is fine, regardless of blade length and provided it is not an auto. (and provided you are not committing a violent felony and found in possession of one)

fixed blades must be carried openly suspended in a belt sheath. no part of the knife may be covered. los angeles has a municipal code prohibiting fixed blade carry. l.a. also has a muni code prohibiting minors from carrying weapons.

the "ready use as a stabbing weapon" sentence refers to, for example, a steak knife carried concealed in your pocket. in other words, an item carried in an unusual manner, generally concealed, that can readily be accessed and used as a weapon.

BUT, like all laws, california weapon laws are open to interpretation by police, district attorneys, and judges.

if you are hunting or hiking you should be fine. though there are few places to hike within la city limits that are worth your time.


read through the following laws in the california penal code: 653(k)pc, 12020pc, 626.10(a)pc. you can access them from the stickys at the top of the page.

ill look for the municipal codes today and try an post them later.
 
I don't think I'll be hiking or anything. But like most of us I find a pocket knife useful in daily chores so I'd like to EDC my Caly3 or SE Delica... maybe even my Para?
 
carrot said:
I don't think I'll be hiking or anything. But like most of us I find a pocket knife useful in daily chores so I'd like to EDC my Caly3 or SE Delica... maybe even my Para?
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as long as you are an adult, i would say you are good to go. but stay away from school campuses, colleges and universities included.
 
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