Los Angeles Knife Laws

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gutter_mike

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Jul 2, 2007
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I remember reading somewhere that Los Angeles County has its own laws for knives and blades. Does anyone happen to know what the legal limit is for a non-concealed fixed blade? For some reason I think I've heard it was 3 inches for fixed and folders, but it seems to me that it should be bigger... Anyone know for sure?
 
no fixed blade carry in los angeles city. no length limit for folders, so long as you are not a minor.

i believe the county code is the same.
 
xmltok said:
can any folder then be carried clipped to the inside of your pocket?
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provided it is not prohibited per the switchblade definition and provided you are not in the commission of a violent crime, then yes, a folder in your pocket, concealed, is legal.
 
It's 3 inches max for carrying a folder.
Or blade smaller than width of palm.
 
here is the relevant section from the los angeles municipal code:

SEC. 55.10. CARRY KNIVES OR DAGGERS IN PLAIN VIEW PROHIBITED.
(Added by Ord. No. 162,995, Eff. 1/7/88.)

(a) As used in this section, the term “knife” or “dagger” shall include any knife, dirk or dagger having a blade 3 inches or more in length, any ice pick or similar sharp tool, any straight edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle.

(b) No person shall wear or carry in plain view any knife or dagger upon any public street or other public place or in any place open to the public.

(c) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply where a person is wearing or carrying a knife or dagger for use in a lawful occupation, for lawful recreational purposes, or as a recognized religious practice, or while the person is traveling to or returning from participation in such activity.

note it must be in plain view, ie open carry. a folder in your pocket is fine. if the clip is visible, it is arguably in violation.
 
Nothing fixed in LA county?
And the city has the same law written also?
That means you can't leave the house witha fixed blade your posession, regardless of it being concealed or not.

I understand that the more aggresive enforcement of this is going to be aimed at people committing crimes, but that sounds like it makes many tools used for work techniically illegal.
 
here is the relevant county code:

13.62.010 Knives and daggers defined.

As used in this chapter, the terms “knives and daggers” shall include any knife having a blade of three inches or more in length; any spring-blade, switch-blade or snap-blade knife; any knife any blade of which is automatically released by a spring mechanism or other mechanical device; any ice pick or similar sharp stabbing tool; any straight-edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle. (Ord. 11915 § 1, 1979.)

13.62.020 Carrying knives and daggers in plain view prohibited.

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

13.62.030 Exemptions to chapter applicability.

The foregoing restrictions shall not be deemed to prohibit the carrying of ordinary tools or equipment for use in a lawful occupation or for the purpose of lawful recreation, or where the carrying of a knife or dagger is a recognized religious practice. (Ord. 11915 § 3, 1979.)

13.62.040 Violation--Penalty.

Any person violating this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not exceeding $500.00 or by imprisonment in the County Jail for a period not exceeding six months, or by both such fine and imprisonment. (Ord. 11915 § 4, 1979.)
 
THEGRATENATE said:
Nothing fixed in LA county?
And the city has the same law written also?
That means you can't leave the house witha fixed blade your posession, regardless of it being concealed or not.

I understand that the more aggresive enforcement of this is going to be aimed at people committing crimes, but that sounds like it makes many tools used for work techniically illegal.
Click to expand...

the section provides for carry while engaging in lawful recreation.

also im not aware of a section prohibiting transport of legal items.
 
THEGRATENATE said:
Nothing fixed in LA county?
And the city has the same law written also?
That means you can't leave the house witha fixed blade your posession, regardless of it being concealed or not.

I understand that the more aggresive enforcement of this is going to be aimed at people committing crimes, but that sounds like it makes many tools used for work techniically illegal.
Click to expand...

(c) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply where a person is wearing or carrying a knife or dagger for use in a lawful occupation, for lawful recreational purposes, or as a recognized religious practice, or while the person is traveling to or returning from participation in such activity.
 
Even without the lawful occupation/recreation exemption, I read that as prohibiting only open carry of blades over 3". It does not cover concealed knives at all, and does not cover blades under 3" at all.

Since state law prohibits carrying fixed blades concealed, all you are left with is concealed folders (any length), unconcealed fixed blades under 3", and unconcealed folders under 3".

Regarding whether a pocket clipped folder is considered concealed: unless law is very clear, or case law is very clear, I always assume, just to be safe, that it will count against you; i.e., in jurisdictions where concealed is illegal I assume a clipped knife is considered concealed, and in jurisdictions where an unconcealed knife is illegal, I assume a clipped knife is considered unconcealed. (of course, I would argue the opposite in court, but I make these cya assumptions to avoid ever having to go to court)
 
MORIMOTOM said:
(c) The prohibitions of this section shall not apply where a person is wearing or carrying a knife or dagger for use in a lawful occupation, for lawful recreational purposes, or as a recognized religious practice, or while the person is traveling to or returning from participation in such activity.
Click to expand...


That makes more sense than I had assumed it did.

Thanks for clearing that up. I can see that the assumption I had made was wrong, and people with legitimate uses are able to carry the tools that they choose. Even for "lawfull recreation". Sounds fair enough.

Thanks
 
THEGRATENATE said:
That makes more sense than I had assumed it did.

Thanks for clearing that up. I can see that the assumption I had made was wrong, and people with legitimate uses are able to carry the tools that they choose. Even for "lawfull recreation". Sounds fair enough.

Thanks
Click to expand...

of course, anytime.

its not difficult to argue that your knife is for work related purposes, regardless of your occupation.

you just have to be prepared to answer such questions, and not blurt out anything incriminating or suggestive your knife is a weapon.

e.g.: delivery, teaching, technology, labor, trade, waiter, nearly every job has requirements that having a knife will help you accomplish.

im not suggesting anyone lie, but think about what you do, and how a knife is useful in the capacity of your occupation.

if asked "why do you have this knife?"

and you respond "to cut stuff." that might not be very convincing.
 
Just like to add, I carry maybe five blades on me at a time( leatherman wave, 2 Atwoods and a pocket knife) but I never carry a weapon, they are all tools. So I guess I may already be in the mindset that you mention. I have to cut rope at work or open boxes all the time, and sometime a little bit of brush needs to be cleared here or there.
 
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