Ober, there's a LOT of information already posted on the subject. I'll try and give a SHORT synopsis of STATE law:
There ARE NO LENGTH LIMITS.
OK, here's the deal: in Penal Code 653k it lists what folders are legal. Balisongs and true springload switchblades are out, unless they're tiny little 1.9" or shorter critters. So are "gravity knives" which are ill-defined. The good news is, if it has a thumbhole, thumbstud or other opener attached to the blade it's 100% guaranteed LEGAL.
Other than the 1.9" thing on micro-switchblades, length isn't mentioned.
In Penal Code 12020 it says you cannot *conceal* a "readily available stabbing implement". There's also a note that a folder in the closed position that's legal under PC653k is NOT "readily available" per this. Fixed-blade knives with a stabbing tip therefore CANNOT be concealed and must be worn open-carry. One *example* of legal open carry is given, "openly suspended from the waist". It's NOT "exclusive" as most cops/DAs think, it's a "suggestion"; in the case of People vs. Terrence Terry, Richmond CA (Contra Costa County) 1998 a jury found that Terrence's totally-open-carry-on-ankle dagger was fine.
Again, there's no length limits either on legally concealed folders or legally open-carry fixed-blades. I regularly carry a 5.5" folder concealed (the REKAT Sifu) - at least until someone makes a good quality 7"+ megafolder
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Penal Code 646.10 covers carry of knives in K-12 schools and Universities, with somewhat different rules for each. Fixed-blades of 2.5" or greater are outlawed but the University rules still allow unlimited folders!
Finally, there's local ordinances in some cities. That I know of: LA, Glendale, Berkeley, San Francisco. Violations are *infractions* only; to me, if you're carrying a concealed folder it's not worth even worrying about, just don't alter your shoelaces or whatever with one in front of a cop. About your only risk is loss of the blade; enforcement tends to be spotty. In San Francisco it's used almost entirely as a homeless control measure, in Berkeley they're more serious. I avoid carrying expensive fixed-blades in Berkeley and I'm cautious about it in SF.
Note: some of these rules are new, as in less than 3 years old. Few cops understand them! It's worth understanding them in detail and then POLITELY explaining it to 'em if you get stopped. Worst case, ask to speak to a supervisor but DO NOT get pissed and don't piss 'em off.
All this may seem nuts, but the truth is Calif knife law is actually pretty damn good compared to almost all other states. Buck Knives helped lobby for the most important change, the one allowing concealed folders under PC12020 so when you're buying gift knives for non-knife-freak people at some point, remember Buck.
Jim March
