New California knife laws? For the better?

G

Glock26

Joined
Nov 3, 2009
Messages
783
Hey all, I heard from someone that beginning in 2013 January there will be a new law that will allow the residents in CA to carry switchblade knives in any length? Anyone have a penal code to confirm? Thanks if so, microtech or something will be in my pocket.
 
Hmmm. I did a quick review of the new laws for 2013 a couple of weeks ago (since it's part of my job to know them lol) and didn't see anything on this subject. The penal codes covering most weapons in CA did change a while back, including the one covering auto knives, but as far as I know they are still a big no-no to carry in CA if the blade is 2" or more in length. I will have to check into it.......
 
riversidedep, please check more into it, I would like to know. My source was from a deputy in northern ca telling me that in jan 1st 2013 residents in ca will be allowed legally to carry auto switch blade knives.
 
Last edited:
I highly doubt any change in the law will be in favor of giving citizens more rights, especially when it comes to weapons (i.e. knives, guns, etc.).:rolleyes:
 
That would be awesome, I have a Microtech Troodon that ive been itching to carry. Let us know more on this as you find out.
 
Glock26 said:
riversidedep, please check more into it, I would like to know. My source was from a deputy in northern ca telling me that in jan 1st 2013 residents in ca will be allowed legally to carry auto switch blade knives.
Click to expand...
I wonder if that deputy was confused by the recent California appealate court ruling this month (Dec.) where they overturned a lower court ruling on the subject of what constitutes a "switchblade". The lower court had incorrectly defined "switchblades" in broad terms that included manual folders that can be opened by a flick of the wrist. The appealate court ruled in support of what the law already says, which is that such knives are NOT switchblades. This ruling does not change any laws, it just confirms the current law.

Unfortunately law enforcement personnel often make mistakes regarding knife laws. And Governor Brown doesn't exactly strike me as a pro-knife politician. I really wouldn't expect any California politician to sign any law that expands our right to carry switchblades. So don't get your hopes up. I'm pretty sure that such a law would have gotten a lot of press. I haven't heard or read anything about any such law.
 
Last edited:
Not in this state. No expantion of freedoms, but more restrictions on freedoms.
I was told in my county it is now against the law to have a folder with over a 4" blade. IDIOTS in charge of this state.
 
Big Bo said:
Not in this state. No expantion of freedoms, but more restrictions on freedoms.
I was told in my county it is now against the law to have a folder with over a 4" blade. IDIOTS in charge of this state.
Click to expand...
I assume that you are in California. What county are you in? Unless a criminal defense attorney told you about a new knife law, I would be skeptical, even if a cop told you. Cops often get the law wrong.
 
what is the size of a folder you can carry in l.a. county all my spydercos are big like my Ulize , Ayoob, Szabo etc. i always thought size did not matter if it was a folder. this state sucks i could not even have a north american arms model i wanted sent to calif. because it was not on some safety list.
 
mountainbiker926 said:
what is the size of a folder you can carry in l.a. county all my spydercos are big like my Ulize , Ayoob, Szabo etc. i always thought size did not matter if it was a folder. this state sucks i could not even have a north american arms model i wanted sent to calif. because it was not on some safety list.
Click to expand...
Here is my understanding of Los Angeles county law from consultation with my attorney- Regarding folders, folding knives with a blade 3 inches or longer must be carried completely CONCEALED. yes, that's right, I said CONCEALED, as in completely out of sight, not even a pocket clip showing. Any folder worn or carried openly and visible must have a blade under 3 inches long. I know it sounds crazy, but hey, that's Los Angeles.

However, there are some exceptions to the length limit. In Los Angeles you can openly carry any size folder as long as you have a legitimate reason to do so. "Legitimate reason" means that you are carrying it for work related reasons or that you are coming or going from some sort of recreational activity that might require a knife like camping or fishing.

But if a cop stops you and you are openly carrying a knife with a blade 3 inches or longer, you need to have a very plausible and believeable reason for carrying it. For example- if you are on your day off from work you're going to have a hard time claiming that you were carrying the knife for work. Or, if you work in an office you might have a hard time claiming that you NEED a knife with a blade over 3 inches long. Get the picture.

And if you are going to claim that you were coming from or on your way to a day of fishing or a camping trip, you had better have fishing gear or camping gear in your immediate possession (like in your car).

This may sound like an overly cautious way to follow the law in LA, but as my lawyer has taught me- "Always go the extra mile when your freedom is on the line", and this- "When it comes to the possibility of being arrested, always think in terms of what you would say to a jury and if your story would sound believable".

But of course, as always, I'm just some guy on an internet forum and you don't know me. I would never advise anyone to bet their freedom on what some guy said on the internet. When in doubt consult a local criminal defense attorney. And even then, good luck.
 
Hello,
Perhaps this was mistaken for the upcoming change to Alaska blade law.


ALASKA ALERT: Comprehensive Knife Rights Act Passes! CALL & WRITE the Governor NOW!
After two years of effort, Knife Rights is very pleased to announce that the Alaska Legislature passed HB33, the comprehensive Knife Rights Act, and it is now on its way to Governor Sean Parnell. HB33 repeals the ban on the possession of switchblade (automatic) knives and enacts Knife Law Preemption, repealing all existing local restrictions on knives and preventing any new local knife laws from being enacted in Alaska.

Knife Rights would like to thank Representative Mark Neumann and Senator Fred Dyson for sponsoring this important legislation and for their determination that resulted in unanimous passage in both the Senate and House.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top