question on small fixed blade carry in LA area

Aias

Aias

Joined
Aug 1, 2012
Messages
5,188
Hello all,

I was thinking about picking up a Bark River City knife (about a 2 1/2 blade), and I plan to carry it in the pocket sheath it comes with; the whole thing--knife and sheath--should be able to disappear into my pocket. I don't expect it to 'print' much either since my pants are easy fitting. So, my question is, is it legal to carry this in such a way in and around LA? Based on what I read, fixed blades are OK if open carried on the belt... but then there are several places that indicate that a blade of only 2 1/2 inches is OK. As with all laws, much is vague. My general purpose is basic edc and I wanted to try this rather than one of my folders... the fixed vs folder edc debate I'll leave for another time and place in the forum...

Thanks much...
 
Illegal to carry concealed, legal to carry openly.

You must comply with both state law and LA law at the same time. State law prohibits all concealed carry of fixed blades, no matter the size, so that pretty much is your answer right there. The laws in LA prohibit open carry of any knife (fixed or folder) with a blade longer than 3 inches.
Any reference you have about a 2.5" blade is, far as I can tell, either false or refers to another city, though so far in looking up city laws in California, I've not seen any that use that measurement. The only law I know of that specifies a limit of 2.5" is secured federal facilities.

Sources
California Penal Code 21310, 20200. The first statute makes it illegal to conceal any dirk or dagger. Case law has ruled these terms can be applicable to any fixed blade. The second makes an exception for open carry in a belt sheath.

Los Angeles County Municipal Code, Chapter V, Section 55.10. This prohibits carry or wearing of any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches in plain view.
 
yea move out of California and find a state that is knife friendly because from all of that I have read on this forum they are not.
 
richard thurman said:
yea move out of California and find a state that is knife friendly because from all of that I have read on this forum they are not.
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I strongly disagree with that. I've lived in California for 43 years and I find the knife laws to be very liberal (in a good way).

Yes, Los Angeles has a few laws of it's own that are a bit more restrictive, but that's Los Angeles, and California is a big state. It's like comparing New York City knife laws to New York state laws.

And as far as Los Angeles knife laws are concerned, both my reading of the laws, and my lawyers, indicates that although there is a length limit of under three inches on the size of knife one can carry openly (either fixed-blade or folder), LA law clearly indicates an exception to this length restriction if a person is carrying a knife for work-related purposes or for legitimate recreational purposes.

So, my understanding of LA law regarding fixed-blades is this- if you can reasonably explain that you are carrying your knife for work-related reasons, or that you are on your way to or from camping, fishing, etc, then it is legal to openly carry a fixed-blade longer than three inches.

But, if you can't reasonably provide such justification (and you DON'T want to lie) then you are limited to a fixed-blade less than three inches long.

Of course, this is MY understanding based on both my reading of the law and my lawyers advice. I would not expect others to gamble their freedom on either. When in doubt, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney and decide if you are willing to gamble on what they say. That's what I do.

On a related note, I live in San Diego (southern California), and there is no length limit on the size of knife that we can openly carry, folder or fixed-blade. And there is no need ever for us San Diegans to have to provide any justification to the cops as to why we are carrying what we are carrying.

I think we have pretty decent knife laws here in California. At least compared to a lot of other places in the country. And I think we have great knife laws down here in San Diego (CA state laws). :)
 
Thanks guys--after much re-reading, the fixed Bark River in my pocket seems like a no-go for edc around town. I appreciate your help.
 
I live in florida. winter springs. we are alowed to carry switchblade and any other type of knife we want to. now if we go flicking out at some one that is a different story. I am sorry if I made you mad but I am just going on the post about your state that are posted here on the board.
 
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