Switchblades legal in California?

[Sharp Knives 86]

Are switchblades (particularly Italian stilletto autos) legal to own in CA. I know they are illegal to carry. I've read on severall sites they are legal to own in your home but I've also heard they're restricted to certain types of autos.

 

[glistam]

Yes they are legal to own, and those with blades under 2 inches are legal to carry.

The applicable law, 653k of the Penal Code, makes it illegal to
1. carry on one's person, (note there is no "concealed," it's illegal even if openly carried)
2. possess in the passenger compartment of a vehicle while on a public place
3. sell, offer for sale, loan, transfer or otherwise give to another person.

Again, if the blade is under 2 inches, it not considered a switchblade for purposes of this law. This law is often misquoted even by law enforcement, so I hope I gave you the straight dope. The hyperlinked text above directs you to the statute itself on the CA government website.

 

[Sharp Knives 86]

Thanks glistam! So it's OK for me to own a 9" Italian stiletto.