Tomahawk law?

[mark greenman]

Hey all, wondering what the general rule is about carrying Tomahawks, especially in California. I know we can carry Fixed blades openly, any size folder concealed, but I have been unable to find any info on carrying a Tomahawk. Can they be carried openly? Concealed? I know the Hells Angels are alleged to be fond of carrying Ball Peen Hammers concealed, b/c there is no law against it, would a similar rule apply with the 'hawk? Your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
Mark

 

[Argyll]

There is no specific law regarding 'hawks in Caliornia as far as I know. Concealed carry would probably fall under the fixed blade prohibition, since it is has a cutting edge. The difference between a hammer and 'hawk is that one is an urban tool, and the other not, making it presence hard to explain. By the way a concealed hammer would likely be considered an illegal billy if carried without an innocent reason. YMMV

Best regards,

Argyll

 

[waterdogs]

Tell `em you`re a roofer, and the `hawk is just part of your normal work gear....

(and don`t scalp any "white eyes"

 

[riversidedep]

I don't believe a tomahawk would fall under California's concealed fixed blade knife law since its not a stabbing weapon. The knife or other offending implement has to be readily capable of being used as a stabbing weapon, and a tomahawk wouldn'f fit the bill. That is why this section can be used if someone carrys a kitchen knife, icepick, or screwdriver concealed for purposes of using it as a weapon. A lot of people get hung up on the "daggger or dirk" wording of the law, but you can actually be charged with this section (12020 (a)(4 of the Ca. Penal Code) even carrying a folder concealed if the blade is in the open position.

 

[glistam]

Under part (24)(d), it's perfectly legal to carry it openly on your belt regardless of whether it counts as a weapon (barring local city laws)
Remember as usual, if you have something like tomahawk, it should "make sense," or else your in for some very awkward explanations.

Bad reasons:
"It's for self-defense"
"I have a fascination with Native American weapons such that I like to carry it around town."
"I'm a [fearful/violent-tempered person/gang member] and want a weapon that skirts the law.

Good reasons:
"I'm chopping wood here."
"I'm on my way to camping/hiking/fishing/hunting."
"I'm a reenactor on my way to a gig."