What Size?

Not knowing the laws there, I'd carry anything up to a 3" blade (total blade length, not just cutting edge).
 
It really depends on the city &/or county's laws. You can carry a folder of any length blade concealed. If you're really worried about it, then yes, carry a folder of 3" or less (Most folders with advertised 3" blades are usually 2 15/16" or shorter).
 
I'd feel comfortable carrying up to a 5" blade there, but I'd probably carry a 4 incher.
 
CA does not have any length limitations of folders although there may be local limits.
 
Mostly 2 1/2 inches. Been alot of years since I carried anything bigger than a sak or number 7 Opinel.
 
Erm. 4 inches? I know in MI it's anything 3 and under. Really takes a Spyderco Millie or Assist out of my pocket.
 
Yes, there is no limit for folders in CA state law (they just have to have a bias toward closure), however local ordinances may impose a limit, so be sure to check.

If a LEO searches you, tell him what you are carrying and where it is; don't reach to take it out. I don't know how much good it'll do, but always ask for a receipt. If he/she gives you one, you might be able to file a complaint or go through some other process to regain your property. There are rumors of cops confiscating legal knifes and keeping it for themselves without issuing a receipt (no offense to LEOs, just relating the rumor). If a LEO refuses to give you a receipt, I wouldn't push it too hard, but I'd take his badge number. Even if you get a receipt, it might be an arduous process to reclaim your property; if you're losing a cheap EDC, is it worth your time to wrangle over it at the station? If you're losing a custom or high end production, then I'd make sure to politely get his name and badge number. Perhaps an attorney could shed light on what to do in the event of confiscation. :)

There is a whole sub-forum on legal issues, you could post there for that question if the mods don't move this there.

edit: just found this thread on confiscation: http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148608&highlight=confiscate
 
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Thanks Russell. Interesting read. I wish I would have know that stuff before my knife was taken. It was a 3 1/4 inch folder concealed in my pocket. It had a real nice handle on it. Kershaw if I remember right. Kershaw or Gerber. Anyhow, about a $70 knife. I wasn't arrested, so I guess it's considered stolen. The world ain't perfect.
 
benaroia said:
Erm. 4 inches? I know in MI it's anything 3 and under.
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That's a common misunderstanding. The law is worded kind of oddly. From Michigan's Concealed Pistol Law - FAQs: Other Weapons (Non-Pistols):
5. Is it illegal to have a knife with a blade over 3 inches in my possession?

MCL 750.226 No. Michigan law specifies that a person, with intent to use the knife unlawfully against another, shall not go armed with a knife having a blade over 3 inches in length.
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So, theoretically speaking, it would appear that so long as you aren't carrying one with bad intent, there is no blade length limitation.

That being said: benaroia's misunderstanding is a common one, including amongst law enforcement officers. So in Michigan, at least, it's not a bad idea to follow the "Three Inch Rule," and I do--except when out in the woods, during which I'll carry a hunting or survival knife of whatever length I choose, in a scabbard.
 
welcome gldfshkpr :) You got me started on trying to look up the city/county ordinances for where I live and where I work....not as easy to find as the state stuff....haven't had time to really get into it yet. But yeah, if in doubt, you'd be fine with a 3". I don't like edc-ing anything longer anyway for sheeple concerns and for practicality in what i use it for.
 
i carried my fullsize BM Nitrous Stryker last time i was in CA, as long as your not doing anything stupid that would give police a reason to search you.
 
rksoon said:
welcome gldfshkpr :) You got me started on trying to look up the city/county ordinances for where I live and where I work....not as easy to find as the state stuff....haven't had time to really get into it yet. But yeah, if in doubt, you'd be fine with a 3". I don't like edc-ing anything longer anyway for sheeple concerns and for practicality in what i use it for.
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It kinda feels like my basic rights are being swept away sometimes; sheeple or no sheeple.
 
gldfshkpr said:
If I am searched, can the blade be confiscated? I had this happen once. I don't want to lose my new Spyderco Stretch.
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LE can "confiscate" the knife if you're searched. Now, can they legally? Again, it depends on the Municipal & county's laws regarding it. If they don't have anything on it, then it's the CA. penal code & that "allows" you to carry "concealed" any length blade folder. You can even carry a FB unconcealed (If your untucked shirt's covering it, then it can be considered concealed, BTW).

Most of the threads & posts I've read concerning "what if LE takes my legal knife" are pretty good. Believe it or not, I think "most" LE don't want to lose pay (Unpaid days off), disciplined in other ways, or possibly get sued & maybe lose their job (If they lie about it, etc.). If, by chance, you do get a "legal" knife taken away, then I'd say the best thing to do is "politely" ask for a receipt, memorize the badge # & his/her name (Write it down afterward), or even just ask for a business card, & again politely state that if on the offhand chance it isn't illegal, you'd like to go to the Police station & pick it up at a later date.

I think the bottom line here is to keep your head & not try to get into a pissing match with the LEO. Even if you're right, you might not enjoy that you are if you piss them off. Again, if it's a concern, I'd highly recommend a Spyderco Delica or similar knife. It's relatively inexpensive (If you look around), great blade steel for the $, & the blade length won't really be an issue.
 
CL01 said:
I think the bottom line here is to keep your head & not try to get into a pissing match with the LEO. Even if you're right, you might not enjoy that you are if you piss them off. Again, if it's a concern, I'd highly recommend a Spyderco Delica or similar knife. It's relatively inexpensive (If you look around), great blade steel for the $, & the blade length won't really be an issue.
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Ignorance is not bliss. That's what happened to my last good knife my local LE stole. I didn't know to ask for a receipt.

Why should I have to compromise my right to bear arms.

Why are my rights interpreted locally when it's the Constitution that lays down the law.
 
gldfshkpr said:
Ignorance is not bliss. That's what happened to my last good knife my local LE stole. I didn't know to ask for a receipt.

Why should I have to compromise my right to bear arms.

Why are my rights interpreted locally when it's the Constitution that lays down the law.
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Things and people don't always work the way they're "supposed" to, but trust me, CL01 knows what he's talking about and it would be in your best interest to follow his suggestion in this matter.

BTW, I carry a 3.5" blade for EDC. In San Francisco, the limit is under 3". I live in the East Bay.
 
Kaizen1 said:
Things and people don't always work the way they're "supposed" to, but trust me, CL01 knows what he's talking about and it would be in your best interest to follow his suggestion in this matter.

BTW, I carry a 3.5" blade for EDC. In San Francisco, the limit is under 3". I live in the East Bay.
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I'm pretty sure this is the best advice.
 
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