California - Legal to possess. Types of Knives You Can Typically Legally Carry Knives that are usually legal to carry almost anywhere include multi-tool devices, Swiss Army knives, and utility knives, and knives with blades that are shorter than 2.5 inches. Washington Knife Law is very complicated about concealed or displayed knives and it even consider a knife to be a dangerous weapon which is same as a deadly weapon and deadly weapon term has been well defined by the courts. It’s built like a tank and holds an edge better than any other knife that I’ve owned…]. 18-12-101..105; open carry of anything may be legal, but expect to be hassled particularly in Denver. It should also be noted that a pocketknife that was legal when manufactured, but is broken or modified so that it will open freely, is a switchblade within the meaning of the statute. All kinds of undetectable knives are legal. No illegal knives as of 2013. The trial court found, however, that the knife had been modified or damaged, and the resistance mechanism did not function so that the knife would open with a flick of the wrist. “Switchblade knife” does not include a knife that opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position.”[ii] (emphasis added). There are no limits on length. I'll discuss that below, but as a rule of thumb, just because California state law allows particular blade doesn't mean it is legal in all places. Make sure to read the whole article or check for your specific type of knife in the summary table. Ownership Law: This law states in a nutshell what you can and cannot own even at home. Other knives may or may not be legal, depending on how and where you carry them, and where you are in California. In other words, if you can justify having or carrying that particular knife… NO! What types of knives are illegal to carry in California? What is The Best Long Term Survival Foods? … “Motorcyclists representing Motorcyclists”. If the blade of the knife is longer than two inches, it is not wise to conceal carry. NJ law focuses on the legitimacy of carrying it at a specific time or place. Court documents revealed the suspect, Andre Conway, used a "large machete knife" to stab 35-year-old Lance Ogel. After researching the law, we certainly understand why confusion exists as to what is legal to carry and what isn’t: there are over a dozen statutes on the subject, as well as numerous municipal codes, and inconsistent court decisions that further muddy the water. California knife laws differ from one place to another, for example, Los angles restrict knife over 3 inches long whereas other places restrict knives over 2 inches. ... pop up due to the current patchwork of knife laws … California has an open-carry knife law that permits the carry of certain knives when placed in a sheath hanging from one’s waist in plain sight. It is perfectly legal to keep a knife hidden in your car in California, as long as it's not "on your person". Meanwhile, in Texas, knife blades cannot be longer than 5.5 inches. Anyone aged 21 years or older may open or concealed every day carry (EDC) knives of any type or length in any city in the state of Arizona. For example, it is illegal in California to carry a knife with a blade of two or more inches. For those of you with a short attention span, here is the summary: In California, the following are illegal:  (1) It is illegal to possess any switchblade knife with a blade of 2″ or longer, that can be opened with a button or the flick of your wrist; (2) concealed possession of any “dirk” or “dagger,” i.e., any stabbing device with a fixed blade, regardless of blade length; (3) possession or sale of any disguised blades, i.e., cane swords, writing pen knives, lipstick knives, etc., or any knife that is undetectable to metal detectors; (4) possession of a knife with a blade longer than 2 1/2″ on any school grounds; (5) possession of a fixed-blade knife with a blade longer than 2 1/2″ on any college or university grounds; and (6) flashing or waiving any knife or weapon in a threatening manner. Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger is illegal pursuant to Penal Code Section 12020(a)(4). As you know, some cops look for any excuse to hassle bikers. Note: Out of all of the pocket knives available on Amazon.com this one is my favorite everyday carry knife – click here to see what it is on Amazon.com. There is no language in the law that prevents openly carrying a sword or similar knife. Dirks, daggers, and stilettos are legal. Non-Lethal Legal Self Defense Weapons in California. A knife is also not considered "concealed" if it is carried within the passenger area of a car. Colorado - Illegal to possess. In Los Angeles, for example, it’s illegal to openly carry any knife with a blade longer than 3″. Knife owners should be cognizant of whether their particular knife fulfills all of the criteria outlined by this definition. Broadly speaking, carrying knives whether open or concealed is legal in California. App. In re: Gilbert R 211 Cal. California law permits individuals to openly carry most knives. You can carry any blade sized legal knives you want. Precious few states have a length limit on switchblades. Here is a quick breakdown of California knife laws. California is an open-carry state. You can carry knives (that are legal) of any blade size you want. upon the grounds of, or within, any public or private school providing instruction in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12 . I am not a lawyer. Folding type knives are legal. In California, it is illegal to … In California, it is illegal to brandish any deadly weapon, including knives. Knives <3.5" are illegal to carry concealed with intent to use as a weapon, but otherwise are okay: A.P.E. But 2 and 2.5 inches are the length limits of blades when it is about the switchblades. Also, this article only covers California law. “Possession of a fixed-blade knife with a blade longer than 2 1/2 inches on any college or university grounds.” So, under California law regarding where a knife can be taken, sometimes the circumstances make a difference. Many people on Reddit wondered if it's even legal to carry … Included in the legal definition of switchblade is “[any] knife having the appearance of a pocketknife and includes a spring-blade knife, snap-blade knife, gravity knife or any other similar type knife, the blade or blades of which are two or more inches in length and which can be released automatically by a flick of a button, pressure on the handle, flip of the wrist or other mechanical device, or is released by the weight of the blade or by any type of mechanism whatsoever.”  The statute expressly excludes pocket knives that can be opened with one hand by pushing the blade open with one’s thumb, as long as the knife “has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position.” see Cal Pen. The laws concerning butterfly knives are not specifically detailed in the California Statutes. Cane knives, lipstick knives, belt knives and any other knife that can be classified as misleading is illegal to own in California; Undetectable knives, like misleading knives, are also outlawed. In re: Luke W 88 Cal. Local knife ownership laws that address open carry typically are stricter than what state law allows. While concealed carry knife laws in Florida might not sound at all friendly, the southern state's open carry laws tell a whole different story. I love this knife! Don't conceal carry a butcher knife, a bowie knife or anything scary. As far as I’m aware, the only knives that are prohibited or restricted are switch blades and their ilk. What size knife is legal to carry in the UK? Any fixed blade knife no matter what the size is illegal to carry on you in San Diego county if it's concealed, visibly is permitted. Knives laws in the Golden State are not as complicated as they initially seem. California, at the state level, has no length limit. It is likely that other forms of open carry are legal too because the State could not prove the “concealed upon the person” element of section 21310. What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident? Balisong knives are legal. See People ex rel. Below is a link giving more detailed information on knife laws in California. Unable to carry (concealed or not). click here to see what it is on Amazon.com, What’s The Best Multi-Tool to Buy For EDC, Cook, Bake and Stew The Top Six Prepper Tools to Get It Done Effectively…, Defeating Drones: How To Build A Thermal Evasion Suit, Real (No B.S.) Surprisingly, however, California is relatively relaxed in terms of ownership. I am not a lawyer, or an expert on California knife laws. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, Hello, I’m M.D. Creekmore. Survival Lessons from Ukraine, Don’t Tread on Me – The Gadsden Flag and it’s Meaning. Cops routinely write tickets and make arrests for things they incorrectly think is illegal. It is important, as always, for knife owners to be cognizant of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions when carrying in a public place. Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger is illegal pursuant to Penal Code Section 12020(a)(4). For example, it is illegal in California to carry a knife with a blade of two or more inches. The best this to do is to check local ordinances before deciding to carry a knife or any other weapon in California. MDCreekmore.com is a participant in the Amazon Services Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. .”  The law with regard to college campuses is similar, but less restrictive. Better yet, think twice before carrying a knife. . Basically, your regular pocket knife is legal, and switchblades are legal if they’re under 2″. The knife size below 3 inches long is considered to be legal in most of the places also, there are different laws in different countries, ie United States laws define knife over 5 inches are illegal and United Kingdom law states knife over 3 inches is illegal. Dirks knives 8. stilettos knives 9. daggers knives 10. App. In states that do have a knife statute, the answer to whether it is legal to carry a knife will generally depend upon the size of the knife. Dirk and Dagger Defined to unlawfully use a deadly weapon.”  This does not include use of such a weapon in self defense. Recommended Gear, COPYRIGHT 2018 - 2020 M.D. v People 20 P.3d 1179 (2001). Schools are Weapon/knife … In the 1985 case of People v. Gerardoi, the defendant was charged with violating a local law of the City of Commerce that is nearly identical to the Los Angeles local law prohibiting carrying blades over 3″. Switchblades, gravity and ballisong knives are illegal. Hopefully, this article will shed some light on the rules and inconsistencies in California knife laws. The knife size below 3 inches long is considered to be legal in most of the places also, there are different laws in different countries, ie United States laws define knife over 5 inches are illegal and United Kingdom law states knife over 3 inches is illegal. My county does not have any length limit, but the county adjacent to me is 3". See § 12020 (4). ✅ Want more? Subsection (b) of the statute provides that it is illegal for any person to bring or possess “any dirk, dagger, ice pick, or knife having a fixed blade longer than 2 1/2 inches upon the grounds of, or within, any [college or university].”. However, it is illegal to carry a “dirk or dagger” concealed on your person. In relation to knife carry, the state law is generally more or less universal, however, particular cities and towns have their own, as usual more strict laws regarding the knife possession and carry. A common fishing fillet knife @ 5" is perfectly legal to open carry on your belt while fishing. A knife carried in a sheath that is worn openly suspended from the waist of the wearer is considered open carry and is legal. Knife Carry Related Laws 2012 revisions - In 2012 California state legislature revised penal code. ). Blade size: There are no limits of blade lengths for any particular knives. Then CLICK HERE to go to my YouTube channel and check out the latest videos! In California, folded pocked knives are legal, but it is illegal for any person to concealed carry any knife legally described as a “dirk” or “dagger” — the legal terms for any fixed-blade knife or stabbing weapon. Some Restricted Places to carry a knife Schools & Universities There is a hunting/fishing exception. Anything other than the above. Knives which are with no restrictions or prohibitions are, All kinds of pocket knives are legal. It gets worse. Rather than listing, the knives are that legal to own, it may be easier to list the knives that bear restrictions. In Knife Laws by State by M.D. It is unlawful to conceal carry a dirk, bowie knife, switchblade knife, ballistic knife, machete, razor, throwing star, oriental dart, or “any weapon of like kind.” Schools: Possession of any knife with the exception of a pocket knife having a folding metal blade of less than three inches is … carry a knife in public without good reason, unless it has a folding blade with a cutting edge 3 inches long or less. Why You Shouldn’t Carry a Knife. Click Here To Read Reviews! A knife is also not considered "concealed" if it is carried within the passenger area of a car. It is considered illegal to own a below mentioned knifes. It’s illegal to: sell a knife to anyone under 18, unless it has a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less. State California allows for concealed carry of the folding knives and there is no limit to the blade length. Being found “not guilty” will not make up for the time and aggravation of getting arrested and missing work — not to mention the cost of hiring an attorney. Code, § 21510 for exact statutory language of this misdemeanor infraction. See also CalCrim No. Certain types of knives are illegal at any length. For example, in the 2008 case of People v. Angel R., the Court of Appeals examined a conviction over a pocketknife that, as originally manufactured, had a hole in the back of the blade that prevented it from flicking open. However, California defines switchblade in great detail stating that a switchblade is: “[A] knife having the appearance of a pocketknife and includes a spring-blade knife, snap-blade knife, gravity knife, or any other similar type knife, the blade or blades of which are two or more inches in length and which can be released automatically by a flick of a button, pressure on the handle, flip of the wrist or other mechanical device, or is released by the weight of the blade or by any type of mechanism whatsoever. However, the California Courts have determined that butterfly knives fit within the definition of switchblades. Pocket Knife Laws In The State of California, United States. Additionally, it is illegal to carry daggers or dirks concealed, and also illegal to carry many types of knives which are designed for concealment. Cane Swords and other Disguised Blades – Penal Code § 20200 et seq. Any blade that is concealed that is found to be locked in the open position cannot be conceal carried. Do Ramen Noodles Expire? Available in paperback and Amazon kindle. This statute begs the question of whether it is legal or not to carry a switchblade in one’s personal vehicle. For example, some states forbid an individual from conceal carry of knives over a certain length but open carry of that same knife is legal. What is The Best Long Term Survival Foods? Overall Length: 5.00” Bikers always seem to inquire about the knife carry laws in California. “Possession of a knife with a blade longer than 2 1/2 inches on any school grounds.” 5. There is a hunting/fishing exception. California Knife Laws: A Guide for Knife Carriers! Creekmore. What is even more interesting is that other, more recent cases completely contradict the decision in People v. Bass. 18-12-101..105; open carry of anything may be legal, but expect to be hassled particularly in Denver. [i] https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=21510, [ii] http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=PEN§ionNum=17235, [iii] https://hobanco.com/blogs/news/california-knife-laws. App. This video covers the three primary categories of knives. Nevada law allows people to carry knives in public, but with four main exceptions. For example, in the City of Los Angeles, it is illegal to publicly carry, in plain view, any knife, dirk or dagger having a blade 3″ or more in length, any ice pick or similar sharp tool, any straight-edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle. A San Francisco City ordinance prohibits “switchblade” knives of any length. Carrying a knife is a way of life for many Pennsylvanians. Illegal to sell switchblades and gravity knives to … shutterstock_318932015.jpg. It’s the perfect size for everyday carry and feels great in hand. Advertisement North Dakota: No concealing your machete, switchblade or anything else that's over 5 inches. These knives are … As such, in Los Angeles, you can’t openly carry a blade over 3″, but you can’t carry such a weapon concealed, either. If the blade of the knife is longer than two inches, it is not wise to conceal carry. There are three main laws that make … This includes, cane swords, belt-buckle knives, lipstick case knives, air gauge knives, writing pen knives, etc. Penal code section 20200. A. California restricts knife which is above 5 inches. State Knife Laws . v People 20 P.3d 1179 (2001). Yes, a person can carry a concealed pocket knife with them in CA Fairfield What is the legal switchblade knife size for Arizona? However, they are illegal when the blade is longer than 2”. California has some very strange laws, and knives are not excluded. Switchblades and other automatic knives are legal. The Sprint from Protech is a snappy, California Legal automatic knife that looks as great as it performs! Switchblades of 2” or less are legal to carry in California, as long as they are not concealed. The law also notes that all legal fixed blades knives must be worn in plain sight. Following a “two-inch” rule, however, is prudent. Q. Blade size: There are no limits of blade lengths for any particular knives. However, the maximum legal length for a switchblade knife is 2 inches. It is essential to be aware of the laws for possession of a knife in the state of Washington. Any knife outside of those 3 is legal to conceal carry. It is perfectly legal to keep a knife hidden in your car in California, as long as it's not "on your person". As we’ve seen, even though it is your legal right to carry certain types of knives in … I’m the author of, 20 Foods With The Longest Shelf Life For Your Pantry. This unfortunately makes butterfly knives illegal to carry in the State of California. Interestingly, the Courts have held that the Los Angeles law forbidding carrying a concealed weapon is invalid. Most non-lethal self-defense weapons are legal in California so long as they are used in good faith. BUT, and this is a big but, the knife you carry must only be used as a tool (a.k.a. Many people on Reddit wondered if it's even legal to carry … For example, In Los Angeles, California any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches is illegal to openly carry. Other states forbid the carry, concealed and open, of certain knives. 4th 650 A credit card multi-tool knife is not a concealed dagger or dirk knife in California. The Court of Appeals overturned the conviction, holding that the Los Angeles law conflicted with the state law, and was therefore invalid. Now, I looked up Legal knife sizes in NJ, and another forum discussing this mentioned this "...The law doesn't use a size or length for knives. In the State of California, there is no maximum length for knives in general. Blade Size Limits: In California, there are no particular length limits of the blades. You can legally carry a pocket knife in your pocket with the clip visibly showing. None of the material in this article should be interpreted as legal advice. Third, having knives is prohibited at schools or child care facilities. Gravity knives are legal. Local ordinances may also impact the legality of your knife. As of early 2019, the State of Michigan law considers every legal knife to be eligible for open carry. Worse, California courts have been inconsistent in ruling on the enforceability of these local laws. California is one of the friendlier states for knife owners.