California State has strict laws about weapons to ensure the safety of its citizens. Knives are also considered weapons, which may create problems for Knife enthusiasts, hunters, travellers, and collectors to carry knives illegally. My friend, Kristen, an outdoor enthusiast, researched knife laws during her vacations in California to gather all the necessary information about legal knives.
It’s essential to know about knife laws in California, whether you live there or are a traveller. There are some restrictions to selling, manufacturing, and carrying a knife in California [Panel Code Sections 16470, 17235, and 21510]. Having a concealed knife is illegal unless you have a small pocket knife or a valid permit from authorities. Ballistic knives, butterfly knives, switchable, cane swords, spring-assisted, and fixed blades are entirely banned in California. There are exceptions for chefs, fishermen, hunters, and people who use knives for their work.
What knives are legal in California?
All knives are not restricted to owning, selling, or manufacturing in California. Here is the list of legal knives with their limitations:
Pocket Knives
It’s legal to carry a 2-inch folding Swiss army knife visible or concealed. Meanwhile, you can legally carry a pocket knife on your belt or concealed.
Fixed Blade
Fixed blade knives with 5-inch lengths are legal to carry open and visible in your belt. It’s illegal to own concealed.
These are the legal knives with length limitations to carry open and visible in California. If you have any doubts about the knife, contact your lawyer.
Are Knife Blade Lengths Restricted in California?
There is no general restriction for the knife length in California. However, switchblades are restricted to carry if the blade length is longer than 2 inches. All knives with longer blade lengths are illegal to carry in public places and school territory. So avoid owning any knife in school, university, and public places.
What Knives are Illegal in California?
According to Kristen’s research, weapons are illegal to manufacture, sell, or carry in California. The list of illegal knives in California is given below:
- Ballistic knife
- Cane swords
- Lipstick knife
- Air Gauge Knife
- Belt Buckle Knife
- Concealed Dirk or Dagger
- Writing Pen Knife
- Shuriken (Throwing stars)
- Shobi-Zue (Blade concealed in wooden stuff)
- Butterfly
- Switchblades Knife with a longer blade
Panel Code 16590 provides the list of knives that are banned in California.
Pro Tips
You should consult a legal professional if you have questions about carrying knives in certain areas. You should also have documentation or proof of a valid reason for carrying knives in restricted areas. Moreover, be sure not to use or display knives in a way that could be perceived as illegal or threatening.
Are Switchblades Legal in California?
Yes, switchblades are legal to carry in California with a 2-inch blade length.
California Panel Code 17235 defines switchblade clearly:
“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.”
California Panel Code 21510 defines the “two-inch” switchblade rule:
“Every person who does any of the following with a switchblade knife having a blade two or more inches in length is guilty of a misdemeanour:
(a) Possesses the knife in the passenger’s or driver’s area of any motor vehicle in any public place or place open to the public.
(b) Carries the knife upon the person.
(c) Sells, offers for sale, exposes for sale, loans, transfers, or gives the knife to any other person.”
Are Butterfly Knives Legal in California?
No, butterflies are illegal to possess in public places and schools in California. Its shape enables it to conceal it anywhere to be used for criminal activities. That’s why butterfly knives are banned to stop unlawful activities in the state.
Can I Carry a Concealed Knife in California?
It’s illegal to carry concealed knives in California, which is the state prohibits. You can have a folding knife that is 2 inches in length. It is recommended not to own any banned weapons in California according to Panel Code 16590.
Can I Open Carry a Knife in California?
California law allows one to own fixed-blade knives (like dirk and daggers) in a sheath. But we recommend you not hold knives openly in public places. Panel Code 417 defines that having a knife openly in public places shows anger, rudeness, and a threat to the public. It can create problems regarding punishment, fines, and imprisonment for 30 days.
Are Spring-Assisted Knives Legal in California?
Yes, Spring-assisted knives are legal to own and carry in California but be cautious. Panel Code 17235 clearly defines the switchblade and spring-assisted knives.
“In this part, “switchblade knife” means 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. “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.”
Are belt buckle knives illegal in California?
Yes, belt buckle knives are illegal to manufacture, sell, and carry in public places in California. In case of violating Panel Code 20410PC, a belt buckle knife can lead you to pay a heavy fine or imprisonment for 1-3 years.
Can I use a Knife for Self-Defense in California?
California law allows a knife for self-defence in situations where there is an imminent threat of harm. It doesn’t mean you are free to use your knife to kill or harm any person badly. You can use it when your life is in real danger, and you can use it to stop with little force.
What are the penalties for violating California’s knife laws?
If you are found to violate California’s knife laws, you can face fines, imprisonment, or both for misdemeanours and felonies. Having a concealed dirk or dagger can lead to a year in county jail while having a switchblade can lead to fines and/or imprisonment.
It is essential for anyone who owns or carries a knife in the state of California to be familiar with the knife laws and to adhere to them. Keeping updated with the types of legal knives, carrying regulations, and potential penalties is one of the best ways to ensure you remain on the right side of the law. If you find yourself facing charges because of knife possession or use at any point in your life, it is highly recommended that you seek the counsel of a lawyer.
FAQS
What size knife is legal to carry in California?
In California, Penal Code 171b prohibits carrying switchblades, fixed-blade knives longer than four inches, and other restricted knives in public buildings.
Is a 4-inch pocket knife legal in California?
In California, carrying a pocket knife with a blade length limitation is legal. You are allowed to own a pocket knife with less than 3-inch blade. If you are 14 years old, you should avoid carrying a knife in public school.