California has some of the toughest knife laws in the country, so it’s important to know which knives are legal to carry. This article will break down California’s knife laws, especially regarding pocket knives. Let’s get started and find out which knives you can and cannot carry.
Pocket Knives You Cannot Carry in California
California’s knife laws are designed to maintain public safety by restricting certain types of knives. Here’s a detailed look at the pocket knives you cannot carry in California:
Balisongs or Butterfly Knives
Balisongs, also known as butterfly knives, are explicitly prohibited in California. These knives have a handle that splits in half, allowing the blade to be concealed when closed.
With a quick flip of the wrist, the blade swings out and locks into place, making them easy to deploy rapidly. Because of their design and ease of use, they are considered dangerous and are not allowed in the state. The potential for quick and stealthy deployment is why California law bans them entirely.
Gravity Knives
Gravity knives use the force of gravity or a quick wrist movement to open. An example of this is the Pocket Sai Ultra. These knives can be dangerous because they open quickly and easily with just a flick of the wrist.
The blade slides out of the handle due to its own weight or a slight movement. Because they can be opened so fast and with minimal effort, they are illegal in California. The law aims to prevent the easy access and use of such potentially harmful weapons.
Spring-Assisted Knives Over Two Inches
Spring-assisted knives use a spring mechanism to help open the blade. If the blade is longer than two inches, these knives are illegal in California. This includes out-the-front (OTF) knives, which also use a spring to deploy the blade directly out of the handle.
The spring mechanism makes it possible to open the knife quickly with one hand. The law restricts these knives because their quick and easy deployment can pose a significant safety risk.
In fact, In California, the law prohibits knives that can be deployed by any form of automatic or assisted mechanism. This includes, but is not limited to, actions such as:
A flick of a button❌
pressure on the handle❌
a flip of the wrist❌
the use of the blade’s weight❌
Devices like switchblades, spring-loaded knives, gravity knives, and any other similar mechanisms designed to assist in rapid blade deployment are explicitly banned.
Undetectable Knives
Undetectable knives are made from materials that do not set off metal detectors. These include knives disguised as everyday items, such as necklace blade knives, belt buckle knives, lipstick knives, and writing pen knives.
The hidden nature of these knives makes them particularly dangerous because they can be easily concealed and carried into places where weapons are not allowed. California law prohibits these knives to ensure public safety and prevent the sneaky use of concealed weapons.
Ballistic Knives
Ballistic knives are extremely dangerous because they shoot the blade out like a projectile. These knives can be very harmful due to their ability to launch the blade at high speeds.
California law bans them entirely because of the severe injury they can cause. The mechanism that allows the blade to be fired from the handle is considered too hazardous for civilian use.
This prohibition helps to prevent the potential for violent and unexpected attacks using such weapons.
Switchblades Over Two Inches
Switchblades, also known as automatic knives, open automatically with the push of a button or a lever.
If the blade is longer than two inches, they are illegal in California but Switchblades with shorter blades are still restricted, but the added length increases the potential harm, hence the stricter regulation.
Pocket Knives You Can Legally Concealed Carry in California
While many knives are restricted, several types can still be legally carried in California, provided they adhere to specific regulations.
Box Cutters
Box cutters are legal to carry concealed. They are practical tools used in various professions and do not pose the same risks as some more dangerous knives.
Swiss Army Knives
Swiss Army knives are generally permitted. These versatile tools are considered safe for everyday use and do not fall under the same restrictions as other knives.
Multi-Tools
Multi-tools, which include a variety of implements such as pliers, screwdrivers, and small blades, are legal to carry concealed. These tools are practical and widely used.
General Folding Knives
Folding knives that do not have spring-assisted mechanisms are legal. This includes knives like the Hogue Trauma and Spyderco, where the blade is deployed manually using a thumb stud or hole.
Slip Joints
Slip joint knives, which use a simple pivot mechanism without a locking blade, are allowed. These knives are generally safe and pose minimal risk.
Size Limitations
There is no specific size limit on folding knives. Therefore, you can legally carry larger folding knives such as the Fox Edge folder, provided they do not have assisted opening mechanisms.
Pocket Knives You Can Legally Open Carry In California
In California, certain knives are legal to carry as long as they are openly displayed. This means the knife must be in a sheath and attached to your belt.
It’s important to note that this does not include any of the banned knives, such as balisongs, gravity knives, or spring-assisted knives over two inches.
Dirks and Daggers
In California, you can openly carry dirks and daggers as long as they are securely sheathed and attached to your waist.
This means that all fixed blade knives are permissible for open carry in the state, except those explicitly banned under California law.
Swords and Machetes
Interestingly, as there is no restriction on the size of the blade when it comes to open carry in California. This means you could legally carry a sword or a giant machete as long as it is sheathed and attached to your belt. While this might attract some odd looks😂, it is perfectly legal under state law.
Conclusion
Understanding California’s knife laws is crucial for anyone who carries a knife, whether for work, utility, or personal protection. Knowing which knives are prohibited and which are allowed can help you stay compliant with the law and avoid legal trouble. Remember, while you can carry certain knives, always use them responsibly and for their intended purposes.
In the next part of our series, we’ll explore the knives you can carry openly but not concealed in California. Stay tuned for more insights and detailed information on California’s knife laws.