Chloe Zhang
California has some of the strictest knife laws in the US, with several cities and counties having their own blade length limits on knives that can be carried. In general, knives that are illegal are those most commonly used to commit crimes and do not have an obvious use as a tool or resemble a knife. While it is legal to buy, own, transport, and carry any knife that is not restricted, certain knives are illegal to carry, especially if they are misleading or undetectable. Plastic knives, for example, are considered push weapons, and there seems to be no legitimate reason to carry one.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic knives | Mostly "push" weapons |
| Legality in California | Legal to own and carry |
| Legality in other states | Likely to be considered a concealed weapon |
| Legality in schools | Illegal to possess certain knives on school premises |
| Legality in public buildings | Illegal to possess certain knives in public buildings |
| Legality on federal lands | Illegal to possess a switchblade |
| Legality in counties/municipalities | More restrictive than state laws |
| Examples of illegal knives | Air gauge knife, ballistic knife, belt buckle knife, cane sword |
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What You'll Learn
- Plastic knives are illegal in California if they are undetectable by a metal detector
- Some cities in California have blade length limits on knives that can be carried
- Switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches are illegal to carry in California
- Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger is a wobbler offence in California
- California knife laws are among the strictest in the US
Plastic knives are illegal in California if they are undetectable by a metal detector
California has some of the strictest knife laws in the US, and several cities and counties have even stricter local knife laws. While it is legal to buy, own, transport, and carry any knife that is not restricted in California, there are specific rules surrounding the three most common types of knives: switchblades, folding knives, and fixed-blade knives (also known as dirks and daggers).
Switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches are illegal to carry in California, and possession, manufacturing, and sales of such weapons are tightly regulated. However, exceptions are made for active-duty members of the armed forces or persons with only one arm carrying a switchblade with a blade that is 3 inches or shorter in length.
Folding knives may be carried openly or concealed, provided they are in a folded or closed position. If a folding knife is extended and locked into position, it becomes a "dirk" or "dagger," which has different rules. Dirks and daggers may be carried openly but not in a briefcase, purse, or other containers. They may be carried in a sheath worn on the waist, and the hilt or handle of the knife must not be hidden or concealed, even by clothing or the knife's sheath.
Additionally, there are specific restrictions on carrying knives into public buildings, properties owned by the US government, and schools. According to Penal Code 171b, certain knives are prohibited in state or local public buildings. Under Penal Code 626.10(a)(1) and (2), it is illegal to possess certain knives on specific school premises, and violations may result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
Furthermore, California Penal Code 12001.1, which deals with the manufacture or importation of undetectable knives, states that any knife that is not detectable by a metal detector is illegal to manufacture, import, or sell. This law specifically targets knives made from plastic or other non-metallic materials, which can easily be concealed and pose a threat to security in airports, courtrooms, and other public spaces. Therefore, plastic knives that are undetectable by metal detectors are illegal in California, in line with the state's efforts to enhance security and prevent crimes committed using concealed weapons.
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Some cities in California have blade length limits on knives that can be carried
California has some of the strictest knife laws in the US, and several cities and counties have even stricter local knife laws. While there is no specific mention of plastic knives, there are laws in place regarding the blade length of knives that can be carried.
The California Penal Code permits the open and concealed carry of folding knives, provided they are folded or closed. However, if a folding knife is extended and locked into position, it becomes a "dirk" or "dagger," which has different rules. Switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches are illegal to carry in California. Additionally, it is illegal to carry a concealed dirk or dagger, including those concealed by clothing or tucked into a waistband.
It is important to note that the laws and penalties for knife possession and carry can vary depending on the city and county in California. Hunters, construction workers, cooks, gardeners, and other professionals who use knives as tools of their trade may have relaxed knife restrictions.
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Switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches are illegal to carry in California
California has some of the strictest knife laws in the US, and several cities and counties have even stricter local knife laws. The state's laws apply to plastic knives, and possession of certain knives is illegal under specific circumstances.
Switchblades, also known as "pushbutton knives" or "ejector knives", are among the most common types of knives with specific rules surrounding them in California. A switchblade is a knife with a blade contained within the handle that is automatically opened by a spring when a button or switch on the handle is pushed. Switchblades with blades longer than 2 inches are illegal to carry in California.
California Penal Code 17235 permits the open and concealed carry of folding knives, provided they are folded or closed. If a folding knife is extended and locked into position, it becomes a "dirk" or "dagger", which has different rules. Dirks and daggers may be carried openly but not in a briefcase, purse, or other containers. They may be carried openly in a sheath worn on the waist, but the hilt or handle of the knife must not be hidden or concealed, even by clothing or the knife's sheath. This law is in place to ensure that anyone around the person carrying the knife can clearly see it to prevent surprise attacks.
There are also specific restrictions on carrying knives into public buildings, properties owned by the US government, and schools. According to Penal Code 171b, certain knives are prohibited in state or local public buildings. Additionally, under Penal Code 626.10(a)(1) and (2), it is illegal to possess certain knives on specific school premises, which may result in misdemeanour or felony charges.
It is important to note that exceptions are made for active-duty members of the armed forces or persons with only one arm, who are permitted to carry a switchblade with a blade that is 3 inches or shorter in length. Hunters, construction workers, cooks, gardeners, and other people for whom knives are "tools of the trade" may also have relaxed knife restrictions.
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Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger is a wobbler offence in California
California has some of the strictest knife laws in the US, and several cities and counties have even stricter local knife laws. The state's laws apply to plastic knives as well as metal knives.
California's knife laws distinguish between different types of knives, including gravity knives, butterfly knives, switchblades, folding knives, and fixed-blade knives (also known as dirks and daggers). Each type of knife has specific rules regarding possession, manufacturing, sales, and carrying in public.
Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger is a "wobbler" offence in California. A wobbler offence is one that the prosecutor can decide to charge as either a misdemeanour or a felony. According to Penal Code 21310, it is illegal to carry a concealed dirk or dagger, including when the knife is concealed by clothing (e.g. tucked into a waistband). The open carry law states that the hilt or handle of a knife cannot be hidden, even by clothing or the knife's sheath. This law is in place to prevent surprise attacks and ensure the safety of those around the person carrying the knife.
In addition to the state's laws, many California counties and municipalities have their own knife ordinances that may be more restrictive. For example, Los Angeles prohibits openly carrying any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches in public, while Oakland has a similar ban for knives with blades of 3 inches or longer. Sacramento County prohibits knives on any county property, and San Diego County bans the possession of "throwing knives" at county parks. San Francisco bans loitering while carrying concealed knives with blades of 3 inches or longer. Therefore, it is essential to check all local ordinances before carrying or transporting any knives within California.
It is worth noting that certain exemptions exist for individuals who require knives as "tools of the trade," such as hunters, construction workers, cooks, and gardeners. Additionally, exceptions are made for active-duty members of the armed forces or individuals with only one arm carrying a switchblade with a blade no longer than 3 inches.
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California knife laws are among the strictest in the US
California's knife laws are among the strictest in the US. The state's laws regarding knives can be confusing and inconsistent, and carrying a knife or weapon of any kind increases the likelihood of unpleasant encounters with law enforcement.
There are two important factors when it comes to possessing and carrying knives in California: whether the type of knife is legal or restricted, and the open carry law. In California, it is legal to buy, own, transport, and carry any knife that is not restricted. The open carry law states that the hilt or handle of a knife cannot be hidden or concealed, even by clothing or the knife's sheath. This law is in place to ensure that anyone around the person carrying the knife can clearly see it and prevent surprise attacks.
The three most common types of knives—switchblades, folding knives, and fixed-blade knives (dirks and daggers)—have certain rules surrounding them. Switchblades are knives with blades contained within the handle, which open automatically by a spring when a button or switch on the handle is pushed. In California, it is unlawful to carry any dirk or dagger concealed, and this is the primary statewide restriction applicable to knives. While this may seem like a modest limitation, the definition is extremely broad. Only non-locking or slip joint design folding knives are excluded. Any fixed-blade knife can be considered a "dirk or dagger" under California law and should be carried openly in a sheath suspended from the waist. Dirks and daggers may be lawfully carried openly under California State law, but a City of Los Angeles ordinance imposes significant carry restrictions.
There are also specific restrictions on carrying knives into public buildings, properties owned by the US government, and schools. Knives that are illegal to possess in California include those that are misleading or undetectable by a metal detector, and those with blades longer than two and one-half inches within any university or community college. "Box cutters" are prohibited in airports and passenger vessel terminals, and any undetectable knife is restricted in the sterile area of any public transit facility.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic knives are not explicitly mentioned in California's knife laws. However, knives that are illegal in California are those that are commonly used to commit crimes and do not have an obvious use as a tool or resemble a knife. Plastic knives, being mostly push weapons, may be considered concealed weapons and thus may be illegal.
Knives that are illegal to possess in California include air gauge knives, ballistic knives, belt buckle knives, cane swords, and switchblades with blades longer than 2" inches.
Yes, certain knives are prohibited from being carried openly or concealed in public, depending on the city or county. For example, Los Angeles prohibits carrying any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches in public, while San Francisco bans loitering while carrying concealed knives with blades longer than 3 inches.
Yes, exceptions are made for active-duty members of the armed forces or individuals with only one arm, who are permitted to carry a switchblade with a blade shorter than 3 inches in length. Additionally, hunters, construction workers, cooks, gardeners, and other professionals who require knives as tools may have relaxed knife restrictions.
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