Can I open carry a knife in California?

People in California can carry folding knives (other than switchblades) concealed on their person and freely in the open. Folding knives include pocketknives, box cutters, and other “utility” knives. Certain knives are completely illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, and import in California.

Can I carry a knife in my car in California?

There is only one California statute which specifically references knives in vehicles. You cannot carry a switchblade with a blade 2” or more in length in a vehicle. It is illegal to have a fixed-blade knife concealed on your person, but that is true whether or not you are in a vehicle.

What is the biggest knife you can carry legally?

Knife blades cannot be longer than 5.5 inches. Certain types of knives, such as switchblades, spring-loaded knives, swords, spears, and daggers are also outlawed.

Is a Bowie knife legal in California?

In California, the knife laws are considered some of the strictest in the country. Throughout the state, it is considered legal to purchase and carry any knife that is under two inches in length. Some other knives that are legal within the state include: Bowie knives.

Is a knife in a backpack concealed?

In one of those decisions, the court ruled that a knife carried in a backpack was not “on the person” of the defendant. This court ruling means that carrying a concealed weapon in your backpack or a bag without a permit is illegal, regardless of whether the gun is loaded.

Can you carry a Bowie knife in your car in California?

Bowie knives are legal. Large knives are legal (no restrictions in size). Carrying knives in the open is legal in California.

How big of a knife can I carry in my car?

However, there is a general rule of thumb to follow as long as you have a bit of important information. You can legally carry a knife in your car as long as it is below the length limit set by the state. This will range anywhere from 2.5″ up to 12″ for fixed blade knives. Some states also have no length limit.

Are knives illegal in California?

In California, it is legal to buy, own, transport, and carry any knife that is not restricted. The three most common types of knives — switchblades, folding knives, and fixed blade knives (also known as dirks and daggers) — have certain rules surrounding them and are explained in more detail below.

What knives are illegal to carry in California?

According to Shouse California Law Group, folding knives such as box cutters, pocket knives and utility knives are legal to carry in California. A kitchen chef knife or ice pick are categories of knives that are lawful to possess when used normally, but any automatic knife that is determined to be a switchblade is illegal.

Is it illegal to carry a knife in California?

However there is no restriction on folding knives as long as they don’t fall under the category of switch blades. For state or local public buildings, it is illegal to carry any knife with a blade of more than 4 inches onto the premise. California Penal Code Section 171b.

What is the legal knife length in California?

California Knife Laws Blade Length Rules. There are specific restrictions for knives in California that all depend on the length of the blade. 2 inches or longer blades, specifically ones which ‘unfold’ or ‘open’. One component of “Switch blades” in California is a blade 2 inches or longer.

What is the legal size of a knife in California?

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. For example, it is illegal in California to carry a knife with a blade of two or more inches. Meanwhile, in Texas, knife blades cannot be longer than 5.5 inches.