I have been practicing family law for over 30 years and sometimes family members like camping, hiking, and staying overnight at a national park. Sometimes knives are brought into the backcountry so that people can enjoy the great outdoors. But some knives are illegal in California. This leads to my article today about knife laws in California: Knife laws vary from state to state. California knife law restricts certain types of knives and bladed weapons. Here is a brief overview of knife laws in California:
Switchblades A switchblade is defined as a knife with a blade that automatically opens by the release of a spring or other mechanical device. The prohibited length is 2 inches or longer overall.
Dirks and Daggers A dirk (sometimes spelled “dirke’) or dagger is defined as a stabbing knife more than 5.5 inches with fixed blades and includes • A knife with a double-edged blade or a “shobo” or “karasuki” knife. • A stiletto. • A cane sword or disguised dagger.
Stilettos and Billy Clubs The prohibited length of a stiletto or a curved knife designed for stabbing is 5.5 inches or more. A billy club, black jack, or slapjack is defined as a “slungshot.” It is a “mace,” “blackjacks,” “sandstick,” “sandbag,” or “billy.”
Penalties Penalties vary from county to county. That being said it is not wise to carry knives into the wilds of California. If the police stop you can be subject to arrest and have your knife confiscated. In some cases, knives can be returned to the owner even if the owner is a minor. Last but not least if you decide, against all reason and warnings for the sake of disobedience, to take an illegal knife with you anywhere in California, place some money aside because you will need a family lawyer. If you have any questions on the legality of taking a knife into some state of the art criminal justice center that is just around the corner from you, type: what knives are legal to carry in california, into that search engine and hit the enter key.
For more information on knife laws, you can visit the Wikipedia page on knife laws.
