Carrying a knife in California means complying with state laws and local ordinances, which vary depending on the knife type, carry method, and location. Some knives are permitted under state law but not in certain cities, making legal requirements differ across locations.
California’s knife regulations can be complex due to varying state penal codes and local ordinances. For instance, a folding pocket knife legal in Sacramento could violate Los Angeles law if its blade is longer than three inches. Therefore, understanding both state and local rules is essential when traveling.
Legal Knives in California
California Penal Code 17235 establishes that folding knives are legal throughout the state when carried in the closed position. There's no restriction on blade length for folding knives when they’re closed and concealed on your person. This means you can legally carry a folding knife with a blade four inches or longer. Just keep the knife folded while concealed.
Fixed-blade knives follow different rules. California Penal Code 20200 states that a knife carried in an openly suspended sheath worn at the waist isn’t considered concealed. You can legally carry a fixed blade knife of any length if it’s worn openly in a belt sheath. The key requirement is that the knife must be visible. It cannot be hidden under clothing or carried in a way that conceals its presence.
Folding Knives and Pocket Knives
Standard folding knives and pocket knives are the most widely carried legal knives in California. These knives can have locking mechanisms and thumb studs for one-handed opening. The law permits knives that open with thumb pressure applied to the blade or a thumb stud. The knife must have a detent or mechanism that creates resistance when opening.
We offer various folding knives that comply with California law. Our knives feature secure locking mechanisms and thumb studs for controlled deployment. They are designed for everyday cutting tasks. These knives remain legal to carry throughout the state when kept folded.
Prohibited Knives and Weapons
California Penal Code 21510 makes it illegal to carry, possess, or sell switchblade knives with blades two inches or longer. Legally, a switchblade is a knife resembling a pocketknife. This includes spring-blade, snap-blade, and gravity knives. These knives open automatically by pressing a button on the handle or by moving the knife. Possessing a switchblade is a misdemeanor. It is punishable by up to six months in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
California Penal Code 16590 prohibits several specialized knife types entirely. Air gauge knives, belt buckle knives, lipstick case knives, writing pen knives, undetectable knives, cane swords, and ballistic knives are all illegal to possess, manufacture, or import. Possession of undetectable knives carries misdemeanor charges, including up to six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. For other prohibited knife types, prosecutors can file either misdemeanor or felony charges.
Dirks and Daggers
California Penal Code 21310 prohibits carrying concealed dirks or daggers. Penal Code 16470 defines these weapons as knives or instruments capable of ready use as stabbing weapons that may inflict great bodily injury or death. Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger is a wobbler offense. Prosecutors can charge it as either a misdemeanor or a felony. Misdemeanor convictions carry a maximum of one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000. Felony convictions result in 16 months to three years in county jail and fines up to $10,000.
Determining what counts as a dirk or dagger is often decided by a jury. California jury instructions CALCRIM No. 2501 require the prosecution to prove that the defendant carried a dirk or dagger, that it was mostly hidden, and that the defendant knew it could be easily used as a stabbing weapon. A folding knife only becomes a dirk or dagger when the blade is exposed and locked in place.
Location-Based Restrictions
Schools and Educational Facilities
California Penal Code 626.10 establishes strict knife restrictions on school property from kindergarten through university levels. The law prohibits bringing dirks, daggers, ice picks, knives with blades longer than 2.5 inches, folding knives with locking blades, and razors with unguarded blades onto school grounds. It also bans tasers and stun guns. The only exception is non-locking folding knives with blades no longer than 2.5 inches.
Violating school knife restrictions is a wobbler offense. Misdemeanor charges carry a maximum of one year in county jail. Felony charges carry a maximum of three years in state prison. Law enforcement officers and military personnel acting in an official capacity are exempt. People using knives for school-sponsored activities or classes within their employment scope are also exempt.
Government Buildings and Public Spaces
California Penal Code 171b prohibits knives with blades over four inches in state or local public buildings. The law also applies to public meetings. Both fixed-blade knives and folding knives that can be locked open are restricted. Airports and passenger vessel terminals follow the same four-inch rule. Violations are wobblers, with penalties from one year in county jail for misdemeanors to three years in state prison for felonies.
City and County Ordinances
Local ordinances create restrictions beyond state law. Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 55.10 prohibits wearing or carrying in plain view any knife with a blade three inches or longer on public streets or in places open to the public. Exceptions apply to lawful occupations, recreational purposes, recognized religious practices, or travel to or from these activities. Los Angeles County Code of Ordinances Section 13.62.010 contains similar restrictions for unincorporated areas of the county.
San Francisco Police Code Article 17 Section 1291 defines dangerous weapons as knives with blades three inches or longer, switchblades of any length, ice picks, straight razors, and razor blades fitted to handles. The code prohibits loitering on public streets while carrying these weapons concealed. Oakland bans carrying knives with blades three inches or longer under Section 9.36.010. Sacramento County prohibits knives on county property under Section 9.42.010. San Diego County bans throwing knives at county parks under Section 41.117.
Variations Across Jurisdictions
The American Knife and Tool Institute notes that there is no uniformity in knife laws across states. What’s legal in one city may result in arrest in another. These local variations mean knife carriers must research each city's ordinances before visiting. Municipal codes often impose stricter requirements, particularly for blade length and open carry.
Penalties and Legal Consequences
California Penal Code 417 prohibits brandishing a knife in a threatening, angry, or aggressive manner, or during a fight. Brandishing charges can be added to other knife offenses. Penalties range from 30 days in county jail to three years in state prison. California Penal Code 245(a)(1) addresses assault with a deadly weapon, including knives. This wobbler offense carries a maximum sentence of four years in state prison for felony convictions.
California Penal Code 12022 provides for a one-year state prison sentence enhancement. This enhancement is added to the base penalty for illegal knife possession. It cannot be added to penalties for brandishing or assault with a deadly weapon charges. The American Knife and Tool Institute reports California law offers enhanced penalties for repeat offenders.
Self-Defense Considerations
California’s self-defense law lets you use a legal knife for protection. You must believe it’s reasonably necessary and use reasonable force. The law recognizes that knives are often carried for self-defense, not for crimes. However, the knife must be legally carried under state and local laws for self-defense claims to be valid.
Hunters, construction workers, cooks, gardeners, and other professionals who use knives as tools may have relaxed restrictions in certain contexts. These occupational exemptions recognize that knives serve legitimate purposes beyond self-defense or weapon use.
Federal Restrictions
Federal law 15 USC 1241 through 44 prohibits possessing switchblades on federal lands or properties and transporting switchblades in interstate commerce. Violations carry penalties up to five years in prison. Exceptions apply to active-duty military members. Persons with only one arm who carry switchblades with blades three inches or shorter also qualify for exceptions.
Historical Context and Legal Development
California’s knife law history shows changing definitions and restrictions over time. Restrictions on carrying dirks and daggers began in 1917. In 1993, the legislature created a statutory definition focused on items mainly designed as stabbing instruments. Two years later, the definition was broadened to “capable of ready use” rather than “primarily designed as a stabbing weapon.” In 1997, the legislature clarified that non-locking folding knives and pocketknives are only considered ready for stabbing when the blade is exposed and locked into position.
Practical Compliance Tips
Understanding California knife laws requires attention to both state codes and local ordinances. Check municipal codes before traveling to new cities, as blade length restrictions and carry methods vary between jurisdictions. Keep folding knives closed when concealed, and ensure fixed blade knives remain visible in belt sheaths when carried. Avoid any knife types specifically prohibited under state law, including switchblades, ballistic knives, and concealed knives.
Our product line includes a range of California-compliant knives designed for everyday carry within legal parameters. Choosing the right knife for your location and intended use helps ensure compliance with the state and local regulations governing knife possession and carry in California.
It is important to stay up to date on current laws and any changes to regulations that affect legal knife carry. Local law enforcement agencies and city attorney offices can offer information about knife laws in their jurisdictions. If you are unsure about a particular knife or carry method, consult legal counsel familiar with California weapons law for specific advice.