Is it illegal to carry a single blade folding pocket knife in CA?

Question

My knife is about 2.5 inches long and I want to carry it on my waist for emergencys and self defense . Is it illegal ?Is it illgeal to have your shirt cover the holder on my belt? Oh by the way my knife is just a knife, its not a multi tool its just one blade that locks when you open it and you have to push a metal thing to fold it back. Is it ok?

Answer 1

if it is bigger than your hand, probably it is illegal

Answer 2

probably,the libs will not even allow nail clippers....

Answer 3

spring loaded and butterfly knives are illegal as well as any blade longer then 3 inches so i think you are fine if confronted by a cop tell them that you have it on you.

Answer 4

NO, it is NOT illegal to have a blade under 3 inches in length.

I have a Buck knife that I carry... as well as a Leatherman because I am a RANCHER... I go into the "big city" here in California frequently and have NEVER had a problem.

Obviously... don't try to carry it on an airplane, and if you're ever stopped by police, let them know you're carrying it.

Answer 5

Weather it's legal or not, I carry a knife with a 3.5 inch blade, haha!

But yeah, I read the knife laws and it's perfectly legal.

There is no limit on the blade being smaller than your hand or anything, those people have obviously never read the regulations.

How it works is, it's illegal to carry a conceled knife, but a folded knife in the folded position isn't considered a knife, therefore it's legal to carry!

Answer 6

Yes, it's illegal. It's considered a weapon. You said it yourself you carry it around for protection.  

Answer 7

No it is not illegal to own one, no matter the length, and you CAN carry it on your body concealed.  It's just a pocketknife (we call the ones with just a blade "penknives" over here in MD).

Switchblades and butterfly knifes are the only ones restricted by length (less than 2 inches).  Sheath knives are not legal to carry concealed.

I have provided links to the California state government website as proof.  The statute even says that one-handed knives that use a thumb-stud are legal.

Don't ever let anybody tell you the "bigger than the palm of your hand."  Just say to them "Oh really, numbnuts?  Bigger than Shaq's hand or an infant's hand?"

Knives are very useful to carry around, but NOT FOR SELF-DEFENSE!  Why? Knife wounds are often not felt immediately, and even if fatal later, will not stop a person attacking now. They may die, but they could kill you in the interval. Use pepper spray or some kind of impact weapon.