California has some of the most detailed and restrictive knife laws in the United States. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, understanding which knives are legal, how you can carry them, and where restrictions apply is essential to avoid serious legal consequences.
Legal Knives and How You Can Carry Them
- Folding Knives: These include pocket knives and Swiss Army knives. They are generally legal to own and carry, either openly or concealed, as long as they are in the closed position. If the blade is exposed and locked, it may be considered a dirk or dagger, which triggers additional restrictions.
- Fixed-Blade Knives (Dirks & Daggers): These are legal to carry only if worn openly in a sheath suspended from the waist. Concealing a fixed-blade knife—such as a hunting knife, bowie knife, or kitchen knife—is illegal and can result in criminal charges.
- Utility Knives: Tools like box cutters and hunting knives are legal for their intended use but may be restricted in certain locations, such as schools or government buildings.
Knives That Are Illegal or Restricted
- Switchblades: Any knife with a blade longer than 2 inches that opens automatically (by button, spring, or gravity) is illegal to possess, carry, or sell in California. This includes butterfly knives, balisongs, and gravity knives.
- Ballistic Knives: These knives, which can shoot out the blade, are completely banned.
- Disguised Knives: Knives hidden as everyday objects (such as cane swords, lipstick knives, belt buckle knives, or pen knives) are strictly prohibited.
- Undetectable Knives: Any knife designed not to be detected by metal detectors is illegal.
- Local Restrictions: Some cities, like Los Angeles, ban carrying knives with blades longer than 3 inches in public. San Diego prohibits possessing or throwing knives in public parks.
Carrying Rules: Open vs. Concealed Carry
- Open Carry: Fixed-blade knives (dirks and daggers) must be carried openly in a sheath on your waist. The handle must be visible and not hidden by clothing or the sheath itself.
- Concealed Carry: It is illegal to carry a fixed-blade knife, dirk, or dagger concealed on your person. Folding knives may be carried concealed if they are closed.
- Public Places: Carrying knives is often restricted in government buildings, schools, and public transportation areas. For example, it is illegal to bring a knife with a blade over 4 inches into a state or local public building.
Penalties for Violating Knife Laws
- Misdemeanor Offenses: Carrying a prohibited knife or unlawfully concealing a knife can result in up to one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000.
- Felony Offenses: More serious violations, such as carrying a knife with intent to harm or possessing certain illegal knives, can be charged as felonies, leading to up to three years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Sentencing Enhancements: Using a knife in the commission of a crime can add extra prison time to your sentence.
Self-Defense and Knife Use
While California law recognizes the right to self-defense, using a knife—even for self-defense—can still lead to criminal charges depending on the circumstances. The legality of using a knife in self-defense is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Key Takeaways
- Most folding knives are legal if carried closed.
- Fixed-blade knives must be carried openly and cannot be concealed.
- Switchblades, ballistic knives, and disguised knives are illegal.
- Local ordinances may impose stricter rules.
- Penalties range from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the knife and how it is carried.
If you are unsure about the legality of a specific knife or how to carry it, consult a legal professional or refer to local ordinances for guidance. Understanding these laws is crucial to exercising your knife rights safely and legally in California.
Sources:
- https://www.robertmhelfend.com/criminal-defense/californias-knife-laws/
- https://www.akti.org/state-knife-laws/california/
- https://www.shouselaw.com/ca/defense/knife-laws/
- https://kntrialattorneys.com/blog/california-knife-laws-whats-legal-whats-not-in-2025/
- https://www.thebulldog.law/blog/2024/04/knife-laws-in-california-what-you-can-and-cant-carry