Legal Carry in California?
Legal Carry in California?
Which folder Spyderco knives are legal to carry in California?
Yea and make sure you aren't on any college campuses either, its limited to 2.5". I ended up finding out I had gone through 4 years of sharpening my pencils in class with a 3"+ blade.
So many spydies, not enough pockets.
"No one else could ever be admitted here, since this gate was made only for you. I am now going to shut it." Before the Law, Franz Kafka
Spydernation #1990
"No one else could ever be admitted here, since this gate was made only for you. I am now going to shut it." Before the Law, Franz Kafka
Spydernation #1990
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- Location: Visalia, CA USA
It's been at least a year since I last checked the statutes, but state law does not limit size for folders. There is also no state law that restricts folders on college campus. For K-12, there is a 2.5" limit, and no locks allowed.
Any knife that is designed to look like something else is also forbidden (lipstick knives, shotgun shell knives, belt buckle knives, etc). As noted above, autos with blades over 2" are banned, as are balisongs.
There are some localities with stricter limits. LA county has a 3" limit, and San Francisco has a statute that forbids carrying knives over 3" when loitering (talk about a huge gray area). And I'm sure there are other municipalities with restrictions.
Any knife that is designed to look like something else is also forbidden (lipstick knives, shotgun shell knives, belt buckle knives, etc). As noted above, autos with blades over 2" are banned, as are balisongs.
There are some localities with stricter limits. LA county has a 3" limit, and San Francisco has a statute that forbids carrying knives over 3" when loitering (talk about a huge gray area). And I'm sure there are other municipalities with restrictions.
No Switchblades, Gravity Knives or Balis unless blade is under 2".
No bladed implements that are disguised in any way, or "undetectable" by metal detectors.
Fixed blades open carry at waist only, regardless of length.
Concealed fixed blade, switchblade etc, and folder concealed while opened (!) are "wobblers," meaning can be charged as misdemeanor (jail or fine) or as felony (prison) at discretion of DA.
Generally, any one hand opener with lock and a detent of some kind OK to carry concealed, regardless of blade length, barring municipal laws.
Per above posts, K-12 bars blades 2.5" or longer and/or locking.
San Francisco bans concealed blades 3"+ in alcohol selling establishments, in "any place of public resort", or while "loitering" in public or on other's property, or when involved in any fight or other disorderly conduct; SFPD apparently considers a pocket clipped knife as open carry (I wonder if the DA agrees). Make of that what you will.
There are lots of Federal areas in CA, and here the Federal 2.5" blade length limit applies.
No bladed implements that are disguised in any way, or "undetectable" by metal detectors.
Fixed blades open carry at waist only, regardless of length.
Concealed fixed blade, switchblade etc, and folder concealed while opened (!) are "wobblers," meaning can be charged as misdemeanor (jail or fine) or as felony (prison) at discretion of DA.
Generally, any one hand opener with lock and a detent of some kind OK to carry concealed, regardless of blade length, barring municipal laws.
Per above posts, K-12 bars blades 2.5" or longer and/or locking.
San Francisco bans concealed blades 3"+ in alcohol selling establishments, in "any place of public resort", or while "loitering" in public or on other's property, or when involved in any fight or other disorderly conduct; SFPD apparently considers a pocket clipped knife as open carry (I wonder if the DA agrees). Make of that what you will.
There are lots of Federal areas in CA, and here the Federal 2.5" blade length limit applies.
- kennethsime
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Everyone else has explained the laws, so here's a suggestion: Delica 4 FFG. 3" blade which is legal in most municipalities which do have length limits (San Francisco, Oakland, Stockton, Modesto at least).
I'm happiest with Micarta and Tool Steel.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
Top four in rotation: K390 + GCM PM2, ZCarta Shaman, Crucarta PM2, K390 + GCM Straight Spine Stretch.
Most counties if specifically noting length pick 3" or under 3". As mentioned that leaves a TON of great Spydies. All the LBK's, Delica, Sage, Native 5, etc. Depending on wording.
A smaller percentage of the ones that limit by length are 3.5" and lower. A much smaller number do 4" and under.
It makes sense that the larger the knife on average the fewer places that will allow it. Spyderco seems one of the more rational companies in this regard an even make sub-2" and Slipits. Basically a cutting tool for pretty much everyone. :)
A smaller percentage of the ones that limit by length are 3.5" and lower. A much smaller number do 4" and under.
It makes sense that the larger the knife on average the fewer places that will allow it. Spyderco seems one of the more rational companies in this regard an even make sub-2" and Slipits. Basically a cutting tool for pretty much everyone. :)
At the end of the day, the best course of action would probably be to contact law enforcement or legal counsel in the area in which you are going to be. Advice obtained on an internet forum may or may not hold up in court, should it ever come down to that.
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] <--- My Spydies <click the dancing banana!>
I carry any knife i feel like and have never had any issues. While at a festival I noticed a clip i a cops leg pocket and asked if it was a spyderco and he pulled it out and showed me his G-10 Police. I pulled out my LH mili and handed it to him to check out, he was also a lefty and didn't know the made that one and got all excited about it. So I think its more in how you present your self then what size knife you carry. If your going to any amusement parks though, leave the knife in your car. they are not allowed and (at least magic mountain) make you walk through a metal detector.
-John
California, at the state level, has no length limit. Now it depends on what your local city/county has set as a law. My county does not have any length limit, but the county adjacent to me is 3". The knife i usually EDC is 3.75" in length. I also have a 2.91" folder that i keep locked in my car that i EDC when i am in the neighboring county.
You will have to look up the laws for your county/city to figure out what the laws are. This might help you: http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf
JD
You will have to look up the laws for your county/city to figure out what the laws are. This might help you: http://www.handgunlaw.us/documents/USKnife.pdf
JD
- The Deacon
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That's because it's not a simple question. In California, as in many other states, you have both state and local laws to contend with and special rules for school grounds and government buildings, plus Federal laws and rules to contend with if you visit Federal buildings and land.Resist wrote:I'm more confused now than I was before. It was a simple question, which Spyderco folder knives are legal to carry in California?
Paul
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
My Personal Website ---- Beginners Guide to Spyderco Collecting ---- Spydiewiki
Deplorable :p
WTC # 1458 - 1504 - 1508 - Never Forget, Never Forgive!
We're trying to explain that there is no set answer for California overall. It varies county by county and even city. In the state of California, there is no limit in terms of what size manual folder and spring assisted model you can carry. Check your local municipal codes.Resist wrote:I'm more confused now than I was before. It was a simple question, which Spyderco folder knives are legal to carry in California?
So no, it wasn't such a, "simple question." You can start by telling us which county/city you live in.
Also, if I am carrying in certain areas where the laws may vary and I feel like I want to have
a knife with me, rather than leave it in the truck, I may sure that it \ they are unclipped and
lying loose in the pocket. It is not obvious to just anyone looking.
I guess if you have a shirt covering it, that's anything, such as covering a side carry gun.
I actaully like to have a Yo2 in my front right pocket loose and I will walk with my hand in
my pocket at certian times with the knife ready, JIC. Such as anytime that I am walking in
the dark in a parking lot. Fortunately for me, I am in a 4" state so my options are wider.
I feel for you in Cal or any 2" area.
a knife with me, rather than leave it in the truck, I may sure that it \ they are unclipped and
lying loose in the pocket. It is not obvious to just anyone looking.
I guess if you have a shirt covering it, that's anything, such as covering a side carry gun.
I actaully like to have a Yo2 in my front right pocket loose and I will walk with my hand in
my pocket at certian times with the knife ready, JIC. Such as anytime that I am walking in
the dark in a parking lot. Fortunately for me, I am in a 4" state so my options are wider.
I feel for you in Cal or any 2" area.