Going to California - gotta couple of questions

[JHanna]

Next month I'm heading out to Fountain Valley, CA and I want to take a knife with me. Can a knife be placed in a checked bag during air travel? Also, are there any local or state laws that I should know about concerning blade length, concealed carry, etc.?

Thanks in advance.

Jim

[Delica_Nut]

I put mine in with my Bath-kit. I try not to travel with bigger than 4inches. Anything bigger than 4 inches insults the manhood of a TSA and they'll steal...I meen confiscate it.

[markg]

Also, cable tie your knife to the frame of the suitcase. This works well with Spyderco's since you have a hole in the blade to run the cable tie through. This will not make it impossible to steal your knife, but it will make it a bit harder.

You should have no trouble with a knife in CHECKED bagage, however always travel with something that you don't mind losing (too much).

[ASmitty]

I happen to know someone who works TSA and can tell you with absolute certainty that it is 100% legal to carry a knife in a checked bag. I have heard stories of knives being taken under the pretense of confiscating them although I've never experienced this personally and there have been no complaints of it at our airport according to my TSA acquaintance. Cable tying would probably be a good idea. As to California state laws on carry I have no idea.

[druid]

I would just stick with that stainless steel dragonfly, anything 3 inches or shorter should be illegal for carrying California. Although autos need to be two iches or less and "gravity knives" are not legal. As for concealed carry I do it all the time under my shirt collar, but that's my personal preference and liability.

[Ewok]

The only state law to worry about is concealed carry of fixed blade knives is prohibited. This includes concealing an opened folder. There's no restriction on length, other than the less than 2in. for autos. If you need more info, check out Jim March's guide to CA knife laws: http://www.equalccw.com/knifelaw.html

[edzag]

Here are some links to TSA site. Everything is very clear.
http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?theme ... 19800720a4
http://www.tsa.gov/interweb/assetlibrar ... 8_2003.pdf
Hope it helps.
Ed

[fret]

Or buy one when you get to your destination.