California Pocket Knife Laws | You must be Aware of

California allows its citizens to carry a knife with them, but it doesn’t mean they can carry every type of knife. However, in California, if you have a knife according to your choice, it seems to be a crime according to the law of California. After all, still, some people don’t understand California pocket knife laws.

That’s why in this article we’re going to solve some queries about the knife laws of California. 

After reading this article, we hope you understand the pocket knife laws of California. But, you must read this article up to the last if you want to know all the answers to your questions. Also, read an article with full focus and interest.

Without any further ado, let’s get started!

Is it illegal for a citizen of California to carry a knife?

According to Californian law, you can easily carry knives that the government does not restrict. As well as, if you carry knives with you, then you must ensure the handle of the knife must be hidden, and you easily hide your pocket knife under any cloth or in a blade sheath.

In California, is it legal to carry a switchblade?

Switch-blade, also known as push button knife, and you also say it ejector knife. Switch-blade contains a blade in its handle, and you can easily open it with the help of a button or switch. 

According to Californian law, it is allowed to carry a switch-blade knife but a knife that has 2-inches blades is restricted and is illegal.

Is it allowed to carry a folding knife?

Folding knives can easily be opened by applying pressure to the blade and knives such as box cutters, Swiss army knives, pocket knives, and utility knives are considered to be pocket knives.

As well as, the 17235 Penal Code Section of California allows their citizens to carry folding knives with them. You easily hide these knives if they are in the folded position. Even more, there is no blade length restriction on these knives.  

Is it legal to carry a dagger in California?

A dagger is a type of knife which don’t have any ejector or pushed button, and these knives have a fixed blade in them. Daggers are also known as fixed-blade knives. 

Other knives, such as kitchen knives, and ice picks, are also included in this category. According to Californian law, citizens use daggers as a stabbing weapon. That’s why it is restricted to is not allowed to carry daggers in open places.

Types of pocket knives that are illegal to carry in California:

Some types of knives are allowed to carry in open places by the Californian Government, but still, some types of knives are restricted, which are mentioned below:

  • Lipstick Knife
  • Cane Knives
  • Ballistic Knives
  • Air gauge knives
  • Writing pen knives
  • Belt Buckle Knives
  • Switch-blades have 2 inches long blades

So, while you’re traveling in California, must ensure that you don’t have these knives in your pocket.

Is it legal to carry legal knives in the buildings of California?

According to the penal code 171b, when you’re wandering in public or local buildings, some types of knives are illegal to carry. Some knives such as fixed-blade knives, longer-blade knives, and dagger-type knives are legal to carry in public places.

That’s why you must ensure that you don’t have these knives in your pocket while you’re traveling in public areas. Some knives are mentioned below which are prohibited in local areas:

  • Daggers
  • Razor blades 
  • Cutters
  • Longer blade knives

Penalties for violation of Californian pocket Knives laws:

You face a lot of problems if you violate Californian knife laws such as misdemeanor or felony charges. As well as, if you violate the rules, then you may face state or local prison for 1-3 years.

However, penalties depend on what type of knife you have to carry with you. So, be alert and don’t violate knife laws.

Is it allowed to carry pocket knives in Californian schools?

The Penal Code 626.10 of Californian law doesn’t allow carrying pocket knives if you’re in school. The reason is, pocket knives are prohibited in schools and considered to be dangerous.

 If knives are allowed in schools, then students use these knives for fighting purposes. That’s why the government of California prohibited pocket knives in schools. So, if you’re a school student follow these rules otherwise you face a lot of problems.

Brandishing of Pocket Knife in California:

The Penal code 417 of California says It is prohibited to use knives during a physical confrontation. There is an extra charge you face if you’re brandishing a knife, so be careful. 

As well as, you face a lot of penalties if you’re caught while you’re brandishing a knife. Also, you face prison for 1-3 years.

What should I do if someone accused me of violation of knife laws:

So, if you face this problem, then you immediately consult with an expert who knows the law. Discuss your problem and try to ask them how to get rid of this situation. 

Moreover, if you’re facing penalties for knife crimes, then consult with some experts who have deep knowledge related to these crimes. Additionally, they also can represent you and brilliantly defend you.

Final Verdict

This article is all about the knife laws of California. In California, it is allowed to carry a knife, but there are some restrictions for carrying a knife. You have to follow some rules and regulations if you want to carry pocket knives for your protection. 

Additionally, all the queries about knife laws that most of the person’s face are explained very well in this article. On the other hand, we also give you some solutions in this article if you face penalties for crimes. 

So, the overall conclusion of this article is the Californian government is allowed to carry knives, so citizens should carry knives for their protection. But, also follow rules and don’t try to violate these rules.

Hope you like our article and enjoy it a lot!

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