What is the legal size limit for a pocket knife?
In California? Like if you’re carrying a pocket knife within city limits, how big is too big legally?
Summary: Anything capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon is illegal. All concealed knives are a felony (except non locking folders).
Max length: chaotic
Specifically illegal: Switchblades, gravity knives, exotic conceal methods (pen, lipstick, whatever)
Relevant laws: PC 653K, PC 12020(24), California Laws, Commentary (apparently removed – someone know where?)
Note that interpretations by cops and judges are wildly varied. Police have actually told law-abiding citizens to break the concealment laws, and a judge has deemed a blunt-point knife (Spyderco Mariner) a stabbing weapon.
Quirks: Pens may be illegal (potential stabbing weapon).
Local restrictions:
Los Angeles
Three inch limit for open carry without a good explanation.
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