how old must you be to own a pocketknife in california and DC?

Question

simply what the title says. How old must you be to own a pocketknife with a 3" blade in California and in DC?

my reason for asking is because I live in California and I want to know if i am even legal to own my 3" blade pocket knife. and during Spring break, my Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit and I are going to Washington DC for an over break trip. I'll be keeping it in my secured luggage, not my carry on untl i get to DC.

Its not that I am expecting that someone is going attack me. its just my utility tool. I use the blades for things such as opening my mail and such. I have a bottle opener, cork screw, can opener, screw drivers, etc. I'm just one of those kids that just seems to have everything all the time.

utility knife may be the wrong choice of words. its just my red swiss army knife

Answer 1

I am unaware of any California laws restricting knife possession based upon age, except in schools. Since a Swiss Army knife has a non-fixed folding blade, this would not be a switchblade prohibited by Penal Code section 653k, nor a dirk or dagger which cannot be concealed under Penal Code section 12020 (even given California's extremely broad definition of dirk or dagger, which includes kitchen knives and knitting needles).

Sorry, can't advise you re: D.C.

Answer 2

I think it is legal to carry and own a Utility Knife. Some have belt sheaths that they can be carried in. You are describing a Multi-Tool utility knife, those are pretty legal around the world. I keep one for my boat. It is handy.
A Multi-Tool and a Pocket Knife are not the same thing, very close, not the same.
A Pocket Knife or Pin Knife is very small, about 3" total , 2.5" blade. And that is a big one.
Look at it logically. if certain people do not or will not allow or permit a knife in a certain area or on a certain ride, it is not a need, it is a want, you want to carry the knife, that is kewl also.
If it is not permitted in a classroom, I see no need for it on a field trip.
It is legal to own in almost every state. If pocket knives were against the law, they would not sell many in open markets.
Wait, that is a bad reference,beer and liquor and guns are sold in open markets.
Just put the knife in a safe place at your house. Enjoy the trip, when you return, hug your folks, pet the dog, or cat or turtle pet, and your knife will be safely put up rather than lost or confisctaed 2500+ miles away.

Answer 3

I'm not aware of any age restrictions in any state to own a pocket knife with a 3" blade, however certain institutions will not allow them on their premises and some state will not allow you to purchase a knife.