Can i carry one on me?
Does it have to be visible?
How long does the blade have to be?
Why are switchblades and balisongs (butterfly knives) illegal in california, but legal in some other states?
2007-03-26 22:04:28 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Just a follow up on mikeysco's correct answer (vote for his best answer, please). A switchblade (of which a butterfly knife is a type in CA) is illegal only if the blade is over 2 inches long (Pen. Code sec. 653k). However, a switchblade with a shorter blade could be considered a dirk or dagger, and thus would be illegal to possess concealed.
As he says, other than switchblades, no knife is illegal to possess openly (openly carried in a sheath at your waist is permitted) under State law, no matter what the length. (It is very difficult to tell what knives are illegal to conceal, in public or private, although a folding pocket knife is probably O.K.) However, there are lots of local ordinances (city and county laws) which regulate knife possession, although almost always in public. Some of these may prohibit the open carrying of knives, so if you are intending to go about with a knife, it will be best to check the laws in your locality.
2007-03-31 13:23:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
you can carry a knife just as long as it is not an illegal knife, like a switchblade, and yes it has to be visible or you would be arrested for carrying a concealed weapon.
2007-04-03 16:09:38 · answer #2 · answered by luciousgreeneyedlady 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
You can legally carry a knife as long as it's no longer then 4 inches or no longer then the size of your palm. I carry mine for work purposes on my belt buckle, it is exposed always. Police haven't said anything yet, I talk to them all the time.
2007-03-26 22:18:37 · answer #3 · answered by yellowmedia 3 · 0⤊ 3⤋
I carry a combat knife on me at all times.
(Us army retired) Iraq veteran 03 - 04
2014-05-05 23:45:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Illinois laws are tough on Switchblades. However, my own common sense laws say to have the knife razor sharp, available and make sure it cuts all three ways if you have to use it. ( long, deep, continous)
2007-03-27 09:30:17 · answer #5 · answered by Ret. Sgt. 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Knives can't be beyond 4 inches in length unless you are in the midst of making a peanut butter sandwich.
2007-03-26 22:12:56 · answer #6 · answered by gone 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
If you are an illegal alien you can do whatever you want, If you are a us citizen you cannot carry a blade over four inches.
2007-03-26 22:08:33 · answer #7 · answered by kook 3 · 1⤊ 3⤋
NEVER, simply NEVER, eat your peas with a knife.
2007-04-03 16:09:27 · answer #8 · answered by Chris F 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋