FIXED blade knife carry?

[freshdesigns@hotmail.com]

Any lawyers out there 100% know these crazy laws (appreciate keeping this to who are really knowledgable on the law and not to vent the stupidity of the laws -- although I feel your pain)?

With a small 2-3" FIXED blade knife (not folders), what are the legal requirements? Here's what I THINK, based on search:

~ Must be attached to belt
~ Must not be completely concealed by untucked shirt or jacket
~ No blade length limitation

But I do always wear my shirts untucked and the short blade will probably be covered. Do I need to stick with folders only? Did I miss anything? Thanks.

[bigcalidave]

http://www.ninehundred.net/~equalccw/knifelaw.html

Try there first. And search, there are a LOT of threads about this.

[Decoligny]

Any lawyers out there 100% know these crazy laws (appreciate keeping this to who are really knowledgable on the law and not to vent the stupidity of the laws -- although I feel your pain)?

With a small 2-3" FIXED blade knife (not folders), what are the legal requirements? Here's what I THINK, based on search:

~ Must be attached to belt
~ Must not be completely concealed by untucked shirt or jacket
~ No blade length limitation

But I do always wear my shirts untucked and the short blade will probably be covered. Do I need to stick with folders only? Did I miss anything? Thanks.

If it will be covered, it will be a violation of the law. You cannot conceal a "dirk or dagger" which means any knife which can be readily used for stabbing. This means you can't conceal an open folder, or any fixed blade knife regardless of the length.

By the letter of the law, if you have this knife in your pocket, you could be charged with a felony.


If you are going to carry any fixed blade knife make sure that it is always in plain sight.

[bulgron]

Also, there's a blade length limitation if you're on K-12 school grounds. 2.5" I think.

[shooterfpga]

you should be fine. I carry my kbar and asek knife unconcealed. just make sure nothing unintentionally covers it.

[Turo]

Decoligny knows his stuff. Also, the write up at the link provided is very good information. It was written by Jim March who has an excellent grasp of our convoluted (slightly less than guns) knife carry laws. Jim is also a member here under the username JimMarch1 I believe.

[Cokebottle]

Individual counties and cities also have blade length restrictions.
I believe Los Angeles County is limited to 3.5" or 3"... but longer blades are legal during "safe passage" (traveling through the county).
There are generally exemptions to blade length restrictions for knives that are carried for business or active recreational purposes.

[tombinghamthegreat]

Individual counties and cities also have blade length restrictions.
I believe Los Angeles County is limited to 3.5" or 3"... but longer blades are legal during "safe passage"

I think you mean LA city not county. It depends and one has to look up the local restrictions.

[toopercentmlk]

I carry a Kershaw Leek, 3" blade if I'm not mistaken. I don't plan on commiting any felonies with it so I'm really not concerned if its 1mm over the legal length or even 1". I've been searched by police before while carrying a similar length and even SCARIER LOOKING folder and he could've cared less, probably because he had a similar one.

[Turo]

I carry a Kershaw Leek, 3" blade if I'm not mistaken. I don't plan on commiting any felonies with it so I'm really not concerned if its 1mm over the legal length or even 1". I've been searched by police before while carrying a similar length and even SCARIER LOOKING folder and he could've cared less, probably because he had a similar one.

If you carry a folder concealed, LA has no specific law against how long it can be. They ban open carry of 3"+ blades, not concealed. Heck I've carried a 6" folder along with a 4" folder all through LA. Don't worry about it.
Plus, there's usually exceptions for "lawful recreation" and I'm sure a lawyer could swing that to mean whatever the heck he wants it.

[an actual gun]

I've done it a couple times. I would do it regularly, but don't for a number of reasons, currently. Firstly, while worn at the belt openly does not constitute a concealed dirk or dagger, like the OP I've always been concerned about finicky police interpreting an inch or so of accidental shirt tail as "concealed" even if anywhere from 4/5 to 19/20 of the knife is not covered. Secondly, and to that end described above, I have no personal legal representation nor any organization's support (such as Calguns) giving a go ahead on open carry. I cannot fight and squander in court over whether 99/100 of a knife being exposed is "concealed" and do not want to go to prison, or even spend a night in jail, for it.

Last but certainly not least, as with pretty much everything in this wonderful state we call home, I worry immensely about harassment under color of law. Since I am quick to be unnerved, I absolutely do not need extra law enforcement attention with the possibility of unintentionally saying something/acting in a way that would result in having some speed holes (probably 40 or 50 if Fresno PD is handling the 'sitch) involuntary installed into my thoracic cavity.

From what I understand you said you'd appreciate a lawyers only sort of discussion, but you seem to be perfectly aware of the actual law and I don't think any lawyer is going to grant any miracles here. It's kind of a crappy situation, so I thought I'd give my opinion which is for the most part a sentiment well echoed on these and other forums.

[Lagduf]

Who makes a good 4" folder?

I keep seeing 2.5"-3" folders online.

I don't wanna carry around my KBAR all the time

[an actual gun]

I believe the CRKT M16 "big dogs" are up there in the 4 incher range. Good luck finding one though, I can't seem to these day. Save for ebay or sites wanting way too much for em.

[aermotor]

Who makes a good 4" folder?

I keep seeing 2.5"-3" folders online.

I don't wanna carry around my KBAR all the time

Cold Steel Recon 1 is a great option. A little bulky but very solid, big handle, big blade.

[D-Man]

CRKT Folding Hissatsu

CRKT Folding Hissatsu. .3.875" blade, assisted opening. It was designed as a fighting knife, holds a great edge, lifetime warranty, and was designed to be California legal from the ground up. Love mine!