double edge blade. CA Legal?

[exklusve]

I've seen this knife at my local REI and always wondered about it's legality in CA.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/coriagrustbl.html

I've always been under the assumption that a knife with a cutting edge on both sides of the blade is not legal in CA. (Dagger?)

Anyone have insight on this?


If this is legal, can it be carried fully concealed? Here is its measurements.

Blade: Length: 3.197"
Knife: Overall length: 6.85"


Thanks guys!

[Glock22Fan]

IIRC, "double sided" is not specifically mentioned in the codes, but a double sided knife usually has a fixed blade and is considered to be of the type "dirk or dagger" and therefore must be worn exposed. However, as few people will sell you one, and I'd expect most cops not to make the distinction, it might be problematic.

I'll withdraw this is anyone wants to tell me it is incorrect.

[exklusve]

I want to clarify my question about carrying it concealed.

I have a folding Gerber I carry on a daily basis, so the above knife wouldn't be a daily carry.

I'd like it for when I'm fishing, kyaking, boating, etc. Mainly wanting to know if my shirt, or fishing vest is covering it if I'll be in hot water.

Thanks again!

[Mongoblack23]

Legal to own, NOT legal to carry concealed or otherwise, (with a few exceptions....) I'm sure someone will post the legal link....

[The Director]

IIRC, "double sided" is not specifically mentioned in the codes, but a double sided knife usually has a fixed blade and is considered to be of the type "dirk or dagger" and therefore must be worn exposed. However, as few people will sell you one, and I'd expect most cops not to make the distinction, it might be problematic.

I'll withdraw this is anyone wants to tell me it is incorrect.

I think you're right. You can absolutely have a double edged knife, and this would presumably be a fixed blade, and therefore must be worn exposed.

Remember for the purposes of the dirk/dagger laws.....even a folder that is in the OPEN position in your pocket would be considered a dirk/dagger.

I'm open to correction as well, but this is what I know:

1. Double edged knife exposed = legal
2. Double edged knife concealed on your person = illegal
3. Single edge folder concealed = legal
4. Single edge folder, open, concealed = illegal

Correct if wrong....I don't want to be spreading FUD.

BTW - if you wear that boot knife actually tucked in your boot and thus concealed, I would think it would be illegal. LEGAL to own it though!

[Mongoblack23]

I want to clarify my question about carrying it concealed.

I have a folding Gerber I carry on a daily basis, so the above knife wouldn't be a daily carry.

I'd like it for when I'm fishing, kyaking, boating, etc. Mainly wanting to know if my shirt, or fishing vest is covering it if I'll be in hot water.

Thanks again!

To be safewear it exposd during these activities, its more accessable that way anyhow. During things that that, your less likely to be hassled, if at all then you would be in a very public place....

[dantodd]

Legal to own, NOT legal to carry concealed or otherwise, (with a few exceptions....) I'm sure someone will post the legal link....

It is generally legal to carry as long as it is not concealed. Unfortunately we do not have preemption of knife laws like we do gun laws so it is entirely possible that a city or county could outlaw such a knife or its carry.

[Librarian]

It is generally legal to carry as long as it is not concealed. Unfortunately we do not have preemption of knife laws like we do gun laws so it is entirely possible that a city or county could outlaw such a knife or its carry.

But that at worst would be a misdemeanor. See this thread: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...18&postcount=6

ETA As already noted, 'double edge' in itself is not a factor; I own several, but they are, indeed, fixed blades.

[dantodd]

But that at worst would be a misdemeanor. See this thread: http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/s...18&postcount=6

Yep. only the state can create felonies.

[exklusve]

Great info as always!

Thanks everyone!

[dieselpower]

why are their M16s so expensive? I saw them selling for $20 at walmart and big5....

any knife usable and concealed from view is a concealed weapon. LA for example doesnt allow folders over 3" IICR...

[SgtDinosaur]

Yes, I find it both amusing and annoying that many retailers won't ship double edged knives to California, yet they are perfectly legal and you can buy them readily in knife stores. There must be a lot of confusion about the California definition of "dagger".

[exklusve]

There must be a lot of confusion about the California definition of "dagger".

Agreed! I was one of those who was confused!

[Kukuforguns]

Unfortunately we do not have preemption of knife laws like we do gun laws so it is entirely possible that a city or county could outlaw such a knife or its carry.

Actually, California courts have recognized that local knife ordinances can be preempted by state laws. People v. Bass, 225 Cal. App. 2d Supp. 777 (Cal. App. Dep't Super. Ct. 1963). In Bass, the defendant was arrested for carrying concealed a folding knife with a blade longer than 3". A Los Angeles ordinance prohibited carrying concealed any knife with a blade 3" long or longer. However, under state law (as already discussed above), you can carry concealed a folding knife of any length. The court concluded that the local ordinance conflicted with the state law and therefore concluded that the state law preempted the local ordinance. Conviction was reversed.

Please note that the court was the appellete division of the superior court, so the precedential value of the opinion is minor.

[bigcalidave]

Its one of the oldest FUDs.... No idea where it came from, but people always ask if they are going to get in trouble owning one!