Understanding California knife laws requires distinguishing between open carry and concealed carry, as well as knowing which blades are strictly prohibited statewide under the California Penal Code.

While California permits the ownership of many knife types, carrying restricted blades or bringing knives into specific weapon-free zones can result in severe misdemeanor or felony criminal charges.

What Knives Are Illegal in California?

California state law bans the possession, manufacture, import, sale, or transfer of specific categories of knives.

Under California Penal Code 20200 PC and related statutes, prohibited blades include:

• Switchblades & Automatic Knives (PC 21510): Any spring-assisted or automatic knife with a blade 2 inches or longer that opens with the press of a button, flick of a wrist, or pressure on the handle.

• Undetectable Knives (PC 20810): Knives constructed from non-magnetic materials (such as plastic, fiberglass, or ceramics) that do not trigger metal detectors.

• Disguised / Misleading Knives: Belt-buckle knives (PC 20410), cane swords (PC 20510), lipstick knives (PC 20610), air gauge knives (PC 20310), and writing pen knives (PC 20910).

• Ballistic Knives (PC 21110): Knives designed to propel a blade as a projectile via a spring or compressed gas.

• Specific Martial Arts Weapons: Turban knives, brass knuckle knives, and shuriken (throwing stars).

Note: Butterfly knives (balisongs) with blades 2 inches or longer are legally classified as switchblades under California law.

Concealed Carry vs. Open Carry Laws in California

The legality of carrying a knife in public depends directly on whether the knife is carried openly or hidden from view, as well as the design of the blade:

• Folding Knives & Pocket Knives: Manual folding pocket knives and utility tools (such as box cutters) are legal to carry concealed in a closed position. They are also legal to open carry. However, the blade must not open automatically, be 2 inches or longer (which violates switchblade laws), or conflict with local city blade-length limits.

• Fixed-Blade Knives, Dirks & Daggers: Carrying any fixed-blade knife or locked stabbing instrument concealed on your person is strictly illegal under California Penal Code 21310 PC. To legally carry a fixed-blade knife in public, it must be openly carried in a sheath suspended from your waist or belt in plain view.

Concealed Carry of Fixed Blades (Dirks and Daggers)

Under California Penal Code 21310 PC, carrying a concealed "dirk or dagger" (any fixed-blade knife or instrument capable of being used as a stabbing weapon) on your person is illegal.

• Definition: Any device equipped with a fixed blade or a folding blade that locks into place and can be used as a stabbing weapon.

• Legal Carry: Fixed-blade knives must be openly carried in a sheath suspended from the waist or belt.

Folding Knives and Pocket Knives

Manual folding pocket knives and utility knives (including box cutters) are legal to carry concealed in a closed position, provided the blade length does not violate switchblade restrictions (under 2 inches for automatic opening) or local city ordinances.

Restricted Areas and Weapon-Free Zones

Even legal knives are strictly prohibited in specific high-security environments:

Local Ordinances and Los Angeles County Rules

State law sets the baseline, but local municipalities enforce stricter knife regulations. For example:

• Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC 55.10 / SEC 13.62.010): Prohibits wearing or carrying any knife, dirk, dagger, or razor with a blade 3 inches or longer in plain view on public streets, sidewalks, or parks.

• Workplace & Religious Exemptions: Local open-carry restrictions often do not apply if you are carrying the knife for a lawful occupation (e.g., construction workers), recognized religious practices, or active recreational use (e.g., hunting, camping, fishing).

Penalties for California Knife Law Violations

Carrying an illegal knife or concealing a dirk/dagger is usually charged as a wobbler offense in California, meaning the prosecutor can file the case as either a misdemeanor or a felony.

Additional aggravating factors—such as carrying a weapon during a violent altercation or possessing a knife on school grounds—can trigger mandatory sentence enhancements under California Penal Code 12022 PC.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is a folding pocket knife illegal to carry concealed in California?

No. Carrying a standard folding pocket knife closed in your pocket is legal in California, provided it is not an automatic switchblade with a blade length of 2 inches or longer.

What is considered a "dirk or dagger" under California law?

Under California Penal Code 16470 PC, a dirk or dagger is defined as any knife or instrument—with or without a handguard—that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon that can inflict severe bodily injury or death. This includes fixed-blade hunting knives, chef knives, and locking pocket knives carried in the open/extended position.

Are switchblades completely illegal in California?

Switchblades with blades measuring 2 inches or longer are illegal to possess in public, carry concealed, or sell in California. However, switchblades or spring-assisted knives with blades shorter than 2 inches are legal to own and carry.

Is it illegal to carry a box cutter in California?

Carrying a box cutter is generally legal in public spaces for utility or work purposes. However, box cutters are strictly prohibited inside airports, transit terminals, government buildings, and on school grounds under Penal Code 626.10.

Can you open carry a fixed-blade knife in California?

Yes. You can legally open carry a fixed-blade knife of any length in California, provided you carry it in a sheath worn visibly at your waist/belt and do not bring it into designated weapon-free zones such as schools or government facilities.

A criminal defense lawyer at Esfandi Law Group in Los Angeles can help you. Schedule your free consultation by calling us or filling out the contact form here.

Related Legal Topics

• Concealed Dirk or Dagger Law
• Possession of Switchblade Knife
• PC 171.5 Weapons at Airports