California has some of the most detailed and nuanced knife laws in the country, and pocket knives—commonly understood as folding knives—are generally legal to own and carry, but with important restrictions and exceptions.
Legality of Pocket Knives
- Folding Knives and Pocket Knives:
Pocket knives and other folding knives are legal to own and carry in California, provided they do not have automatic (switchblade) deployment features. There is no statewide limit on blade length for standard folding pocket knives, such as Swiss Army knives or traditional slip-joint folders. - Switchblades:
Any folding knife with a blade that opens automatically (by button, spring, or other mechanisms) and has a blade longer than 2 inches is illegal to possess, carry, or sell in California. Switchblades with blades 2 inches or less are allowed, but anything longer is strictly prohibited.
How You Can Carry a Pocket Knife
- Closed Position Requirement:
Folding pocket knives must be carried in the closed position when concealed. Carrying a folding knife in your pocket or bag is legal as long as the knife is folded. - Open Position:
If a folding knife is open and locked, it may be considered a “dirk” or “dagger” under California law. Carrying such a knife concealed (e.g., in a pocket or bag) is illegal. However, you may openly carry a locked, open folding knife, but this is less common and can draw unwanted attention from law enforcement.
Concealed Carry Restrictions
- Dirks and Daggers:
California law prohibits the concealed carry of “dirks” and “daggers,” which includes any knife capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon, such as a locked, open folding knife or any fixed-blade knife.
A folding knife is only considered a dirk or dagger when its blade is exposed and locked into position. - Open Carry:
Fixed-blade knives and any knife considered a dirk or dagger must be carried openly in a sheath suspended from the waist. Concealing such knives is a criminal offense.
Location-Based Restrictions
- Schools:
Carrying knives of any kind on school grounds is heavily restricted. For example, blades longer than 2.5 inches are prohibited on school property. - Public Buildings and Government Facilities:
Knives with blades longer than 4 inches are banned in public buildings, and stricter rules may apply in certain localities. - Local Ordinances:
Some cities, such as Los Angeles, have local laws that are stricter than state law. For example, Los Angeles prohibits carrying any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches in public.
Penalties for Violations
- Carrying an illegal knife or violating carry restrictions can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances, with penalties ranging from fines to jail time.
- Pocket knives (folding knives without automatic deployment) are generally legal to own and carry in California.
- There is no statewide blade length limit for folding knives, but local ordinances may impose stricter limits.
- Switchblades with blades over 2 inches are illegal.
- Folding knives must be carried closed when concealed; open and locked folding knives may be considered illegal if concealed.
- Fixed-blade knives and dirks/daggers must be carried openly in a sheath on the waist.
- Additional restrictions apply in schools, government buildings, and some cities.
Understanding and following these regulations is essential to avoid legal trouble when carrying a pocket knife in California.
Sources
- https://kntrialattorneys.com/blog/california-knife-laws-whats-legal-whats-not-in-2025/
- https://tkellknives.com/is-it-legal-to-carry-a-knife-in-california-know-the-law/
- https://www.shieldon.net/understanding-california-knife-laws-a-simple-guide-to-carrying-straight-and-folding-knives/
- https://rubinlawoffice.com/blog/california-knife-laws/
- https://www.robertmhelfend.com/criminal-defense/californias-knife-laws/
