Attorney Explains California Knife Laws
California knife laws categorize knives into open-carry only, open/concealed carry, and prohibited. Fixed blades like dirks/daggers must be openly carried in a sheath. Folding knives are generally legal for open or concealed carry unless locked open, then treated as fixed blades. Switchblades, ballistic, butterfly, and novelty knives are illegal. Assisted opening knives with a 'bias toward closure' are legal and distinct from switchblades.







