California’s knife laws can be confusing and sometimes inconsistent. Many people want to know what are some legal self-defense weapons in California. Certain types of knives are illegal at any length. Municipal ordinances in Los Angeles and San Francisco are much more restrictive than state law. 2020-01-02: Updated school zone carry info. If you plan to own or carry certain types of knives, a better understanding of the laws can help you to avoid the aggravation and cost of a weapons charge. 2020-01-27: Updated the knife laws and added statutory references. For information on gun laws in Nevada and Colorado, please see our articles on: “Nevada Gun Laws – with 2020 updates,” and “Colorado Gun Laws (with 2020 updates).” Posted in Criminal Defense on May 23, 2019. It might seem counter to the nonsensical logic that often goes into restrictive knife laws that the law would require such knives to be carried concealed rather than openly and visible, but that's the way they wrote the laws. Deadly weapon defined § 16470. Concealed Knife Laws in California. These are the weapons that are legal and illegal for self-defense in the state. Make sure to read the whole article or check for your specific type of knife in the summary table. Dirk defined; dagger defined § 16590. California has modern, up-to-date concealed knife laws that are largely weapon friendly. If you live in the state of California, you can conceal carry most large and small knives, with a few exceptions. Updated May 22, 2020 California self-defense laws - A former D.A. Generally prohibited weapon defined § 17235. The City of Los Angeles, on paper, goes further than the state rules as well, making it illegal to carry in plain view any knife, dirk or dagger having a blade 3″ or more in length, along with any ice pick or similar sharp tool, any straight-edge razor or any razor blade fitted to a handle. Both Los Angeles county and city (municipality) have a blade length limit of 3" for ALL knives carried openly. Posted on August 7, 2019 July 17, 2020. The law also prohibits double-edged blades or any other device … Relevant Statutes: § 16420. 2020-01-17: Added Fresno City Hall to list of places permittees cannot carry. In fact, most of the questions posted were centered on the interpretation of the law and that most of the time you need an attorney to clarify on the finer points. ... California Knife Laws Click here. Los Angeles, California is just one of the cities that have very specific, yet vague knife laws. For example, In Los Angeles, California any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches is illegal to openly carry. Switchblade knife defined § 20200. Massachusetts law states that one should not carry on his/her person or vehicle any dagger, dirk knife, stiletto, automatic knife, ballistic knife, or any other blade longer than 1 ½ inch. ... Los Angeles Location 13101 Washington Blvd., Suite 464 Los Angeles, CA 90066. 2020-01-10: Updated info on carry while using alcohol or controlled substances in At A Glance table. explainsWatch this video on YouTube California law allows use of force in self-defense or defense of others when you reasonably believe that you or they are in imminent danger of physical harm, and that force is necessary to stop the danger. Los Angeles also goes beyond California law. Dagger defined § 16430. Phone: (310) 456-3317. Related: No, The Cops Don’t Have to Protect You-Sorry. Our firm provides trusted legal advice and serves clients throughout California, including those in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego.