California Knife Laws
California knife law is governed primarily by Penal Code sections 17235 (folding knife definition), 20200 (open carry of non-switchblades), 21310 (concealed dirk/dagger), and 21510 (switchblades). The rules differ significantly based on knife type, blade mechanism, and how you carry it.
| Type | Open Carry | Concealed | Purchase | Max Length | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed Blade Knife | legal | illegal | legal | No limit (open carry) | Must be carried openly in a sheath worn at the waist. Concealed carry of a fixed blade is illegal under dirk/dagger laws. PC 21310, PC 20200 |
| Folding Knife (Non-Locking) | legal | legal | legal | No limit | Legal to carry openly or concealed when in the folded/closed position. No blade length restriction under state law. PC 17235 |
| Swiss Army Knife | legal | legal | legal | No limit | Classified as a folding knife. Legal to carry openly or concealed when closed. PC 17235 |
| Balisong / Butterfly Knife | legal | illegal | legal | No limit | Legal to own and open carry. Concealed carry is illegal as it is classified as a switchblade when the blade can be released by a flick of the wrist. PC 21510, PC 17235 |
| Switchblade (Under 2 inches) | legal | legal | legal | Under 2 inches | Switchblades with blades under 2 inches are exempt from the switchblade prohibition. Legal to carry openly or concealed. PC 17235(a) |
| Switchblade (2 inches or more) | illegal | illegal | illegal | N/A - Prohibited | Illegal to possess, carry, sell, manufacture, import, or give away. Includes any knife with a blade that opens automatically by pressing a button or flipping the wrist. PC 21510 |
| Dagger | legal | illegal | legal | No limit (open carry) | A knife with a double-edged blade designed for stabbing. Open carry in a sheath is legal. Concealed carry is a wobbler offense (misdemeanor or felony). PC 21310 |
| Dirk | legal | illegal | legal | No limit (open carry) | A knife or instrument capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon. Open carry is legal. Carrying concealed is prohibited. PC 21310 |
| Stiletto | legal | illegal | legal | No limit (open carry) | Falls under dirk/dagger classification due to its stabbing design. Open carry legal, concealed carry prohibited. PC 21310 |
| Karambit | legal | restricted | legal | No limit | Folding karambits can be carried concealed when closed. Fixed-blade karambits fall under dirk/dagger rules and cannot be concealed. PC 17235, PC 21310 |
| Machete | legal | illegal | legal | No limit | Classified as a tool/agricultural implement. Legal to own and carry openly. Concealed carry would violate dirk/dagger laws due to fixed blade. PC 21310, PC 17235 |
| Bowie Knife | legal | illegal | legal | No limit (open carry) | Large fixed-blade knife legal to own and carry openly in a sheath. Concealed carry prohibited under dirk/dagger statute. PC 21310 |
| Throwing Knife | legal | illegal | legal | No limit | Legal to own and carry openly. Concealed carry prohibited as they qualify as dirks/daggers. Cannot carry on school grounds. PC 21310 |
| Sword / Katana | legal | legal | legal | No limit | Legal to own and carry openly. Concealment is effectively impossible due to size. No specific statute prohibits swords. Local ordinances may apply. PC 17235 |
| Box Cutter / Utility Knife | legal | legal | legal | No limit | Classified as a utility tool. Legal to carry openly or concealed. Retractable blade design does not fall under dirk/dagger classification. PC 17235 |
| Gravity Knife | illegal | illegal | illegal | N/A - Prohibited | Illegal to possess, carry, sell, or manufacture in California. Defined as a knife with a blade released from the handle by force of gravity or centrifugal force. PC 21510 |
Understanding California Knife Law
The Dirk or Dagger Rule
Under PC 21310, it is illegal to carry concealed upon your person any dirk or dagger. California defines a dirk or dagger as any knife or instrument that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon and may inflict great bodily injury or death. This includes fixed-blade knives carried in a concealed manner, as well as folding knives that are in the open and locked position. A folding knife in the closed position is NOT a dirk or dagger.
The Switchblade Rule
Under PC 21510, it is illegal to carry, possess in a vehicle, sell, or offer for sale any switchblade knife with a blade two inches or longer. A switchblade under two inches is legal to possess and carry. Balisong (butterfly) knives are generally classified as switchblades in California. Assisted-opening knives where you must apply physical pressure to the blade are NOT switchblades.
Open Carry Rules
Under PC 20200, any knife that is not a switchblade may be carried openly. This means fixed-blade knives of any length can be legally carried in a sheath worn openly on your person. There is no blade length limit for open carry of non-switchblade knives in California. Machetes, swords, and bowie knives are all legal to carry openly.
Schools and Government Buildings
Under PC 626.10, it is illegal to bring any knife with a blade longer than 2.5 inches onto school grounds (K-12 and universities). Under PC 171b, it is illegal to bring any knife with a blade longer than 4 inches into any state or local government building. Federal buildings follow federal law (18 USC 930), which prohibits all weapons.