California Knife Laws (2026) – What You Can Legally Carry

Overview of California Knife Laws in 2026

California has some of the most complex knife laws in the United States. Unlike more permissive states, California distinguishes between different types of knives and has specific rules for each category. The laws differentiate between folding knives, dirks and daggers, switchblades, and various “disguised” knives, each with its own set of rules regarding ownership, carry, and concealment.

Understanding California knife laws requires familiarity with multiple sections of the California Penal Code, as well as awareness that local jurisdictions can — and often do — impose additional restrictions beyond state law. Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, or a rural area, it is essential to understand both state and local regulations.

Legal Definitions Under California Law

California law defines several categories of knives:

• Dirk or dagger (PC § 16470): A knife or other instrument with or without a handguard that is capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon and may inflict great bodily injury or death. A folding knife that is not in the locked-open position is not a dirk or dagger.
• Switchblade (PC § 17235): A knife with a blade of 2 inches or more that can be released automatically by a flick of a button, pressure on the handle, or other mechanical device.
• Folding knife: A knife that has a blade which folds into the handle and requires manual pressure on the blade to open. This includes pocket knives and Swiss army knives.

These definitions are critical because the legality of carry depends heavily on the category your knife falls into.

What Knives Are Legal to Own in California?

California allows ownership of most knives, but some types are prohibited entirely:

Legal to Own:

• Fixed-blade knives — Legal in any size
• Folding knives and pocket knives — Legal in any size
• Bowie knives — Legal
• Hunting and survival knives — Legal
• Kitchen knives — Legal
• Machetes — Legal
• Swords — Legal (but local laws may restrict carry)
• Switchblades with blades under 2 inches — Legal

Prohibited to Own, Carry, Manufacture, Import, Sell, or Lend:

• Switchblades with blades 2 inches or longer — Illegal under PC § 21510
• Ballistic knives — Illegal under PC § 21110
• Belt-buckle knives — Illegal under PC § 20410
• Cane swords — Illegal under PC § 20510
• Lipstick case knives — Illegal under PC § 20610
• Writing pen knives — Illegal under PC § 20910
• Air gauge knives — Illegal under PC § 20310
• Shobi-zue (staff weapons) — Illegal under PC § 20710

Open Carry of Knives in California

Open carry rules depend on the type of knife:

• Fixed-blade knives (including dirks and daggers): May be carried openly in a sheath worn at the waist. They must be visible — concealed carry of dirks/daggers is a crime.
• Folding knives: May be carried openly without restriction. When in the closed (folded) position, a folding knife is not considered a dirk or dagger.
• Switchblades under 2 inches: May be carried openly.

The key rule for open carry is that dirks and daggers must be in a sheath that is visible and openly displayed at the waist. Carrying a fixed-blade knife in a pocket, purse, or backpack where it is not visible may constitute concealed carry.

Concealed Carry of Knives in California

California’s concealed carry rules are among the strictest in the nation:

• Folding knives: May be carried concealed. A folding knife in the closed position is not considered a dirk or dagger, so it can legally be carried in a pocket, purse, or bag.
• Dirks and daggers: Illegal to carry concealed under PC § 21310. This includes any fixed-blade knife, any locked-open folding knife, and any knife capable of ready use as a stabbing weapon.
• Switchblades (any size): Illegal to carry concealed.

The concealed carry prohibition on dirks and daggers is broadly interpreted. If a fixed-blade knife is hidden from view — whether in a backpack, under clothing, or in a bag — it may be considered concealed and therefore illegal.

Blade Length Restrictions

California has no general statewide blade length limit. However:

• Switchblades must have blades under 2 inches to be legal at all
• Many local jurisdictions impose their own blade length limits (see Local Laws section)
• Knives are prohibited on school grounds under Penal Code § 626.10, with a specific limit of 2.5 inches for folding knives in some school contexts

Local Knife Laws (No Statewide Preemption)

California has no statewide preemption for knife laws. This means cities and counties can — and frequently do — enact their own knife regulations that may be stricter than state law. Notable local restrictions include:

• Los Angeles: Prohibits open carry of any knife with a blade longer than 3 inches in public
• San Francisco: Restricts carry of knives with blades over 3 inches
• Oakland: Has knife length restrictions
• Many other cities have their own ordinances

If you plan to carry a knife in California, it is absolutely essential to check the local ordinances for every city and county you will visit. What is legal under state law may still be illegal under local law.

Restricted Locations

• Schools (K-12 and college campuses): Under PC § 626.10, it is illegal to bring any knife, dirk, dagger, ice pick, or razor with a blade longer than 2.5 inches onto school grounds. Folding knives with shorter blades may be permitted. Violations are felonies or misdemeanors.
• State and local government buildings: Knives may be prohibited in courthouses, city halls, and similar facilities
• Airports: Federal law prohibits knives past security checkpoints
• Private property: Property owners may prohibit knives

Age Restrictions

California does not have a general statewide minimum age for knife possession. However, minors carrying certain knives may face additional scrutiny, and school-related restrictions apply to all students. Some retailers voluntarily restrict sales to minors.

Penalties for Knife Law Violations

• Carrying a concealed dirk or dagger (PC § 21310): Wobbler offense — can be charged as a misdemeanor (up to 1 year in county jail) or a felony (up to 3 years in state prison)
• Possessing a switchblade (PC § 21510): Misdemeanor — up to 6 months in county jail and/or a fine up to $1,000
• Possessing a prohibited knife (ballistic, belt-buckle, etc.): Misdemeanor or felony depending on the specific statute
• Bringing a knife to school: Wobbler — misdemeanor or felony

Tips for Knife Carriers in California

• Folding knives are your safest bet: They can be carried openly or concealed and are exempt from the dirk/dagger prohibition when in the closed position
• Always check local laws: California’s lack of preemption means every city may have different rules
• If carrying a fixed-blade, wear it openly: Keep it in a visible sheath at the waist — never conceal it
• Avoid switchblades with 2″+ blades: They are entirely illegal in California regardless of how you carry them
• Be careful with locked-open folding knives: A folding knife locked in the open position is treated as a dirk/dagger and cannot be concealed

For more on knife laws across the US, visit our US Knife Laws guide. If traveling to neighboring states, check the laws for Arizona and Colorado, which have significantly more permissive knife regulations.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Knife laws change frequently. Always verify current laws with local authorities before carrying any knife.

Explore Knife Laws in Other States

Knife laws vary significantly from state to state. If you travel with knives, make sure you understand the regulations in each state you visit.

• Arizona Knife Laws
• Arkansas Knife Laws
• Colorado Knife Laws
• Connecticut Knife Laws
• Delaware Knife Laws
• Complete US Knife Laws Guide (All 50 States)