Knives are useful and practical tools, but can also be dangerous weapons when used with bad intentions. Knife laws in Orange County and across California take both aspects of knives into account.
In the big picture, the good news is that Orange County, California, knife laws aren’t too complicated. Compared to gun laws in Orange County, there are fewer rules and requirements for owning and carrying a knife in the county and across the state.
However, there are still knife laws in place, and breaking those laws – or simply being accused of doing so – can lead to an arrest.
If you need to help a friend or loved one exit pre-trial holding with a bail bond, Bail Hotline is here to support you! Our offices in Orange County, including our Santa Ana bail bond office, offer 24/7 service. Our professional and compassionate team will help your friend or loved one return home as soon as possible.
Now, let’s review important Orange County knife laws.
Orange County, CA, Knife Laws: The Big Picture
Knife laws in Orange County are largely the same as in the rest of California. In other words, California law sets most of the rules and restrictions on owning and carrying knives. Cities and other municipalities can also set ordinances that further restrict the possession of knives.
The Helfend Law Group explains that there are two major elements involved when it comes to the legal or illegal possession and carrying of knives in California. Specifically, those factors are the type of knife and the state’s open carry law.
The basic principle for owning and carrying a knife in California is that certain types of knives have restrictions, either on how they can be carried or for basic possession. Crucially, some common types of knives can be carried openly but not concealed. That means you can be arrested or fined if a law enforcement officer finds such a knife in your possession.
Government buildings, schools, and other settings also have rules related to the possession of a knife while on that property. These rules are generally stricter than the general state law, but can vary from one location to another. For example, knives with blades longer than four inches are banned from local and state government buildings and meetings.
Your best bet is to check the rules and regulations at specific facilities and properties before entering them with a knife.
Types of Knives Under California Law
Fixed-Blade Knife
The American Knife & Tool Institute explains that most fixed-blade knives are technically called dirks and daggers (both are traditionally combat knives used for thrusting or stabbing attacks) under California law.
These knives can be carried openly in public but cannot be concealed from view. The intent behind this law is to make knives visible to others and make them more aware of potential threats or issues.
One key element of the law around fixed-blade knives is that such knives should be carried in a sheath worn around the waist, as Shouse California Law Group explains. Concealing the handle or hilt of this type of knife breaks California state law and should be avoided.
So, you can carry knives with fixed blades in many places across Orange County and California, but they must be openly displayed to be legal. Orange County laws on open carry knives are very clear in this regard.
Switchblade Knife
California and Orange County pocket knife laws specifically ban switchblades. These knives are defined as having a mechanism that allows the blade to quickly release in certain ways and having a blade longer than two inches.
Knives that otherwise qualify as switchblades but have a blade length of fewer than two inches are technically legal. However, they may still lead to issues with law enforcement if they’re found as part of a search.
Folding Knife
In California, the term folding knife covers many types of knives and similar tools. The function that defines them is that they open by applying pressure to the blade and include a mechanism that provides resistance (i.e. helps to keep the knife closed when not in use). This category includes box cutters, utility knives, Swiss Army Knives, and many others.
Folding knives do not fall under any California or Orange County knife length laws – the blade of knives in this category may be of any length. However, these knives may only be carried in a concealed way, meaning not visible to others, when folded or closed. If the knife’s blade is exposed, it must be carried openly in the same way as a dirk or dagger.
Prohibited Specialty Knives
Along with switchblades, California law prohibits the possession of many types of knives that don’t look like standard knives, at least until the blade is exposed. In other words, these rules cover knives that look like other objects and conceal their true function. Examples include lipstick knives, cane knives, and writing pen knives.
Another especially dangerous, although uncommon, type of knife banned under California state law is the ballistic knife. This style of knife contains a spring or other mechanism that, when released, propels the blade out of the handle as a projectile. These knives are especially dangerous, so it’s not surprising that they aren’t allowed to be owned or carried in public.
Bail Bonds for Knife Arrests
Knives that break laws can be a cause for arrest by law enforcement officers in Orange County and across California. And, those officers may even misinterpret knife laws in the moment and make an arrest based on a fully legal knife at times.
No matter the circumstances, Bail Hotline can help you help your friend or loved one exit pre-trial holding after a knife arrest as long as they are eligible for bail. Our team takes a compassionate and professional approach, making it easier to bring your friend or family member home following an arrest.
Work with the best. Call Bail Hotline.
