Longbow, No! neck knives are not illegal in California! Carrying anything over the legal carry length of 2.5" is. You can pierce your ear and dangle a K-BAR and be in violation of the law <img src="images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />. There are various push daggers disquised as buckles, OSS needle knives, throwing stars. bali-Songs etc. That are illegal to carry. If you have a dedicated backpack with a knife stowed few officers are going to make an issue of it ( unless you've allready given cause <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" /> to merit a search. )