Doug's in the media again. This time with an AP article on the hodge podge of knife/weapons laws and definitions. The article is fallout from the Freddie Gray debacle.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/varying-knife-laws-can-confuse-across-state-local-lines/ar-BBjUh1u

The large variation in knife carry laws in any given state just drives me nuts. Keep doing the good work, Doug!

Doug, how is your New York case going?

Awaiting a ruling by the Appeals Court on the standing issue.

Doug R - Great job to keep pushing for freedom.
It's very important in America now.
Keep up the great work.

Bingley - IF you carry a knife with a sharp point, then someone in the General Public will perceive it to be a "weapon". Whether or not you intend this, somebody will see it that way. BUT a good practical solution is to get a survival knife that has a sharp edge, but it does not have a sharp point. Such models exist. Such a knife is much more likely to be perceived as a Survival Tool and not a weapon.

good luck!
Pete

You'll have to qualify that statement. It depends on the location. In any urban of California, any sharp edged object is going to be perceived as a weapon. People act like I just pulled out a lightsaber when I pull out my little 3-inch blade, and it turns a big conversation every time. It's pathetic, but that's where society is.

My mode of operation is to get the legal knife I want and conceal it. I don't even pull out my knife in public to open up a box if I can use something else (e.g., keys or a strong pen).

Careful, carrying a concealed knife in CA may be a problem. Where specifically in CA is it recommended to carry your knife concealed? I carry my locking folder (BM 940 or 710 depending) clipped to my right front pocket so that it is visible and not concealed.

OT backstory: Shortly after buying the 940 I had an opportunity to meet one of Kern County's finest and found myself on the receiving end of a Terry Search. The deputy found the knife visually and left it clipped in my pocket. If the knife or manner of carry were illegal or questionable I'd have found out at that point.
(The reason for the stop was bogus, but suffice to say I left the scene driving my own vehicle with no ticket, summons or warning. "Sorry for taking your time". I racked it up to s**t happens.

In California, it's legal to carry a folding knife concealed. Open carrying a folding knife would be unusual here, and I personally have never seen anybody do that. You must carry a fixed blade open (e.g., knife sheath on belt).

http://www.shouselaw.com/california-knife-laws.html



If the knife is inside the pocket with the clip outside, then that's considered concealed, especially if your shirt falls over the knife at any time. By the way, when I'm confused about what's legal, I prefer to consult a lawyer, not a police officer.

Thanks, excellent info at the link. I recalled the open carry aspect, but forgot it applied to fixed blades.

"If the knife is inside the pocket with the clip outside, then that's considered concealed, especially if your shirt falls over the knife at any time. By the way, when I'm confused about what's legal, I prefer to consult a lawyer, not a police officer."

Thanks for clarifying that.
I had a mistaken impression - I thought that type of carry with a folding knife was "open". I appreciate the update.

Pete