You are certainly correct in that the law probably could have been framed better. However, my last LE training made one point crystal clear - in California, the spirit of the law takes precedence over the letter of the law. Accordingly, I would not put the bracelets on some Boy Scout (or anyone else for that matter) carrying a Ritter as a neck knife, absent other relevant circumstances. I would caution them and ask them to get their vicious weapon out in the open, so that they will once again be a straight arrow citizen.

Given the state of the technology, IMHO a four inch folder can be just as effective a weapon as any non-folder.

One other point - you mention writing a law prohibiting "brandishing." I would love to see a clear, unequivocal definition of brandishing that would apply across the board. I would think we would all know what we mean by brandishing, but putting into clear language is something else. What SCOTUS judge stated that he couldn't define pornography, but he could recognize it when he saw it? This is why attorneys are so fearfully busy....