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Legal Knife Ownership and Carry in Los Angeles
When it comes to knife ownership and carry in Los Angeles, several laws apply. These laws are at the federal, state, county, and city levels. It is essential to know and understand them.
Only one federal law prohibits knife ownership and carry – the 1958 Federal Switchblade Act. This act bans the production, sale, and possession of a switchblade knife. A switchblade knife refers to any knife that can open automatically by applying hand pressure to a button or another device in the knife’s handle, or by inertia or both. This law applies to the entire US, making switchblade knives illegal in Los Angeles.
Several state laws restrict knife ownership and carry. They include:
1. Possession of knives with a blade of two inches or more that one can open with a button or by flicking the wrist. This applies to switchblade knives.
2. Concealed possession of stabbing devices like daggers or dirks, with no regard for the blade length.
3. Possession or sale of disguised blades that are undetectable in metal detectors, such as cane swords, lipstick knives, or writing pen knives.
4. Possession of knives with a blade longer than 2.5 inches in school grounds.
5. Possession of a fixed-blade knife with a blade longer than 2.5 inches on college or university grounds.
While owning antique knives or swords that fall under the dirk or dagger definition is allowed, it is illegal to carry them in concealment. For example, owning a 6-inch carving knife for kitchen use at home is allowed, unlike carrying it on school grounds.
Los Angeles County and City laws significantly overlap. According to the city of Los Angeles, knives and daggers include blades measuring three inches or longer. The law also bans spring-blade, switch-blade, and snap-blade knives. Additionally, icepicks or similar sharp stabbing tools, straight-edge razors, and razor blades fitted with handles are unlawful to carry.
It is illegal to carry any knife or dagger in plain view. However, the restrictions should not forbid carrying ordinary tools and equipment for lawful use or when carrying a knife is a recognized religious practice.
These knife laws can be complicated and often create confusion. While California law forbids concealed carry, Los Angeles city law forbids open carry. Furthermore, the definition of a switchblade is unclear as manufacturers have created knives similar to switchblades to evade the law.
Violating these laws in Los Angeles County and City can lead to a $500 fine or six months imprisonment. It is advisable to contact legal professionals in case of knife-related legal trouble or questions. They have the legal expertise to deal with the law’s intricacies and ensure that knife ownership is legal and safe.
Knife ownership and carry in Los Angeles are governed by various laws that knife enthusiasts must know and observe. While the laws appear comprehensive, they can be confusing and have several legalities. Legal professionals can offer professional advice and help people navigate the knife laws’ intricacies, making knife ownership and use legal and safe in Los Angeles.
| Federal Law | State of California Laws | Los Angeles County Law | City of Los Angeles Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1958 Federal Switchblade Act |
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