What do you guys know or is your experience with knife carrying laws for California and Nevada?

Going up on a guy's weekend trip with a combo of activities from hiking, to ATV, biking, etc. For random preparedness (not self defense) I was probably going to pack a knife, which also happens to have things like flint, serrated edge, hook cutter, etc. Problem is, it's a 4" fixed blade.

It'll sit in my backpack. But if this is a problem, I'll go with a small folding knife, again in the backpack.

I'd like to know the laws on this.... google is all over the place.

 

The law depends on where you will be with said knife.

Are you going to be out in the wilderness? In a populated area? Around schools?

Either way I am pretty sure you can possess a survival knife like you are talking about you just cannot conceal it.

So have it in its sheath and hanging from your backpack when not in public places and you should be fine.

 

But it's easier to have it inside the back pack. I don't want it dangling.

 

Knife laws in California are messy. Cliff notes: fixed blades do not have length limits and can NOT be concealed ("concealed" here meaning hidden from plain sight, but readily accessible). Check local (County and City) laws as they may (or may not) be more restrictive than State laws.

My advice: keep it sheathed and packed away in the bottom of your bag if you don't want to open carry it on your hip.

Here is a good read, but pertains mostly to folders: California Knife Laws

 

If you do carry it in your bag, make sure it's not easy to get to (i.e., the VERY bottom of your bag) and is in some kind of sheath.

 

This...

Dont have it under your front seat and you should be fine. haha

If you are worried about it I would also immediately identify that you have it if you are contacted by Law Enforcement for any reason like a traffic stop. Better to tell them out of concern for their safety then not and have then stumble upon it.


Again, as long as it isn't concealed AND easily accessible you should be fine.

 

I'd say just open carry it on the hip. If you need it in the wilderness, you don't want to dig through a bag to get it.

 

^This.

If you're going to be in the woods, just open carry a fixed blade. Make sure it's a sturdy enough knife to begin with. You mentioned you might be using it as a tool, so you don't want that thing breaking under hard use.

Oh and I would probably carry a folder in my pocket as a backup. Because you know...two is one, one is none.

 

My daily carry/everyday use is a Cold Steel Recon 1

 

Last year I went on a long hike near Castle Rock and had my fixed blade survival knife in a sheath on my hip. On the way there I had it placed with my backpack in the trunk. Upon arrival to the park a Sheriff was walking to his car and asked about it. I just said its for camping and hiking in the wilderness only. He said that's the answer I was looking for, carry on brother & be safe.

 

i think Motorcycle Bikers no more on rules on knifes because they carry them all the time & have them strapped on there belts.

 

^im a motorcyclist that used to carry a full length Kabar on my hip. As long as its not concealed while in public, its fine

 

Wow serious... so it's legal to walk around like Kratos with giant swords because it's not concealed?



I guess that's so we can be samurai legally, eh? Or a cowboy with guns in holsters?

 

Are you allowed fixed blade KNECK KNIFE if it's worn on your outside?

 

I have heard some LEOs say yes and some say no.

It boils down to the LEO's discretion.