Are Karambits Legal in California

Karambit knives sharpened on one side are legal to own in California as long as you’re on your property. You can also carry Karambits in California, provided you don’t conceal the knife or carry the knife with an intent to cause public unrest/harm to other persons.

Still, you can be stopped by a law enforcement officer for carrying a Karambit in California.

Thus, continue reading to know when these knives are legal or not in the state.

Can You Legally Own a Karambit in California?

California state laws allow you to legally own Karambits and many other knives, as long as they’re always on your property and aren’t used to cause any public unrest. This allows knife enthusiasts to collect, possess and own a series of knives that would have been considered illegal.

However, the laws are different for carrying these knives, so you must be sure that the same knife you can legally own can also be carried. Otherwise, you might land into some trouble with the authorities.

Can You Legally Carry a Karambit Knife in California?

Fixed blade Karambits can be legally carried in California if they’re not concealed or used as a weapon. Likewise, a folding Karambit knife remains legal to carry as long as it’s closed and not concealed, which could mean having it in your pocket or your boot.

Thus, you can wear the Karambit knife around your belt, neck, or other body parts where it’s instantly visible to others.

You Can’t Carry the Karambit Knives Everywhere

Even though it’s legal to carry a Karambit openly in California, you can’t take it into every establishment.

For starters, federal buildings are usually no weapons zones. So, either leave the knife at the gate or don’t take it there at all.

Some state establishments also follow the same rule. Likewise, it’s not uncommon to find private enterprises like bars banning knives, so make sure you adhere to their rules.

A quick overview of the designated no-knife zones includes

  • Educational institutions such as high schools.
  • Religious centers such as churches.
  • Federal buildings such as courts.
  • Security buildings such as police stations.

There are more, obviously, but those give you a good idea of where to start. Make sure to check with state laws, email the local police department to get an answer in writing, or speak with a local attorney to grasp where your Karambit knives aren’t allowed fully.

What Is the Legal Karambit Knife Length in California?

California doesn’t have a maximum length imposed on knives, so your Karambit can be as long as you want but must always be carried openly. However, certain knife length restrictions apply to all knives in California (including Karambits), depending on where you’re bringing them.

For example:

  • Never carry a Karambit with a blade length more than 2.5 inches on school grounds.
  • Never carry a Karambit with a fixed blade length over 2.5 inches on college or university grounds.

Some cities in California also have specific laws around the blade length and where you can take such knives. Check those, so you’re never in the wrong in your local area, even if the state laws are in support.

Is a Folding Karambit Knife Legal in California?

Folding Karambit knives are not illegal in California if they’re not carried concealed, on prohibited grounds, or left open while carrying them. The folding Karambit should not have a blade more than 2.5 inches if taken on school premises.

However, they may be illegal to carry in federal and state buildings, on religious grounds, and in particular personal establishments.

Should You Carry a Karambit in California?

If you want something for self-defense, you could get by with pepper spray or other legal options that aren’t open to law interpretations like a Karambit would be. Likewise, check with the local ordinances since some towns and cities have other knife laws differing from the state’s.

When in doubt, email your local police department and get a response in writing from them. Still, never brandish your Karambit as a weapon since that counts as a crime, even if you didn’t use the knife on them.

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