imported post
bigtoe416 wrote:
This is fairly complete:
http://www.ninehundred.net/~equalccw/knifelaw.html
Basically, don't go onto school property and you should be okay. Any fixed blade knives must be carried openly.
I have a major problem with the following (from the above site):
But the reality is, local knife ordinances cannot be applied to people passing through on a major road, enforcement of all local ordinances is spotty unless you fit a "juvenile offender profile", and most cops don't even know their local knife ordinances.
The author fails to make a citation here. My personal experience is that most cops DO in fact know their local knife ordinances, because they are an easy way to 'get knives off the streets' when found in the hands of gang members.
Also, the article is a bit misleading about the range of knife laws.
For example, in Modesto, CA, we have an ordinance banning any 'dangerous weapon', including ALL knives (including folders) with a blade greater than 2 inches. The statute is open-ended, stating "including, but not limited to..."; I've seen guys busted for carrying a screwdriver (though I doubt they'd bust you for having a basic toolbox in your car, unless you were up to no good).
A mere 20 minute drive to the south is the city of Turlock, which doesn't have any knife laws. You could carry a Claymore or Katana down Main Street (though I bet the cops would still want to 'chat' with you).
My point is that local ordinances vary greatly, and it's not just So Cal that suffers from this.
All that said, I think if you're on the up-and-up, the worst that would happen is they confiscate your knife. More likely they won't even care, unless they think you're up to no good.
. I do however carry a couple of knives a regular folder (a Benchmade with a 4 1.2 inch blade) and a K-Bar (kept in the car mostly). 
