Is OTF Knife Legal in CA?

Content Menu

● What is an OTF Knife?

● Federal Law on OTF Knives

● California State Law on OTF Knives

>> Legal Status of OTF Knives in California

>> Relevant California Penal Codes

>> Local Ordinances

● How California Legal OTF Knives Are Made

● Practical Considerations for OTF Knife Owners in California

● Summary Table: California OTF Knife Laws

● Conclusion

● FAQ

>> 1. Are OTF knives legal to own in California?

>> 2. Can I carry an OTF knife in California?

>> 3. Is it legal to sell OTF knives in California?

>> 4. What happens if I carry an illegal OTF knife in California?

>> 5. Are there any exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel?

● Citations:

Out-the-front (OTF) knives, also known as switchblades, are a popular type of automatic knife that deploys the blade through the front of the handle with the push of a button or switch. These knives are prized for their quick deployment and tactical utility, making them popular among collectors, law enforcement, and outdoor enthusiasts. However, the legality of OTF knives varies widely across the United States, and California is known for having some of the strictest knife laws in the country. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the legal status of OTF knives in California, including relevant laws, restrictions, exceptions, and practical advice for knife owners.

What is an OTF Knife?

An OTF knife features a blade that slides out from the front of the handle automatically, typically by pressing a button or sliding a switch. There are two main types:

- Single-action OTF knives: The blade deploys automatically but must be manually retracted.

- Double-action OTF knives: The blade both deploys and retracts automatically using the same mechanism.

The mechanism involves a spring-loaded system inside the handle that propels the blade out or pulls it back in milliseconds, making it highly efficient for quick access[6][17].

Federal Law on OTF Knives

At the federal level, the Switchblade Knife Act of 1958 (15 USC Chapter 29) regulates automatic knives, including OTF knives. This law primarily restricts the importation, sale, and interstate commerce of switchblades but does not prohibit ownership or possession. The federal law exempts knives used by military, law enforcement, or for recreational purposes like hunting and fishing[1][18].

California State Law on OTF Knives

California has some of the most detailed and restrictive knife laws in the U.S. The key points regarding OTF knives are:

Legal Status of OTF Knives in California

- Possession: It is legal to own OTF knives in California.

- Sale and Transfer: Illegal to sell or transfer OTF knives with blades longer than 2 inches within California.

- Carrying: Illegal to carry OTF knives (openly or concealed) if the blade is longer than 2 inches.

- Blade Length Restriction: OTF knives with blades under 2 inches are legal to carry, possess, and sell[1][4][7][10][18].

This means that while you can own most OTF knives, carrying or selling them is tightly regulated based on blade length. The critical legal threshold is a blade length of 2 inches or less.

Relevant California Penal Codes

- Penal Code § 21510: Prohibits carrying, selling, or transferring switchblade knives with blades longer than 2 inches.

- Penal Code § 21310: Prohibits carrying concealed dirks or daggers (fixed blade knives), which can include certain OTF knives depending on design.

- Penal Code § 17235: Allows open and concealed carry of folding knives as long as they are folded[2][3][4][12][13].

Local Ordinances

Some California counties and cities have stricter rules than the state. For example:

- Los Angeles prohibits openly carrying knives with blades longer than 3 inches.

- Oakland bans knives with blades 3 inches or longer.

- San Diego bans throwing knives in parks.

- San Francisco bans loitering with concealed knives over 3 inches[2].

How California Legal OTF Knives Are Made

To comply with California law, some manufacturers produce OTF knives with blades just under the 2-inch limit. A prominent example is the Terrain 365 x Prometheus Design Werx CAS OTF knife, which has a blade length of 1.925 inches, making it legal to own, carry, and sell in California[7][12].

Practical Considerations for OTF Knife Owners in California

- Owning vs. Carrying: You can legally own OTF knives of any blade length but cannot legally carry or sell those with blades longer than 2 inches.

- Acquiring OTF Knives: Buying or shipping OTF knives with blades longer than 2 inches into California is generally illegal, but some buyers acquire them outside the state and bring them in for personal use.

- Use Restrictions: Using a knife for self-defense can have legal consequences even if the knife is legal to carry.

- EDC (Everyday Carry): For everyday carry in California, choose OTF knives with blades under 2 inches or folding knives without automatic features.

- Open Carry: Fixed blade knives must be carried openly; concealed carry of certain knives like dirks and daggers is illegal[3][4][10][14].

Summary Table: California OTF Knife Laws

Aspect	Legal Status in California
Possession	Legal for all blade lengths
Sale/Transfer	Illegal if blade > 2 inches
Carry (Open or Concealed)	Legal only if blade ≤ 2 inches
Blade Length Limit	2 inches maximum for automatic knives
Local Restrictions	Some cities/counties have stricter blade length limits

Conclusion

OTF knives in California occupy a complex legal space. While ownership is broadly legal, the state imposes strict restrictions on carrying, selling, and transferring these knives if their blade exceeds 2 inches. This blade length restriction is the key factor determining the legality of OTF knives for everyday carry and commerce in California. Manufacturers have responded by producing mini-OTF knives with blades under the legal limit, allowing enthusiasts to enjoy the benefits of OTF knives while staying compliant with California law. Knife owners in California must stay informed about both state and local laws to avoid legal issues, especially when carrying or selling OTF knives.

FAQ

1. Are OTF knives legal to own in California?

Yes, you can legally own OTF knives of any blade length in California. Ownership is not prohibited under state law[1][4][15].

2. Can I carry an OTF knife in California?

You can only legally carry an OTF knife if the blade length is 2 inches or less. Carrying OTF knives with blades longer than 2 inches is illegal, whether openly or concealed[1][3][18].

3. Is it legal to sell OTF knives in California?

Selling or transferring OTF knives with blades longer than 2 inches is illegal in California. Sales of smaller blade OTF knives (under 2 inches) are legal[1][18].

4. What happens if I carry an illegal OTF knife in California?

Violating California knife laws can lead to misdemeanor charges with penalties including up to 6 months in jail and/or fines up to $1,000. More serious offenses or intent to use the knife unlawfully can result in felony charges[2][3].

5. Are there any exceptions for law enforcement or military personnel?

Yes, law enforcement officers, military personnel, and certain other exempt groups may possess, carry, and use OTF knives regardless of blade length under specific conditions[1][18].

Citations:

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[4] https://www.robertmhelfend.com/criminal-defense/californias-knife-laws/

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[7] https://www.gearpatrol.com/outdoors/terrain-365-x-prometheus-design-werx-cas-otf/

[8] https://www.reddit.com/r/CAguns/comments/1gze5o3/can_i_have_this_in_california_or_is_it_illegal/

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[12] https://www.tektoknives.com/blogs/news/california-legal-the-importance-of-blade-length

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[14] https://www.laattorney.com/a-guide-to-california-knife-laws-for-la-residents.html

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