Is it legal to carry a tactical knife for protection in California?

There is no law defining a “tactical” knife. In California, there are certain knives that are illegal. A ballistic knife, one that can shoot or otherwise propel the blade is illegal to own, import, transport, carry and even look at. Well the last one ok as long as the knife is out of state. Switchblades, automatically opening knifes, are also illegal if the blade is over 2 inches. Other illegal knives are cane knives, lipstick knives, belt buckle knives, and writing pen knives.
The general rule is that a knife can be worn openly but not concealed. There is no blade limit on open carry. I have a claymore with a 50 inch blade which I have carried around from time to time. A sheath is considered open carry. There are restrictions on concealed carry and brandishing a knife is illegal.
There are also restrictions related to schools, public buildings, police stations and colleges. This is only a partial list. For K-12 schools even box cutters are prohibited.
If you are camping, diving or doing some activity that requires a knife you should be ok if the knife is not on the prohibited list. Just don’t wear one in a parade. Well if you are in armor swinging a great sword like I have been known to do then even a parade is ok.

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