Need someone knowledgeable in California knife laws.

[captain spaulding]

I have been wanting a Spyderco Native for some time now and might pull the trigger soon, but there is one thing I am worried about and that is the Swedge. I know the knife laws in California pretty well, but I cannot answer this one. I do not want to violate any laws in carrying it if I decide to get one. Am I correct in saying the Swedge is not sharpened on the Native? I assume so or it would probably not be referred to as a Swedge but a Double Edge blade? I could be wrong.  Anyways any input on this would be appreciated. Don't be shy to school me on Swedge's either. Thanks everyone. 

[JAfromMn]

No worries man you can buy yourself a native.

the swedge is not sharpened it is there to remove weight and to add looks.

the native is one of my favorite knives to carry and use.

here's the best blade pic I got handy

[captain spaulding]

I do not know if the guideline for legality is not being sharpened I was just putting the idea out there because that is what I was thinking. 

If anyone can find info on Double Edge knives in California that would be helpful. I am actually going to look for info on that right now.

[sawman]

I wouldn't think that would be considered a D/E at all.  Just my 2 cents...

[captain spaulding]

I did some more research and it appears a Double Edge knife is not even mentioned in California law. If it's not mentioned it's not illegal is my rule of thumb for these type of things. So even if the Swedge was sharpened it should not be a issue. My real worry now is it somehow being considered a Dirk or Dagger. Here is California's definition of a Dirk or Dagger.

(24) As used in this section, a "dirk" or "dagger" means a knife
or other instrument with or without a handguard that is capable of
ready use as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury
or death.  A nonlocking folding knife, a folding knife that is not
prohibited by Section 653k, or a pocketknife is capable of ready use
as a stabbing weapon that may inflict great bodily injury or death
only if the blade of the knife is exposed and locked into position.
   (24)(d) Knives carried in sheaths which are worn openly suspended from
the waist of the wearer are not concealed within the meaning of this
section.


Wouldn't just opening the blade for regular use be exposing and locking the blade into position or is it referring to carrying it in that position?




I know...I know..... I'm worrying to much.


Now that I go back and read this it has nothing to do with a Swedge and am now wondering what they are referring to.

[enki_ck]

By that definition any locking folding knife can be considered a dagger.

[Syph007]

That wording makes no sense.   Put a common sense filter on it, and your spyderco isnt a dagger so I wouldnt worry about it at all.

[captain spaulding]

I'm not to worried about it. I honestly don't think it would be an issue and I rarely have interactions with Police Officers (knock on wood), but I just get all OCD like when I can't answer a question. Especially when it deals with me possibly breaking a law, which I do not think I would be doing in carrying a Spyderco Native. Now I just need to get a Native! 

[jekostas]

I'm not to worried about it. I honestly don't think it would be an issue and I rarely have interactions with Police Officers (knock on wood), but I just get all OCD like when I can't answer a question. Especially when it deals with me possibly breaking a law, which I do not think I would be doing in carrying a Spyderco Native. Now I just need to get a Native! 

Knife laws are generally worded vaguely on purpose.  That way police officers can apply on a case-by-case basis.

I understand that this can lead to some confusion and incorrect applications, but by and large if you're being respectful and not threatening anyone it shouldn't be a problem.

[Grant Lamontagne]

If the swedge was sharpened it would be a serious hazard as a significant portion of the swedge sticks out of the handle when folded.



I sure as heck wouldn't want to keep something like that in my pocket!   

Def

[captain spaulding]

Funny, but I didn't even think of that.  Makes perfect sense though.

Just for the sake of argument though, if you carried it in your right pocket with the clip in the position shown in the picture you would be fine. Your pants on the other hand would be torn to shreds. 

[Grant Lamontagne]

I'll let the Mythbusters try that one for me.  I'm not sure I like the idea of having an exposed blade that close to some of my favorite anatomical parts, regardless of which way it's oriented!   

Def

[jekostas]

I saw a picture a while ago on Bladeforums where a guy had sharpened the swedge on a CRKT M16 and was all proud of it.  It would be the same as trying to sharpen the swedge on the Native - both stick out above the handle a good amount.

The entire thread was pretty well "aren't you worried about cutting your nuts off?"

[captain spaulding]

I'll let the Mythbusters try that one for me.  I'm not sure I like the idea of having an exposed blade that close to some of my favorite anatomical parts, regardless of which way it's oriented!   

Def

I completely agree.

[Syph007]

Ya makes sense.. thats why you dont see alot of folding daggers.