Is it legal to carry a sharp putty knife in California?
I don't want to stab anyone, it's to protect my dogs. One or both of them have been attacked three times by neighborhood dogs. I will purchase a stun gun in a week, but right now I can't. I have a sharp putty knife with a 3-1/2" blade. I wanted to carry it just in case I need to protect my dogs. Is this legal? If I had to use it on a stray, I'd hate to get weapon charges. I can't just bring a bat or large stick because I have two dogs and my hands are full when I walk them. Thank you.
California law prohibits the CONCEALED carrying of a dirk or dagger. (Penal Code section 12020.) A dirk or dagger could be any "pointy thing," including, believe it or not, knitting needles. ( People v. Rubalcava (2000) 23 Cal.4th 322.) I am sure a sharp putty knife would qualify. It could be a defense that you intended to use it as a putty knife, but since you intend to use it as a weapon, that would not work. (By the way, a bat carried as a weapon rather than a sports item is a billy club, and completely prohibited.)
Note, however, that dirks and daggers are illegal only if concealed. The statute says that a knife carried openly in a belt sheath is not concealed, so it you carried it in your hand, or in some sort of a sheath, you would not be breaking the law. You would be if you put it in your pocket. Also, stun guns are legal if you are 16 or over (or younger with parent's permission), but Tasers are illegal.
(Hey, I don't write the laws, I just report 'em.)
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