Is It Legal for a 13-Year-Old to Carry a Fixed Blade Knife in Their Backpack in California?

The best answer isn’t if they are old enough. The question should be: is it smart? A 13-year-old thinking, “I have a knife, I can cut him,” is a bad idea. Such a mindset can end in serious trouble or injury. So, is it legal?

Legal Issues and Safety Concerns

Actually, it is illegal for anyone to carry a concealed fixed blade knife in California. Various locations and cities have stricter laws, and the consequences of breaking these laws can be severe. For instance, Penal Code 21310 PC makes it a crime in California to carry a concealed dirk or dagger. This includes tucking it into a waistband or another article of clothing or carrying it in a purse, pocket, briefcase, backpack, or any other container.

Open-Carry Law in California

Fortunately, California does have an 'open-carry' law for these knives. This means that a person may carry a dirk or dagger openly in public, provided that the knife is contained within a sheath and the sheath is worn suspended from the person’s waist. However, this does not mean that carrying a knife is advised for teenagers.

Reasons Against Teenage Knife Possession

As a knife lover, collector, and a parent of a teen who was once 13, I can say that there are very few good reasons for a teen to carry a knife in a backpack. Moreover, California is much stricter than my state. My 16-year-old only carries a knife when going out recreationally like hiking or camping. There are too many gray areas that could land a teen in trouble and potentially cause a felony on their record.

Personal Experiences with Knife Carrying

While I personally carry a machete in my car just in case, it's more of a practical tool than a weapon. I also use a switchblade that I lost, and now it is a bit rusty—it would be nice to oil it eventually. Additionally, my mom uses a knife to butcher animals, but sharing her techniques with coworkers didn’t go over well.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it may be technically possible to carry a knife in a backpack in California, the legal implications and potential dangers make it a bad idea for teenagers. Instead of knives, focus on teaching responsible behavior and practical skills that are safe and beneficial.