All Knives> Learn Knives> Best Knives> Best California Legal Knives
Written by Blade HQ Staff Writer Logan Rainey on 02/12/2020
When it comes to automatic knives, there are some places that are mucheasier to own and use one than others. Here in Utah, there are few if anylaws regarding automatic knives giving us the privilege of owning and usingmany great knives. California, however, is one of those places wherecarrying automatic folding knives is met with restrictions and lawsgoverning what can and cant be in your pocket. This list covers a few ofour favorite, and arguably the best, California Legal Automatic Knives.
Check out our top 7 California Legal Autos below. Catch a review from one ofour beloved customers at the end of each breakdown.
When it comes to short blade knives, there are few as fun to use and easy tocarry as the Kershaw Launch 4. Its overall size, aluminum construction andsnappy push-button automatic action make it a perfect everyday carry knife.These little guys are available in many different color combos so you canfind one that fits your needs and style. Check out our comprehensiveLaunch 4 reviewto see what makes this series so great.
- Overall Length: 5.10
- Blade Length: 1.90
- Blade Material: CPM-154
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Plunge Lock
Ricardo A. says...
"This is the closest youll get to a legal switchblade in CA! You could geta OFT, but personally I think this design is a lot better than any other OTFIve seen. Amazing action good steel overall amazing knife."
If youve been looking to add a short blade automatic knife to your EDCrotation or collection, it doesnt get much better than the Boker Kompaktdesigned by Jesper Voxnaes. This knife has amazing ergonomics and feelsgreat in the hand. Its 1.875 California legal, drop-point blade is easy tocontrol and maintain. This knife features a durable aluminum handle withunique blue inlays and a blue back spacer. A deep carry pocket clip roundsout this feature rich little knife.
- Overall Length: 5.25
- Blade Length: 1.875
- Blade Material: AUS-8
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Plunge Lock
David K. says...
"This is a very nice little knife. Perfect size to fit in the little pocketin my jeans pocket. Action works very smooth and snaps open quickly. Highlyrecommend."
Riding on the coattails of the Kershaw Launch 4, the Kershaw Launch 10brings modern styling and unique design to Kershaws Launch Series. TheKershaw Launch 10 features a California legal hawkbill blade with a snappypush-button automatic action. Its compact design makes it great for everydaycarry and suitable for common tasks. A deep carry pocket clip helps keep theknife secure and discreet in pocket.
- Overall Length: 5.20
- Blade Length: 1.90
- Blade Material: CPM-154
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Plunge Lock
Thomas B. says...
"I own over 100 knives and always carry a small auto, and from now on thisis it. It is very light,opens quick and is wicked sharp.I really like thehawkbill it reminds me of my Dad's old hawkbill that he used everyday. Thislittle knife cuts like a Big Boy. Buy it you won't regret it!"
The Sprint from Protech is a snappy, California Legal automatic knife thatlooks as great as it performs! This awesome short blade knife features alightweight aluminum handle, snazzy mother of pearl inlay button, and acrazy sharp CPM-S35VN blade. Its the perfect size for everyday carry andfeels great in hand.
- Overall Length: 5.00
- Blade Length: 1.95
- Blade Material: CPM-S35VN
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Plunge Lock
Garrison E. says...
"Awesome knife! It was perfect for a California legal auto knife! Action wassmooth and fast, and blade came very sharp. I would highly recommend thisknife."
The Hogue A01 Microswitch California legal automatic is a tough, durable andcomfortable EDC knife. It combines a satisfying automatic action with asturdy plunge lock for secure blade lock up making it both reliable and easyto use. A stainless-steel pocket clip and stylized back spacer finish offthe outstanding design. This California legal automatic knife is an amazingoption if you like rugged and well-built knives.
- Overall Length: 5.875
- Blade Length: 1.875
- Blade Material: CPM-154
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: Plunge Lock w/ Safety Switch
William A. says
"This little knife is amazing and it will grow on you. It might look alittle odd but get it in your hands and you wont put it down. Also has abottle opener, glass breaker and comes in a nice pouch."
The Lerch designed Benchmade Impel 3150BK is an incredible gentlemansautomatic folding knife. This push button, California legal automaticfeatures a sleek aluminum handle with G-10 inlays, sturdy pocket clip and asafety switch for extra security. The clip-point blade is made from premiumS30V stainless-steel giving it both durability and excellent edge retention.Impel is an amazing California legal automatic for anyone looking for abeautiful knife that wont break the bank.
- Overall Length: 5.03
- Blade Length: 1.98
- Blade Material: CPM-S30V
- Handle Material: Aluminum/G-10
- Locking Mechanism: Plunge Lock w/ Safety Switch
David B. says...
"Love this knife. Perfect for the everyday pocket use. Quality is top notch.Automatic works like a dream."
Chances are you probably carry a wallet and a knife every day. The MicrotechExocet was designed with utility and convenience in mind by combining adouble-action OTF knife with a money clip. The Exocets unique design makesit one of the best ways to minimize how much stuff you need to carry whilemaintaining the ability to take care of all your cutting and slicing needswhen they arise.
- Overall Length: 5.625
- Blade Length: 1.98
- Blade Material: CTS-204P
- Handle Material: Aluminum
- Locking Mechanism: D/A OTF
Henry T. says...
"High quality blade that's Cali legal. I use it as a money clip and isperfect for that. Sharp blade that's great for basic utilitarian tasks.Highly recommend this for high-end money clip with Microtech attitude."
Conclusion
If you live in the beautiful state of California and you love knives, thislist might be just what you need to get into automatic knives withoutputting yourself at risk of legal trouble. Any of these knives is a greataddition to any collection whether you live in California or not. They areall well made and ready for anything you throw at them.
While these are our top California Legal Auto recommendations, Blade HQhas got way more knives than the ones featured here. Leave a review ofyour favorite and follow us onInstagram,Facebook, andTwitterfor all your future knife updates.
Learn More
Still deciding? Catch an overview of one of the most popular CaliforniaLegal Autos out there: the Kershaw Launch 4. Watch it below!
Other Best Knife Guides
Still in that information gathering phase? We've got a whole bunch morelists of all the Best Knives! Happy hunting and may you find that onespecial knife of your dreams!
*Customer reviews may be condensed for clarity and edited for grammaticalerrors. You know we have to make our high school English teacher proud.Check product listings for current pricing.