A common question I see asked in self-defense forums is ‘are kubatons legal in California?’ The California penal code doesn’t mention the name ‘kubaton’ but there is a statue that a kubaton would fall under.
Are Kubatons Legal in California?
Unfortunately, Kubatons are not legal in California at this time. No permit exists for a non-peace officer to possess one and the penalty is up to a year in jail if you are caught with one. The California Penal Code states: Except as provided in Section 22215 and Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17700) of Division 2 of Title 2, any person in this state who manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives, lends, or possesses any leaded cane, or any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a billy, blackjack, sandbag, sandclub, sap, or slungshot, is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year or imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.
Limited Exceptions
The no batons rule does have some limited exceptions which most likely won’t apply to you. California law does allow regular citizens to possess a baton. If you are a forensic lab worker, turning weapons into the police, martial arts school owner, an antiques dealer, and or part of a historical society you may have one but only during the course of your business. In addition, you can’t be convicted of a crime if you didn’t know you had a baton on you. For example, if you picked up someone else’s bag and it happened to have a baton in it.
Possible Workaround-A Flashlight
It would stand to reason that a kubaton would fall under that statute. That’s why instead of a baton why not have a flashlight? That’s why if you are interested in a baton you should use a flashlight baton as it is a flashlight first and foremost. People have used those big Maglites for years but modern flashlight batons are extremely more advanced. First, they are LED which gives out more light for less power and second they are extendable for easy storage.
What Self Defense Weapons Are Legal in California?
Most non-lethal self-defense weapons are legal in California so long as they are used in good faith.
Folding Knives
The California penal code defines several different types of knives each having their own special rules, however, a general rule is that most ‘exotic’ knives are illegal for the average citizen to carry in California.
California defines folding knives Folding knives are knives that “opens with one hand utilizing thumb pressure applied solely to the blade of the knife or a thumb stud attached to the blade, provided that the knife has a detent or other mechanism that provides resistance that must be overcome in opening the blade, or that biases the blade back toward its closed position” . In short, all folding knives are legal in California. California Penal Code Section 17235. As long as they are in the folded position they can be carried in a concealed manner. There is no blade length restriction per the penal code.
A great folding knife would be a credit card knife. It fits into your wallet so you’ll always have it with you in case of an emergency.
California Pepper Spray Laws
Pepper spray is absolutely legal to carry in California. Pepper spray is also useful as it can repel not just humans but vicious dogs or any other animal as well. The only time you’ll run into trouble in California with pepper spray is if it’s used offensively.
Related: 10 Awesome Self Defense Gadgets
Here is the legal jargon on pepper spray:
“Penal Code Title 2: Control of Deadly Weapons Chapter 4: Tear Gas Weapons Article 1: General Provisions Section 12403.7
Notwithstanding any other law, any person may purchase, possess, or use tear gas and tear gas weapons for the projection or release of tear gas if the tear gas and tear gas weapons are used solely for self-defense purposes, subject to the following requirements:
(a) No person convicted of a felony or any crime involving an assault under the laws of the United States, the State of California, or any other state, government, or country or convicted of misuse of tear gas under subdivision (g) shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons.
(b) No person who is addicted to any narcotic drug shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons.
(c) No person shall sell or furnish any tear gas or tear gas weapon to a minor.
(d) No person who is a minor shall purchase, possess, or use tear gas or tear gas weapons.
(e) (1) No person shall purchase, possess, or use any tear gas weapon that expels a projectile, or that expels the tear gas by any method other than an aerosol spray, or that contains more than 2.5 ounces net weight of aerosol spray.”
Tactical Pens Are Legal in California
Are tactical pens legal in California? There is no specific mention of tactical pens in the California penal code, therefore, we must go by the rule if it’s not forbidden then it’s allowed. In a cop forum I was reading they were saying if the pen is just a weapon they can confiscate and charge a felon with carrying a weapon.
That’s why the key is to have a tactical pen with multiple uses, particularly writing. That’s why I love the strike pen by ape survival.
In addition to being a self-defense weapon, it’s also a flashlight, a can opener, a glass breaker, and a screwdriver. Oh, and did I mention it it’s a real pen? Here’s a real life review of the strike pen which you can get for free just pay to ship.
Whistles
When you think of a self-defense weapon a whistle may not be the first thing that comes to mind but believe me a whistle is one of the best self-defense weapons that you can have! This isn’t an ordinary whistle. Blowing into it creates a sound of a 100 decibels. That’s louder than a jackhammer! Trust me you when I say it’s shrill and loud. You wouldn’t want this blown in your ear. Also, causing a scene by making a lot of noise is a great tool to defend yourself against any surprise attack whether it be a mugger or purse snatcher.
And yes, of course, a whistle is perfectly legal in the State of California.