California and Impact weapons

A

ASBOB

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Feb 8, 2008
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What are the laws in California on impact weapons. I am thinking of getting this for carrying in my wheelchair side pouch). Is this illegal (if so, I would not carry it). Also anyone in S. Cal who could provide training in it?

http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/index.php?id=23040

(mods-- I am not trying to sell this item, and have nothing to do with the web site or maker. This is cited for illustration purposes only. If still improper, let me know asap and I will lock the thread, or take any other action you suggest.)
 
In short, there is a general prohibition on "clubing" type weapons. This includes things like billy clubs, nightsticks, expandable batons.

Here's the excerpt from the state Penal Code:
22210. 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 in the state prison.
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The item in your link is 5.5 inches long and appears to be a modified kubotan. My admittedly inexperienced understanding that is pressure-point/fistload items do not fall within the definition of the state's laws on weapons. However, I am a firm believer in both erring on the side of caution, and of the school of though that you should never buy an object that is specifically designed to use as a kubotan. It's a marketing stunt: They're selling you a 6 inch stick! There are hundreds of common everyday objects that are well up to the task and will never get a second look from any cop or TSA agent: AA Maglites, T-wrenches, steel pens or sharpies, etc. And forget about that knob thing sticking out, it does not make this weapon more useful. It just increases the odds of breaking a metacarpal.
 
ASBOB said:
What are the laws in California on impact weapons. I am thinking of getting this for carrying in my wheelchair side pouch). Is this illegal (if so, I would not carry it). Also anyone in S. Cal who could provide training in it?

http://www.arizonacustomknives.com/products/index.php?id=23040

(mods-- I am not trying to sell this item, and have nothing to do with the web site or maker. This is cited for illustration purposes only. If still improper, let me know asap and I will lock the thread, or take any other action you suggest.)
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A close-range impact weapon? My choice would be a ball-peen hammer. Inexpensive and perfectly legal to carry on one's person. It would also have much more reach and striking power than that modified kubaton you referenced.
 
glistam said:
However, I am a firm believer in both erring on the side of caution, and of the school of though that you should never buy an object that is specifically designed to use as a kubotan.
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I also prefer to err on the side of caution. The crime is a misdemeanor. I'd rather be alive with a misdemeanor charge than dead or badly injured without charge.

That said the weapon posted by the OP seems really kinda useless to buy when similar stuff is lying around everywhere waiting to be improvised with. Seems a butter knife would do a similar job. They ain't gonna say possession of a butter knife is a misdemeanor!
 
shotgunner said:
I also prefer to err on the side of caution. The crime is a misdemeanor. I'd rather be alive with a misdemeanor charge than dead or badly injured without charge.

That said the weapon posted by the OP seems really kinda useless to buy when similar stuff is lying around everywhere waiting to be improvised with. Seems a butter knife would do a similar job. They ain't gonna say possession of a butter knife is a misdemeanor!
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This concept dates back to ancient times, when peasants were not allowed to possess any instrument designed to be a weapon (sword, bow/arrow, dagger, etc.). This was especially prevalent in feudal Japan, where the peasants began to use common farm implements (millstone handles, rice flails, etc.) for self-defense. All things considered, it is rather sad that such a mentality still exists many centuries later.
 
I wanted to buy a small balckjack a while back but wasn't sure if it was legal so I contacted a friend who is the head of a police station and he said blackjacks,batons,asps,billy clubs and impact slappers are illegal for civilians to to own let alone carry.
 
My lady has a bad back, so she occasionally needs a walking assistant. Rather than a plain cane, she has an Irish-made Shillelagh, made the authentic way, with dense Blackthorn. You can find them on eBay for not all that much (very reasonable considering the quality). Completely legit tool for disabled folks, and hence, completely legal. Also, completely effective against no-goods who aim to harm you.
 
TOM1960 said:
A close-range impact weapon? My choice would be a ball-peen hammer. Inexpensive and perfectly legal to carry on one's person. It would also have much more reach and striking power than that modified kubaton you referenced.
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I second the hammer recommendation. When I lived in New Orleans East for a few months (not a great place), I frequently kept a claw hammer in my right hand while doing any walking.
 
goodman335 said:
I wanted to buy a small balckjack a while back but wasn't sure if it was legal so I contacted a friend who is the head of a police station and he said blackjacks,batons,asps,billy clubs and impact slappers are illegal for civilians to to own let alone carry.
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Again, depends upon the state and I would not put too much stock in your friend who is "head of a police station". Check the laws yourself. A lot of times, cops know jack-crap about the law. They are not attorneys. Here in Massachusetts, blackjacks, billies and batons are perfectly legal to own. Carrying on one's person on a public way is a felony, however. A guy in Gloucester (a city north of Boston) was arrested in his home on weapons charges, including possession of batons. The baton charges were dismissed rather quickly in court when the judge cited the actual law and determined that in-home possession is completely legal. For what its worth, I keep a small (6 oz.) flat sap between the mattress and box spring of my bed, as an additional aid to peaceful dreams.
 
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