Is Possession of a Switchblade the Same as a Firearm in Relation to Second Amendment Protection?

By Ray Hill 
Professor Emeritus, Santa Rosa Junior College 

Legal Issues and Citation 

• California’s prohibition on possession of a switchblade doesn’t violate the Second Amendment (21510 P.C). 
• Knife Rights Inc. v. Bonta (9th Circ.) Jan 30, 2026, #24-5536, 2026 U.S. App. LEXIS 3139). 

Facts: Several knife and business owners challenged California’s switchblade statute as a violation of the Second Amendment’s right to keep and bear arms. A switchblade is defined as having a blade two inches or more with a blade that can be released by the flick of a button, pressure on the handle or a flip of the wrist. Possession in a public place, whether on the person or in a vehicle, is a misdemeanor (21510(b) P.C.) There is no “open carry” exception. 

Ruling: The 9USCA ruled that California’s statute was valid and consistent with a group of laws prohibiting weapons that have been regulated due to their “dangerous and unusual nature” and potential for violence or crime. Given that the Second Amendment must be interpreted under the historical framework decided in New York Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen (2022) 587 US 1, there is no historical precedent for possession of a switchblade. This is similar to the statute prohibiting possession of a concealed dirk or dagger concealed on the person (21310 P.C.) and other prohibited weapons under California’s deadly weapon control law.  

Author’s Comments: The Second Amendment was born in the Bill of Rights due to Great Britain’s attempt to disarm inhabitants of the “most rebellious colonies.”  It was directed toward muskets and flintlocks. The U.S. Congress did not authorize the issuance of knives to soldiers of the Continental Army. Soldiers ....