The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld California’s switchblade knife ban in the case Knife Rights Inc. v. Bonta, delivering another major ruling impacting Second Amendment-related weapons laws. The decision maintains restrictions on switchblades with blades longer than two inches, particularly focusing on concealed carry regulations.

Knife Rights originally challenged California’s law, arguing that knives qualify as protected “arms” under the Second Amendment. The lawsuit claimed that banning the possession, sale, and carry of commonly owned automatic knives violated constitutional protections recognized in landmark Supreme Court decisions such as District of Columbia v. Heller and New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen.

However, the Ninth Circuit’s three-judge panel rejected the facial challenge by focusing narrowly on concealed carry restrictions. The court determined that historical regulations on certain weapons, including Bowie knives, provided enough legal precedent to justify limits on concealed carry of switchblades. Importantly, the court avoided ruling on whether other aspects of California’s switchblade ban—such as possession or sales—are constitutional.

Legal experts note that the ruling leaves the door open for future “as-applied” challenges targeting specific portions of the law. Knife Rights may also pursue further appeals, including requesting an en banc review or potentially seeking review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

For now, California’s switchblade restrictions remain in place, highlighting ongoing legal battles over how the Second Amendment applies to bladed weapons and modern arms regulations.