Carrying a Tomahawk in California

My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
I was thinking of carrying a ranger ("vietnam") style tomahawk to protect myself. I intend to carry it strapped to my pack as I walk from the car to the house. I intend to have a leather cover for the blade for safety. I have to park in the street and have to walk at time up to 3 blocks. Do you think this would legal? I am worried that it would be considered a cane sword or a "shobi-zue" under CA PC12020.
Thank you for your opinion.

It would not generally fall under PC 12020 ... but, your city or county might have a dangerous weapon ordinance that WOULD apply. And you may well get a lot of unwanted attention from the neighbors and from the police.

And ... what's the point in carrying a "tomahawk" on a backpack from the car to the house?!? Do you have that many people in front of your home getting mugged?

- Carl

Thanks for replying Carl.

There are some reported crimes in my area, although I can't say that there are a lot of muggings on my street. Do you think the reason that CW permit holders carry is because they have a lot of muggings where they frequent. If I know for sure where a crime is going to happen, all I have to do is be somewhere else. That point is that I just want to be a little more prepared just in case. I just want to feel a little safer at 4am when I come home from work. I live in L.A. County and Sheriff Baca is somewhat what opposed to letting people protect themselves otherwise, I would have gotten a CW permit and take my .38 Spl S&W with me.

In regards to considering the tomahawk, these are my thoughts. If the bad guy was a gun, I'd would be at a disadvantage. If the guy has a knife though , I think he would probably pass me up as being too hard a target.

I'd love to hear what your alternatives are. Any suggestion from anyone on this forum would be appreciated.

Quote:

---

Quoting jinggoy1967

---

Do you think the reason that CW permit holders carry is because they have a lot of muggings where they frequent.

---

There are many reasons why someone might get a CCW. There is a big difference between a CCW handgun and a tomahawk. First, the handgun will likely be more easily concealed and will draw less attention, plus, it could be made available for defense in short order. Two, you propose carrying your tomahawk on a backpack and in a blade guard - a situation that will make it unlikely to be available as a defense weapon in short order. Three, to use a tomahawk as a weapon requires a skill set that you may not possess.

Quote:

---

If I know for sure where a crime is going to happen, all I have to do is be somewhere else. That point is that I just want to be a little more prepared just in case.

---

The problem with some CCW holders and many people who carry odd stuff (like a tomahawk) they take solace in the fact they are armed and stop using their BEST defense - common sense. NO weapon does you any good if it is stowed away when trouble comes. Even a concealed handgun is worthless if a guy with a knife gets the drop on you (and, a little hint, most such thieves don't telegraph their actions to give you time to prepare).

Quote:

---

In regards to considering the tomahawk, these are my thoughts. If the bad guy was a gun, I'd would be at a disadvantage. If the guy has a knife though , I think he would probably pass me up as being too hard a target.

---

Why? A tomahawk on your backpack is not a threat ... a tomahawk in your hand might be. Plus, don't get too entrenched in the idea that bigger means better. A tomahawk is a swinging weapon which means that the blow has to come around wide - it can be deflected much easier than a knife which can be used as a thrusting weapons. In close quarters, the knife will arguably be more effective.

A false sense of security can be a dangerous thing.

And, if you plan to be prepared by having the tomahawk (aka "hatchet" or "hand axe") in your hand, be prepared to have the police go out on you at gunpoint, and to have people call the cops concerning someone brandishing a deadly weapon.

Quote:

---

I'd love to hear what your alternatives are.

---

Nothing beats common sense. Be aware of your surroundings, don't act like a victim, avoid dark areas, don't display goodies that someone might steal, and generally be smart.

I carry a gun off duty. Not because I might be able to do a quick draw on someone who pulls a knife on me (because I won't be able to), but because I might see the trouble coming. Plus, if trouble occurs near me, I may have to take action. In general, I do not carry a gun off duty to protect myself from being attacked by thieves and muggers, it is to carry out my duty and to protect myself from perceived threats (i.e. from known criminals that have a beef against me, or situation where I have a good idea trouble is coming as a result of my training and experience).

- Carl

I agree that there is no substitute for common sense and situational awareness.
I can also understand your point of view as a LEO regarding someone who might be carrying a weapon like what I had in mind. I know I would be even less skilled with a knife than a larger swinging weapon. I have no martial arts background and as I understand it it takes years of training to be skilled in either unarmed or knife fighting techniques.
I might just get a walking cane and keep my pocket knife a back-up.

Thanks again and please take care out there.

Quote:

---

Quoting cdwjava

---

And ... what's the point in carrying a "[INSERT WEAPON OF CHOICE HERE]" on a backpack from the car to the house?!? Do you have that many people in front of your home getting mugged?

- Carl

---

That's akin to asking how many fires a person has in their house when they tell you they have a smoke detector or a fire extinguisher.

The training argument falls under the same umbrella. Because I'm not professionally trained in the use of a fire extinguisher I should watch a small grease fire in the kitchen turn into a huge blaze that burns my house to the ground while I wait for the "professional" firefighters?

Quote:

---

Quoting Binky .357

---

That's akin to asking how many fires a person has in their house when they tell you they have a smoke detector or a fire extinguisher.

---

Not at all.

Quote:

---

The training argument falls under the same umbrella. Because I'm not professionally trained in the use of a fire extinguisher I should watch a small grease fire in the kitchen turn into a huge blaze that burns my house to the ground while I wait for the "professional" firefighters?

---

To use a tomahawk as a weapon is a specific art ... there are much more effective personal defense tools that will not risk raised eyebrows and police contacts nearly as much as a tomahawk ... plus, they are easier to use. A fire extinguisher is point and press - no real training required. A tomahawk is NOT simply swing-and-strike ... if you think it is, then you shouldn't carry one, either.

A weapon of ANY kind does a person no good if he or she is not trained in its use as they would carry it, and the weapon is not ready for use. Few weapons are used in personal defense on the streets because by the time it is needed, the bad guy has the jump on you already. And a tomahawk on the back of a backpack is not likely to be accessed in time to protect one from anything - much less an attacker who has picked you as a target. And preemptively pulling it out could get the person arrested for brandishing a weapon.

There are effective ways to defend one's self ... a tomahawk is not one of the best.

- Carl

Like my daddy always says, never bring a tomahawk to a gun fight.

LMAO.

When I lived in a shady area I (legally) carried Police grade OC spray well before I thought of becoming an officer (I am not an officer though I have a B average in Criminal Justice) Sometimes the police will sell it through a community policing/self defense/gang awareness program.

If you are really paranoid then check with your local law enforcement officers to see what is legal and not. You may be able to carry an extenable baton but not a large stick. You may be able to carry a large stick/cane but not a baton. You may be able to carry a Tazer and OC but not a stick/cane/baton. You may be able to carry a clip knife that is legal to carry as long as the clip and part of the knife are visible.

You may only be allowed to file a police report after getting assaulted because weapons are illegal. (It's getting to be that way). As I tell my fiancee'; if the alarm goes off in the house the police usually get there in time to file a report or find your body. Lock yourself in a room or two and wait till they get there. She won't shoot a home invader/attacker; I will. ...and if they had a tomahawk I would laugh before I shot them.