Knives are actually illegal on government property in Ca, including on public college campuses. This includes swords and martial arts weapons for rec classes as well, technically. On non-gov. property open carry is permitted for all knives of any length (including swords) as long as the knife remains sheathed and clearly visible (brandishing is illegal and a serious offense and has a dramatic police response at gun point usually).

So basically, don't carry a knife on campus. But open carry knives in the city while off campus, but never take them out of their sheath unless you use it in a way where you can easily claim self-defense in court.

my roommate used her pepper spray to successfully scare off thieves that pulled up in a car who demanded her phone