Pocket knifes & LEOs?

Shockingly, CA actually unscrewed their knife laws some time back. Your 4" limit, and no switchblade (longer than 2") but otherwise you're good to go, even for an assisted opener.

Not sure of counties in CA still have their own laws on knives or not. They used to, and some places were quite strict and heavy on enforcement. I'd call your county sherrifs and inquire.

That said, I too didn't want to send any more money to china and so found a decent Kershaw for under $100 that is pretty decent (knockout folder). Also got my nephew a Kershaw dividend which is equally as nice.

Not sure how a typical liner lock works for a lefty tho?