[Flyboy]

from usenet... Scary Devil Monastery...

>>Now it all travels in a hard case golf bag, and "sporting equipment"
>> gets no questions at all because the case *looks* like it's a
>> commercially made item (which it is) and thus is reassuring.
>>
>> I did get asked once what sport, and "fencing" had to get referred to
>> higher management to see if it was a sport, but as it was, no further
>> questions. The baggage allowance for sporting equipment helps too!


Hmm, golf bag works for rapier and "side-sword", even dagger, but some
other approach will be needed for two-handers.

Our group[0] has a vaguely official looking membership card, and a slightly
more official looking stamp on the back reading "registered sword user" along
with various contact details. Been okay so far, but I don't have most of the
gear yet myself. I'm told that consistently calling it "Historical fencing
equipment" and never, ever using the "w" word gets you past most issues.

--damian

[0] http://primaspada.com.au


"Registered sword user." Damn, I'm glad I don't live in Australia.

[tyme]

What issue are you trying to raise... the legality of fencing equipment or the difficulty of travel with fencing equipment?

[det.pat]

actually it's society for creative anachronism fencing, not modern. and they are located in the kingdom of loqaque [australia]
pat

[Rebar]

It's only a matter of time before swords are confiscated, followed by knives with points.

If Hillary gets elected, that's what's in store for America too.

[Pawcatch]

This is really old news now.Collectors in Australia have to get a permit to possess swords.

[Flyboy]

Mostly the legality issue. I just find it a little disturbing. Yeah, I knew about it before, but I somehow got it in my head (perhaps wrongly) that these were blunted for mock combat use, and the idea of regulations on non-edged steel just...bothered me.

There, but for the grace of the electorate, go we.

[cracked butt]

Wow, that's pretty crazy. Does Australia also ban the possession of truck leaf springs and grinders/files? :what:

[Pawcatch]

No,leaf springs and files and grinders are not banned in Australia.
They define sword as a long blade with a hilt.So parangs,bolos,and machetes are not banned yet according to the Australian Knife Collectors Association.

[Standing Wolf]

They define sword as a long blade with a hilt.So parangs,bolos,and machetes are not banned yet according to the Australian Knife Collectors Association.

Whew! I was afraid they were going to be irrational about it.