Legally Carrying Around Swords
- Thread starter Lord Soth
- Start date
- Status
winstonsmith
Member
In the PRK I think it is legal, technically. You might get some unwanted attention however.
Aikibiker
Member
I used to carry around a katana
It's legal in FL.
It's also inconvenient as hell. Swords are heavy and bulky. You also have to be constantly alert so you don't smack passersby with the sheath. Like Winstonsmith said, you will get unwanted attention, folks look at you funny and some business owners and managers will not want you on the premises.
In the several months I carried my sword around I used it for defense once against an errant basketball that collided with the hilt as I rode by on my motorcycle. That hurt.
I also had the cops called on me during Bikeweek by a nervous security guard at books-a-million. The cops were cool about it all and were impressed with the workmanship and sharpness of my sword. (It is not your normal POS flea-market special.) They also ran a background check on me through dispatch. Do you have any idea how long that takes in Daytona Beach during Bike Week? Let me tell you it isn't instant that's for sure. You should have seen the look on the guard's face when the police handed me back my sword and gave me a handshake, I think he was expecting me to run him through or something for the inconvenience.
My experiences with alternate means of defense are one of the main reasons I have a CCW now. Much more convenient and I don't make the tourists nervous while I ride my bike down the road.
It's legal in FL.
It's also inconvenient as hell. Swords are heavy and bulky. You also have to be constantly alert so you don't smack passersby with the sheath. Like Winstonsmith said, you will get unwanted attention, folks look at you funny and some business owners and managers will not want you on the premises.
In the several months I carried my sword around I used it for defense once against an errant basketball that collided with the hilt as I rode by on my motorcycle. That hurt.
I also had the cops called on me during Bikeweek by a nervous security guard at books-a-million. The cops were cool about it all and were impressed with the workmanship and sharpness of my sword. (It is not your normal POS flea-market special.) They also ran a background check on me through dispatch. Do you have any idea how long that takes in Daytona Beach during Bike Week? Let me tell you it isn't instant that's for sure. You should have seen the look on the guard's face when the police handed me back my sword and gave me a handshake, I think he was expecting me to run him through or something for the inconvenience.
My experiences with alternate means of defense are one of the main reasons I have a CCW now. Much more convenient and I don't make the tourists nervous while I ride my bike down the road.
Sunray
Member
That's another "it depends ". Mostly on where you are but also on what you're doing. In the Medieval group I play with, it's not unusual to see most guys with swords, axes, big knives etc. Everybody has knife. No big deal, even if you're strolling along the boulevard with it strapped to your hip. However, if you take it into your head to re-enact a Viking raid you will end up at a meet and greet with a flatfoot. A very annoyed flatfoot with a gun no less.
There was some nutbar who decided he'd tangle with the Toronto, Ont coppers, on the main drag, several years ago, brandishing a sword. He was shot and killed. This tells us two things. It really is stupid to take a sword to a gun fight. And that there is at least one TO cop that can shoot.
You'd have to look into every State and local law books to find out what the laws are.
There was some nutbar who decided he'd tangle with the Toronto, Ont coppers, on the main drag, several years ago, brandishing a sword. He was shot and killed. This tells us two things. It really is stupid to take a sword to a gun fight. And that there is at least one TO cop that can shoot.
You'd have to look into every State and local law books to find out what the laws are.
El Tejon
Member
Just fine in Indiana. You'd look real goofy, but this being Indiana, people would just shrug and go about their business.
In fact, I joined a group of others outside in a park on Wednesday night waving broadswords around. Of course, El Tejon's dao was wooden (for now).
In fact, I joined a group of others outside in a park on Wednesday night waving broadswords around. Of course, El Tejon's dao was wooden (for now).
Aikibiker
Member
Drjones,
Why did I do it? I don't know just seemed like a good idea at time. I have a small bit of training with a sword. I am not Miyamoto Musashi reborn or anything but I can hold my own. (Ask me about the 2001 Anime Express sometime)
Mainly I wanted to "freak out the norms" as young people are wont to do at times. Most people really didn't notice or care. That is why I am ambivalent about open carry. If the sheep didn't notice the three foot long freaking razor blade I had tucked in my belt they aren't gonnna bat an eye at a pistol.
My sword is a Kris Cutlery 29 inch model. It is in the next class up from the flea market swords and is well regarded by martial artists as a good entry level weapon and practice blade. I learned about them from Sword Forum International
What THR is to firearms these guys are to swords.
Why did I do it? I don't know just seemed like a good idea at time. I have a small bit of training with a sword. I am not Miyamoto Musashi reborn or anything but I can hold my own. (Ask me about the 2001 Anime Express sometime)
Mainly I wanted to "freak out the norms" as young people are wont to do at times. Most people really didn't notice or care. That is why I am ambivalent about open carry. If the sheep didn't notice the three foot long freaking razor blade I had tucked in my belt they aren't gonnna bat an eye at a pistol.
My sword is a Kris Cutlery 29 inch model. It is in the next class up from the flea market swords and is well regarded by martial artists as a good entry level weapon and practice blade. I learned about them from Sword Forum International
What THR is to firearms these guys are to swords.
Aiki:
Sounds cool to me!!!
I completely understand the "just to piss off and scare others" reason. Awesome!!!
Regarding training, unless your opponent (likely the average street thug) is trained in taking on a sword, I think you'd fare quite well with a Katana, even if you have little to no training. Should someone actually decide to continue attacking you after you drew a Kat on them, (which I'd consider unlikely) I'd think the first 3 ft. long gaping slash wound would *probably* send them running. (Assuming they could.)
But what do I know...
Yes, Kris makes some nice Kats, pretty well regarded.
And I am a member at SFI. Great place to learn about swords of course, but most of the members are way too socialistic and generally anti-gun for anything but sword-related talk.
Yes, I said anti-gun. Because guns are bad, but swords are OK.
Sounds cool to me!!!
I completely understand the "just to piss off and scare others" reason. Awesome!!!
Regarding training, unless your opponent (likely the average street thug) is trained in taking on a sword, I think you'd fare quite well with a Katana, even if you have little to no training. Should someone actually decide to continue attacking you after you drew a Kat on them, (which I'd consider unlikely) I'd think the first 3 ft. long gaping slash wound would *probably* send them running. (Assuming they could.)
But what do I know...
Yes, Kris makes some nice Kats, pretty well regarded.
And I am a member at SFI. Great place to learn about swords of course, but most of the members are way too socialistic and generally anti-gun for anything but sword-related talk.
Yes, I said anti-gun. Because guns are bad, but swords are OK.
El Tejon
Member
Dr., that whole "cult of the honorable blade" thing is just too goofy for me. No one in my kwoon has it, but you find it as tournaments and such.
Weapon is a weapon. It's for fighting, not about bolstering your ego.
Weapon is a weapon. It's for fighting, not about bolstering your ego.
Kirk:
You talking about katanas?
I disagree...I find it incredibly interesting how they honor their blades so much. The katana has an incredibly rich history, and a very important place in the Japanese culture.
I find all that awesome and intriguing.
You talking about katanas?
I disagree...I find it incredibly interesting how they honor their blades so much. The katana has an incredibly rich history, and a very important place in the Japanese culture.
I find all that awesome and intriguing.
El Tejon
Member
Dr., not just the horse chopping blades, but the whole edged weapon cult thingie. Not saying horse choppers, or daos, or butterflys, or tiger hooks, or jians, or whatever aren't cool, because they are. I've got them and I'm learning how to swing them around.
However, I've never understood why some people get all wrapped up in the magic sword cult and forget that it is just a tool and not exactly the best tool dependent upon the job. To the extent that they believe it is O.K. to fight with a sword and not with a firearm.
Don't get it.
However, I've never understood why some people get all wrapped up in the magic sword cult and forget that it is just a tool and not exactly the best tool dependent upon the job. To the extent that they believe it is O.K. to fight with a sword and not with a firearm.
Don't get it.
MrAcheson
Member
A little on topic word. IIRC in Delaware its legal to carry a sword (deadly weapon according to the law) openly everywhere but in a "school zone". Oddly enough the only place I have seen swords carried is in the school zone around the U of Delaware campus.
I think that there is no real reason to wear a sword nowadays.
where legal, open carry of sheath knives is accepted because the knife, no matter what size, is still a common and useful tool. It still performs necessary functions today like it did when cavemen where knapping them out ot stone.
The sword is obviously a weapon, though not that effective of one in modern society. If you are wearing a sword in a place expecting trouble, you are sending out a flashing 'warning' signal to LEOs and BGs alike. Given that it is so obvious, the ones who want to do you harm will have time to prepare their own counter weapons. They will have ample warning no to not let you get close.
Knives are good because you can sneak up close many times to deliver your strikes, swords don't perform this way because you are broadcasting a "I am armed" message.
where legal, open carry of sheath knives is accepted because the knife, no matter what size, is still a common and useful tool. It still performs necessary functions today like it did when cavemen where knapping them out ot stone.
The sword is obviously a weapon, though not that effective of one in modern society. If you are wearing a sword in a place expecting trouble, you are sending out a flashing 'warning' signal to LEOs and BGs alike. Given that it is so obvious, the ones who want to do you harm will have time to prepare their own counter weapons. They will have ample warning no to not let you get close.
Knives are good because you can sneak up close many times to deliver your strikes, swords don't perform this way because you are broadcasting a "I am armed" message.
Yes, but not always true. Sometimes if you really stand out, you focus ALL attention towards you. Good and bad.
Anyone thinking they can walk around with a sword at their hip (or back
) is asking to be a trouble magnet.Knowin' you Drjones, if you see someone walking nearby with a sword, wouldn't you be reaching into that bellyband of yours for the Beretta, just in case?
What if the people encountered are really bad hombres out looking for trouble? Maybe you are in their territory. Perhaps they think you are an opposing gangmember on the hunt. Are they going to say "lookit the neat sword!", or will they more likely say "Hey @#$%^!" followed by BLAM BLAM BLAM!
Maybe a cop or storeowner is fast on the draw as well?
If you go out looking for it, trouble is real easy to find.
Joe Demko
Member
There are dirtbags aplenty who will be happy to harm you just because they want the sword. Swords, like guns, don't give you eyes in the back of your head.
MarkScottShow.US
Member
I'm verse in both European and Japanese fencing (Foil, Epee, Rapier, Broad sword, long sword, battle axe, Katana.....)
I carry them concealed twice a week on the way to practice <G>
I have to say that a stout Katana, or Rapier in your hands will cause even armed men to give a pause, a 3 foot razor blade in the hands of someone who knows how to use it does cause people to pause......
I taught Samurai Jack (Cartoon Network) everything he knows....<<GG>>
I carry them concealed twice a week on the way to practice <G>
I have to say that a stout Katana, or Rapier in your hands will cause even armed men to give a pause, a 3 foot razor blade in the hands of someone who knows how to use it does cause people to pause......
I taught Samurai Jack (Cartoon Network) everything he knows....<<GG>>
Aikibiker
Member
I wouldn't go around bragging about that if I were you.
I remember hearing about a fellow in Australia who used his sword and training in Bujinkan Taijutsu to kill a home invader and drive off his accomplices.
Sadly the Australian government noticed that swords really are weapons with predictable results.
Victoria Australia. Martial Arts Weapons May Be Banned!
Devonai
Member
During my college years I routinely carried a katana around with me during my frequent evening walks. During the day I carried a bokken.
I got away with the katana because it was semi-sharp. The campus police couldn't find anything in Massachusetts law against a semi-sharp weapon so they said nothing. I was also a dispatcher for them so they knew I wasn't trouble. Sometimes they'd get calls from panicked students about me, especially when I emerged from the woods after a constitutional. They'd say, "Oh, that's just Dev, don't worry about him."
After three years I transferred to Suffolk University in Boston. Since it was against the law to carry a pistol on school grounds (MGL chapter 140) I carried my bokken instead. I rented a locker so that I could stow my bokken before class and pick it up after. A few weeks later the chief of campus police came up to me and asked me why I felt it was necessary to carry the bokken. I told him flat out that it was because I couldn't carry a firearm. The chief just gave me a weird look and that was that.
After I graduated I would often go out with both my bokken and my Beretta. This went fine until one night at a gas station, where a drunken idiot took issue with the bokken and tried to start a fight. I called the cops, he ran, but it was the last time I carried the bokken. I realized that it could get me into a situation where I could potentially lose my CCW if the cops thought I was acting imprudently or looking for trouble.
My sparring buddy from college lives in Connecticut, where he has a "dangerous weapons permit." He carried an expandable baton, but he could have carried whatever he wanted as long as it remained concealed. He gave up the baton after getting his CCW and a Glock 22, as like me he was worried about appearing to be "over-armed."
I got away with the katana because it was semi-sharp. The campus police couldn't find anything in Massachusetts law against a semi-sharp weapon so they said nothing. I was also a dispatcher for them so they knew I wasn't trouble. Sometimes they'd get calls from panicked students about me, especially when I emerged from the woods after a constitutional. They'd say, "Oh, that's just Dev, don't worry about him."
After three years I transferred to Suffolk University in Boston. Since it was against the law to carry a pistol on school grounds (MGL chapter 140) I carried my bokken instead. I rented a locker so that I could stow my bokken before class and pick it up after. A few weeks later the chief of campus police came up to me and asked me why I felt it was necessary to carry the bokken. I told him flat out that it was because I couldn't carry a firearm. The chief just gave me a weird look and that was that.
After I graduated I would often go out with both my bokken and my Beretta. This went fine until one night at a gas station, where a drunken idiot took issue with the bokken and tried to start a fight. I called the cops, he ran, but it was the last time I carried the bokken. I realized that it could get me into a situation where I could potentially lose my CCW if the cops thought I was acting imprudently or looking for trouble.
My sparring buddy from college lives in Connecticut, where he has a "dangerous weapons permit." He carried an expandable baton, but he could have carried whatever he wanted as long as it remained concealed. He gave up the baton after getting his CCW and a Glock 22, as like me he was worried about appearing to be "over-armed."
MarkScottShow.US
Member
There is much to be said for carrying around a Katanna/Bokken, to limit the conflict growth, as with a CCW, once you pull a firearm, you must have the force of will to use it and in most cases (all cases?) it is fatal encounter, while a pulled sword, the mental shock of it, in many times will defuse the encounter...oh crap - run...<G>
Talk to a few combat vets who have lived through a Bayonet charge will give you an insight on the mental shock of sharp steel....my College ROTC instructor (many years ago) was a Snake Eater who had lead a successful breakout of a encircled A-Team camp, in the end it was low ammo and fix bayonets.......
?I wouldn't go around bragging about that if I were you.? ? Samurai Jack is a cartoon character, and hate to say it but the Australian government has lost touch with reality???.(eg: firearm ban etc?.) maybe the good folks down under should read American history, specifically 1770 to 1790..........
Talk to a few combat vets who have lived through a Bayonet charge will give you an insight on the mental shock of sharp steel....my College ROTC instructor (many years ago) was a Snake Eater who had lead a successful breakout of a encircled A-Team camp, in the end it was low ammo and fix bayonets.......
?I wouldn't go around bragging about that if I were you.? ? Samurai Jack is a cartoon character, and hate to say it but the Australian government has lost touch with reality???.(eg: firearm ban etc?.) maybe the good folks down under should read American history, specifically 1770 to 1790..........
- Status