# Is it legal to wear a sword? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [November 3, 2004, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741 "2004-11-03T13:28:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/21 "2013-04-10T02:34:55Z")
[quote=“Gary “Wombat” Robson, post:20, topic:272741”] … When dressed up for Scottish events and ethnic festivals, I may wear anything from the “casual kilt” (in which case I’m carrying a claymore, dirk, sgian dubh, and possibly parrying knife or broadsword) to the full formal “Prince Charlie” (in which case I have only the dirk and sgian dubh). [/QUOTE] Same for California, Indiana and Ohio. I have often gone to restaurants in those states wearing my full kit. The only trouble I’ve ever had was posing for many photographs. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/22 "2013-04-10T05:36:16Z")
> [@Roland\_Orzabal](#): > > …blade … a full-length sword … By the way, a “sword” is not always a “blade”. A sword would normally be blunt. Winston Churchill (as a young officer) records having his sword sharpened for active service, but even that was perhaps only the point: It’s been well know for a fairly long time that a sword is only useful as a stabbing or bludgening weapon, not a cutting weapon. All the actual real swords I’ve seen, from real soldiers or militia, have been blunt, because that is the default state they existed in. ---
**Author:** ![Bear\_Nenno](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bear_nenno/32/3358_2.png) [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/23 "2013-04-10T06:50:19Z")
I love these zombie threads. I was reading the secomd post thinking “man, this guy’s all over it. He’s saying exactly what I would have said”. Then I realize it’s me from almost NINE (9) years ago. Holy Crap. ---
**Author:** ![snailboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/97f17d/32.png) [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/24 "2013-04-10T10:04:05Z")
Unfortunately it seems to be illegal in Texas. I think it would be a hell of a means of self-defense. Who’s going to mess with someone with a katana strapped to their hip? ---
**Author:** ![JLRogers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ce73a5/32.png) [@JLRogers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JLRogers)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/25 "2013-04-10T11:11:11Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > It’s been well know for a fairly long time that a sword is only useful as a stabbing or bludgening weapon, not a cutting weapon. I think it would be best if you provided a citation for this bit of common knowledge. Especially given that the subject of this thread is a katana, a sword designed for cutting! ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/26 "2013-04-10T11:31:18Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > By the way, a “sword” is not always a “blade”. A sword would normally be blunt. > > … > > All the actual real swords I’ve seen, from real soldiers or militia, have been blunt, because that is the default state they existed in. Being blunt makes a sword “not a cutting weapon” but it doesn’t make it less of a blade. Or what do you propose the part that’s not the hilt be called? ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 11:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/27 "2013-04-10T11:38:30Z")
> [@JLRogers](#): > > I think it would be best if you provided a citation for this bit of common knowledge. Especially given that the subject of this thread is a katana, a sword designed for cutting! I was thinking the same thing. This is another question that has 50 answers in the US. In New Jersey its illegal. Except when it is. > [@](#): > > Any person who knowingly has in his possession any other (meaning those that weren’t previously mention such as firearms) weapon under circumstances not manifestly appropriate for such lawful uses as it may have is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. So if you have one you better have a valid reason for it. “In case someone needs stabbin” is not a valid reason. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/28 "2013-04-10T11:54:50Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > By the way, a “sword” is not always a “blade”. A sword would normally be blunt. > > Winston Churchill (as a young officer) records having his sword sharpened for active service, but even that was perhaps only the point: It’s been well know for a fairly long time that a sword is only useful as a stabbing or bludgening weapon, not a cutting weapon. > > All the actual real swords I’ve seen, from real soldiers or militia, have been blunt, because that is the default state they existed in. Are you referring specifically to military dress swords, because otherwise this is just so much bullshit. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/29 "2013-04-10T14:13:35Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > By the way, a “sword” is not always a “blade”. A sword would normally be blunt. My swords are most definitely not blunt. Why would you blunt a sword blade? ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/30 "2013-04-10T14:16:32Z")
[quote=“Gary “Wombat” Robson, post:29, topic:272741”] My swords are most definitely not blunt. Why would you blunt a sword blade? [/QUOTE] Because they were blunted slicing through your enemies. ---
**Author:** ![Tom\_Tildrum](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e95f7d/32.png) [@Tom\_Tildrum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tom_Tildrum)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2013, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/31 "2013-04-10T14:26:28Z")
I was just in Home Depot looking at the 22" machete they have for sale, and wondering if I could justify such a purchase to my wife. I did not think to notice whether they had tool belts that could accommodate one openly. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/32 "2013-04-11T00:39:56Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > Because they were blunted slicing through your enemies. Fair enough, **Loach**. Fair enough. ---
**Author:** ![Melbourne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5e925/32.png) [@Melbourne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melbourne)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/33 "2013-04-11T22:47:56Z")
[quote=“Gary “Wombat” Robson, post:29, topic:272741”] My swords are most definitely not blunt. Why would you blunt a sword blade? [/QUOTE] The sword exists in the blunt state because most of your time is spent in barracks or in training. It is only sharpened for active service. ---
**Author:** ![stui\_magpie](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stui_magpie/32/11010_2.png) [@stui\_magpie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stui_magpie)\ **Post date:** [April 11, 2013, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/34 "2013-04-11T22:59:55Z")
FWIW by way of comparison, in the state of Victoria, Australia, it’s illegal to carry a knife unless you have a legitimate work purpose. ie, heading home from work with the boxcutter in your pocket is legal, going out from home to the pub with a pocket knife is illegal. Walking down the street with a sword would have the cops straight on your arse. Stupid over reaction to teen gangs carrying knives. I keep a leatherman tool in my laptop bag. If I ever got pulled up by Police I’d potentially be up for carrying a controlled weapon and looking at a $1000 fine. :rolleyes: > **[Home | Victoria Police](https://www.police.vic.gov.au/homepage)** > > Victoria Police works to reduce the incidence and impact of crime, and keep our community safe through initiatives, programs, and partnerships. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2013, 8:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/35 "2013-04-12T08:54:52Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > The sword exists in the blunt state because most of your time is spent in barracks or in training. It is only sharpened for active service. “Barracks”? I think you have a weird impression of what most sword-user’s life was like. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Robson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gary_robson/32/3448_2.png) [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Post date:** [April 12, 2013, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/36 "2013-04-12T22:03:43Z")
> [@Melbourne](#): > > The sword exists in the blunt state because most of your time is spent in barracks or in training. It is only sharpened for active service. What sword-wielders are you talking about? I can see reenactors and military “display” swords being dull, but that’s about it. A modern collector or a swordfighter of old would never want to dull a good blade. ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2013, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/37 "2013-04-13T00:52:20Z")
The only reason I left my blades dull, as a reenactor (as mentioned previously) was so that little kids wouldn’t cut themselves touching it. ---
**Author:** ![msmith537](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d9b06d/32.png) [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2013, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/38 "2013-04-13T01:14:02Z")
> [@awldune](#): > > Can you provide any more info on this? I can’t think of any use a gang would have for a katana that a switchblade, gun, or baseball bat wouldn’t be better suited to. Did you not see Kill Bill? ---
**Author:** ![pkbites](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pkbites/32/204_2.png) [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2013, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/39 "2013-04-13T04:52:33Z")
> [@coffeecat](#): > > [U.S. knife laws here.](http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm) It’s a decent cite, but it needs to be updated. Laws in some of the states have changed. ---
**Author:** ![UltraVires](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ecccb3/32.png) [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2013, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/40 "2013-04-13T11:29:26Z")
[quote=“Gary “Wombat” Robson, post:20, topic:272741”] In Montana, it’s legal to open-carry a sword and I do so regularly. I did have a discussion with the local sheriff about whether it counted as “concealed” if the sword was sheathed but the scabbard was visible. He figured it was still open-carry. [/QUOTE] Of course all states are different, but generally “concealed” means carried in such a way that an ordinary person without any particular expertise is not put on notice that you are carrying a weapon. Therefore a gun in a holster, or a sword in a sheath are generally not considered concealed. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741.md?page=3)