# 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:** 3
**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 13, 2013, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/41 "2013-04-13T14:35:51Z")
> [@jtgain](#): > > 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. That’s what I told the sheriff, and he agreed. ---
**Author:** ![Gymnopithys](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/fbc32d/32.png) [@Gymnopithys](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gymnopithys)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2013, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/42 "2013-04-13T16:16:55Z")
> [@Bear\_Nenno](#): > > 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. That’s hilarious. And while I was reading the first threads I said to myself “That question should have been asked years ago”, not realizing it’s a zombie! ---
**Author:** ![swordsord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/45deac/32.png) [@swordsord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/swordsord)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/43 "2014-06-13T16:50:57Z")
a person cannot carry concealed. but the sheath is ABSOLUTELY neccessary. A) sword master be securely attached aor contained in the sheath B) the sword must be openly carried (not concealed C ) you must NOT repond in a rude or hostile manner while wearing a sword in public excapt in a situation where your private physical wellbeing is threatened. or someone else’s well being ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/44 "2014-06-13T17:06:07Z")
> [@swordsord](#): > > a person cannot carry concealed. but the sheath is ABSOLUTELY neccessary. A) sword master be securely attached aor contained in the sheath B) the sword must be openly carried (not concealed C ) you must NOT repond in a rude or hostile manner while wearing a sword in public excapt in a situation where your private physical wellbeing is threatened. or someone else’s well being Do you have cites for any of this? Are these actual laws somewhere? ---
**Author:** ![sidecar\_jon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@sidecar\_jon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sidecar_jon)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/45 "2014-06-13T17:45:27Z")
Knife law is much the same as Oz it seems in the UK. You can have a folding non locking pen knife of 3" for just carrying, but anything else you need a reason. Going fishing, chopping down vegetation etc is fine… Sword wise almost certainly not just generally, but I remember “Arthur Uther Pendragon” ([Arthur Uther Pendragon - Wikipedia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Uther_Pendragon)) on a news item being stopped by the cops as they surrounded Stonehenge one year at the Solstice he was carrying a Huge sword, the cops said you cant go anywhere with that!..he explained it was part of his religion and they just let him through! ---
**Author:** ![dstarfire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dstarfire/32/5762_2.png) [@dstarfire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dstarfire)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 6:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/46 "2014-06-13T18:03:31Z")
I don’t see how a scabbard would be any different than a typical holster, which isn’t considered concealment of a gun (unless the holster itself is concealed). ---
**Author:** ![EPoch](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f6c823/32.png) [@EPoch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EPoch)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/47 "2014-06-13T19:56:42Z")
> [@snailboy](#): > > 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? Texas, the state where you can open carry a gun religiously yet a sword is illegal to do the same. You think they wouldn’t have a problem with it since it’s not as lethal as a gun. ---
**Author:** ![Dallas\_Jones](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dallas_jones/32/3277_2.png) [@Dallas\_Jones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dallas_Jones)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/48 "2014-06-13T20:07:23Z")
I know this is an old thread, but you will probably not be surprised to find out that in the US there is a Knife Rights Assn. Their issues seems to parallel some of the concealed carry laws for guns. Here is a link to the organization and another from the NY Times about the issue. > **[Knife Rights](https://kniferights.org/)** > **[Pushing a Right to Bear Arms, the Sharp Kind (Published 2010)](https://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/05/us/05knives.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0)** > > Changes in knife laws in Arizona and New Hampshire have given new life to the knife rights lobby. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/49 "2014-06-13T21:39:49Z")
> [@bouv](#): > > Heh, go to VT, no concealed weapon law. You can carry any weapon (except brass knuckles, blackjacks, switchblades, and a few other illegal weapons) with you in any way you want. In your pocket, brandished in your hand, up your butt, whatever you want. There are a few provisions, though. You can’t have the intent to harm someone with it, you can’t point a firearm at anyone except in self defense or in the line of duty, and certain locations don’t allow it, such as schools, state buildings, etc… > > From [here.](http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/sections.cfm?Title=13&Chapter=085) If it was not so ‘winter’ there all the time, I would live in VT or NH. I like the results they get with their policies. Don’t like the taxes much though. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/50 "2014-06-13T21:41:34Z")
> [@Loach](#): > > ::: snip ::::: > So if you have one you better have a valid reason for it. “In case someone needs stabbin” is not a valid reason. Boo Hiss !!! :mad: ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/51 "2014-06-13T21:47:53Z")
If AZ was OK with the wife, I’d move there & live at the higher elevations. I am picky about temperature, not people having weapons. ---
**Author:** ![Silophant](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a698b9/32.png) [@Silophant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silophant)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/52 "2014-06-13T22:05:34Z")
> [@EPoch](#): > > Texas, the state where you can open carry a gun religiously yet a sword is illegal to do the same. You think they wouldn’t have a problem with it since it’s not as lethal as a gun. Honestly, I feel like that might be exactly the problem with it. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2014, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/53 "2014-06-13T22:57:42Z")
France is relatively free when it comes to bladed weapons (known here as “white weapons” for some reason). You can own them and wear them, provided your local P.D. is notified and you give them a valid reason (hint : “it looks the shit !” is no valid reason). There are no licencing restrictions or permits required however. People will still look at you funny, though. ---
**Author:** ![Snnipe\_70E](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5a626/32.png) [@Snnipe\_70E](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snnipe_70E)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2014, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/54 "2014-06-14T00:51:55Z")
In 1970 I was a Midshipman at the California Maritime Academy. I took my then girlfriend, now wife, to her Senior Prom. I had on my dress whites complete with a Naval Officer’s sword. It was fun night and at her 40th reunion the question still was who was the guy wearing the sword? ---
**Author:** ![nevadaexile](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/eb8c5e/32.png) [@nevadaexile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nevadaexile)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2014, 1:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/55 "2014-06-14T01:07:13Z")
In Nevada, knife length usually isn’t an issue. However, any **double-edged** weapon (knives, dirks or daggers and swords) will get you arrested if you are found carrying them. You can buy them online and keep them in your home as part of your “collection.” Indiana, swords are legal and knives of almost any length are as well. However, the spring-loaded Spetsnaz knives which fire spring-loaded from the hilt are a no-no, as are automatic knives if you aren’t military or a policeman Reference: Indiana - [http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar47/ch5.html](http://www.in.gov/legislative/ic/code/title35/ar47/ch5.html) ---
**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:** [June 14, 2014, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/56 "2014-06-14T01:56:13Z")
> [@nevadaexile](#): > > Indiana, swords are legal and knives of almost any length are as well. However, the spring-loaded Spetsnaz knives which fire spring-loaded from the hilt are a no-no, as are automatic knives if you aren’t military or a policeman You are [incorrect](https://www.akti.org/news/indiana-2013-knife-bill-would-remove-restrictions-to-automatic-knives) about automatic knives in Indiana. ---
**Author:** ![snailboy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/97f17d/32.png) [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2014, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/57 "2014-06-14T05:58:12Z")
> [@EPoch](#): > > Texas, the state where you can open carry a gun religiously yet a sword is illegal to do the same. You think they wouldn’t have a problem with it since it’s not as lethal as a gun. Actually, we’re not allowed to open carry here, although I wouldn’t be surprised if that changes in the next few years. Looking back at the law though, it looks like “illegal knives” are only prohibited in a few places. I may have been wrong. I’m off to the grocery store. [grabs katana] ---
**Author:** ![Terminus\_Est](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/terminus_est/32/3087_2.png) [@Terminus\_Est](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terminus_Est)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2014, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/58 "2014-06-18T04:44:45Z")
> [@nevadaexile](#): > > In Nevada, knife length usually isn’t an issue. However, any **double-edged** weapon (knives, dirks or daggers and swords) will get you arrested if you are found carrying them. You can buy them online and keep them in your home as part of your “collection.” So a katana, scimitar, or other single-bladed sword is OK? ---
**Author:** ![appleciders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85f322/32.png) [@appleciders](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/appleciders)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2014, 6:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/59 "2014-06-18T06:16:21Z")
> [@BMalion](#): > > I wear mine all the time, well, actually, only to or from restraunts while in my S.C.A. garb. It varies from state to state but I’ve learned that if people look at you and see “Oh, he’s wearing a costume” they will not get a bad vibe from you and they will ignore you. > > In California (Los Angelese) they had an ordnance that you could carry a sword if it was for “Theatrical Purposes”. > > I am not a lawyer, but I own alot of swords. Funnily enough, I work in a theater and our props guys have intentionally cultivated a good relationship with our local cops because every two years or so someone spots our props guys carrying a load of guns between buildings. Since these guns run the gamut from airsoft guns that look just like the real thing to real firearms\*, with or without the internal workings removed, the cops have gotten pretty used to us and call the props guys before actually scrambling the squad cars. \*We use real guns sometimes because there isn’t a way to fake the sound of someone racking a shotgun. Even in the middle of a big song-and-dance number, it’s amazing how that sound cuts through and grabs your attention. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [June 18, 2014, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741/60 "2014-06-18T12:35:02Z")
> [@EPoch](#): > > Texas, the state where you can open carry a gun religiously yet a sword is illegal to do the same. You think they wouldn’t have a problem with it since it’s not as lethal as a gun. Well, they’re not as clumsy or random as a gun; they’re more elegant weapons from a more civilized age. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-to-wear-a-sword/272741.md?page=4)