There are no state laws generally prohibiting the open carrying of knives, other than switchblades, in California. There are some place prohibitions (e.g., public buildings, schools, etc.). A sword would come within California's definition of a "dirk or dagger," and thus could not be carried concealed on the person (assuming you could find someplace on your person to hide a sword). A knife openly carried in a sheath is not concealed, and I would expect that a sword's scabbard would qualify as a sheath.
Note that this is State law. There may be some applicable local city or county regulations.
2007-09-05 08:26:33
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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I don't know about California in particular, but swords are usually covered under a state's blade laws and they always exceed the maximum inches allowed. However, If it's a blunt dress sword that's part of a costume, you're wearing it unconcealed, and you're participating in some kind of event (like a parade, or if you're driving to a party), I doubt you would get into any trouble.
But aside from the legalities, why would you want to carry a real sword? They don't work the way it looks in the movies. If you don't know what you're doing with it, the other guy's likely to take it away from you. I collect antique swords myself, and a teenage kid belonging to a friend of mine once grabbed a 220 year old Turkish short sword off my wall and started swinging it around like a wannabe samurai, and I just yanked it out of his grasp with my bare hand and smacked him on his @ss with it. Swords are not the best weapons for modern urban scenerios, that's why they're best left to museums and historical reenactments. There are really much more practical weapons which require no training and are less likely to attract negative attention. If I really felt the need to walk through a bad neighborhood at night, my choice of weapons would be a can of pepper spray and a ball-peen hammer kept under my jacket (or a claw hammer, if you're a big guy and don't mind the extra weight). Both are perfectly legal, cheap, and extremely effective.
2007-09-01 15:43:31
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answer #2
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answered by Anonymous
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I believe it is legal to carry a sword. Refer to California Penal Code section 12020. Link is here: http://californiaccw.org/files/penalcode-12020-12040.html
Note that it is illegal to carry a cane or umbrella sword.
Items such as nunchukus, escima sticks, nightsticks, brass knuckles, etc. are illegal. Leave your martial arts gear in your bag to take to the the dojo for your karate class.
2007-09-01 14:27:44
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answer #3
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answered by Mark 7
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Not unless you have a permit for it. Mioght get away with it if it is a replica sword, and not sharpened, although you might want to check with local law enfrocement to be sure.
Besides, carrying a sword is a dumb idea... you'll put someone's eye out.
2007-09-01 11:19:44
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answer #4
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answered by shroomigator 5
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No, if I remember correctly, the maximum blade length for a folding knife is 3 1/2 inch blade and for a fixed blade is 8 inches.
2007-09-01 11:20:51
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answer #5
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answered by Jan Luv 7
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Sharpened, no -- at least not in most parts of the state.
You can carry a blunted weapon -- for Renn faires or fencing purposes -- as long as it's not actually used as a weapon.
2007-09-01 11:23:53
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answer #6
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answered by coragryph 7
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why would anyone want to? this isn't world of warcraft.
2007-09-01 11:15:13
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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