Is it illegal to walk around with a sword in CA?

if some one walked around with a sword on them can they get arrested or have to pay a fine in CA? just a random question, watchen to much martial arts movies.

Is it illegal to walk around with a sword in CA?
Don't you love people who answer questions with no citation to any authority and who clearly do not know what they are talking about? (I am obviously not talking about you, Superman!)





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.
Reply:John S already answered this question better than I could the last time it was asked. http://answers.yahoo.com/quest...





*/EoL. Report It

Reply:It's illegal to phart in CA... much less carry a sword.
Reply:yer of couse the police could think you want to hurt someone with it
Reply:Why the sword, for cutting vegetabels for salad ?
Reply:yes. any blades that are not foldable (i.e. pocket knifes) are illegal to carry around without a special permit. switch blades are illegal too, even tho they fold (kinda)
Reply:well i tried to look it up for u but all i got was its ok in anahiem but id call the police station and ask them they will let u know i say as long as it isnt concealed and it has a sheath on it and your not waving it around like a mad man it should be ok but id get advice from police before doing it..
Reply:Yes it is, and pretty much in every state as well. If you keep it in a sword case and put in a sword carrying bag, then that's okay.
Reply:An interesting question. There is a group of Chinese men that do Ti Chi (is that right) with full size swords at the Lake Merritt BART Station in Oakland every morning. Might be you are OK up to the point you threaten someone with the weapon. Not much different than a baseball bat. Perceived intent would be an issue to.
Reply:John does it again!





Here's what I know.





It is not a concealed weapon, it is not a "ready use" weapon. Swords, both western and eastern, do fall under dirks and hunting knives (Weird, huh?), as well as exercise equiptment as per CA state regulations. My experience is with katana, so I will share what I know.





To have the sword on your person is perfectly legal. One can walk around with it in their belt, one can walk around while holding it by the saya (scabbard), one can walk around with it in a sword bag...if one is a martial artist. I've walked to the dojo many times with my iaito and shinken with me...no problems whatsoever. I was stopped once by an officer in a parking lot, but only because he liked swords too and wanted a look. Lol. Dirks and daggers are fine as they are, since people can use them for things like camping, but swords? A sword, as it is made, can only be seen as either a weapon or a training tool.





The problem truly arises with the possible intent to cause bodily harm or defacing someone's property. To hold a sword by the sheath, it is at rest and "harmless". Same with having it in the sword bag, as it is not easily accessible. Touch the handle, and you are brandishing a deadly weapon.





Hope this helps.





Postscript: I do not condone any such actions, nor do I condone the use of any martial arts equiptment without seeking legitimate instruction in their use. In fact, I advise against the above discussed actions, even if martial training is had.

home theater