Can I carry a sword in California?
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The answer to the question Can I carry a sword in California? is yes, but with certain restrictions and regulations. In California, it is perfectly legal to carry a sword in public, as long as you’re the wearer who doesn’t swing it or hide it, and it is carried in a scabbard hanging from the wearer’s waist.
FAQs About Carrying a Sword in California
General Information
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What are the laws regarding carrying a sword in California? In California, owning a sword is perfectly legal, but carrying one around for the purpose of “self defense” is illegal, unless it is worn on the belt and not concealed.
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Do I need a license to carry a sword in California? No license is required to own a sword in California, but carrying one in public has certain restrictions.
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Is it legal to walk around with a sword in California? It is perfectly legal to walk around with a sword that is open carried while in a scabbard upon the individual, but as soon as it is drawn, it is considered brandishing and you can be arrested.
Types of Swords and Knives
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Can I carry a katana in California? Yes, in California, it is perfectly legal to carry a katana in public, as long as you’re the wearer who doesn’t swing it or hide it, and it is carried in a scabbard hanging from the wearer’s waist.
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Is a machete legal in California? Yes, in California, the general rule is that it is legal to buy, own, transport, and carry any knife, machete included, that is not restricted.
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Can I carry a Bowie knife in California? You can openly carry a Bowie knife in California, but you cannot conceal carry a Bowie knife, as concealed carry of a Bowie knife is a wobbler, which means it can be a misdemeanor or a felony.
Restrictions and Regulations
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What size knife is legal to carry in California 2023? Fixed-blade knives with blades of two-and-a-half inches or longer are illegal on college/university/school premises, and any knife with a blade longer than four inches is illegal in a public building.
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Can I carry a 4 inch knife in California? No, according to Penal Code 171b, certain knives are illegal to have in your possession while you are in a state or local public building, including switchblades, fixed blade knives with blades longer than four inches.
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Can you carry a spear in California? No, according to the law, no person shall carry, possess or discharge across, in or into any portion of any unit any weapon, firearm, spear, bow and arrow, trap, net, or device capable of injuring, or killing any person or animal.
Self-Defense and Concealment
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What can I carry for self-defense in California? California laws allow residents to legally own and carry the following self-defense weapons: tactical flashlights, pens, stun guns, tasers, pepper spray, tear gas, knives, and guns.
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Can I use a sword for self-defense? Yes, wakizashi and other short swords make good home defense weapons, but a full length katana is too long for most homes, and it’s recommended to learn how to use it and practice to keep getting better.
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Is a cane sword legal in California? No, cane swords are illegal in California under Penal Code 20510 PC, which states that it is a criminal offense to manufacture, sell, import, give, or possess them.
Open Carry and Concealed Carry
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Can you open carry in California? Openly carrying loaded or unloaded firearms in public is generally prohibited in California, but the sheriff of any county with a population under 200,000 people, or the chief of police of a city within that county, may issue licenses to carry a loaded, exposed handgun.
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Can I carry a knife in my car in California? Yes, in California, it is legal to buy, own, transport, and carry any knife that is not restricted, and the three most common types of knives — switchblades, folding knives, and fixed blade knives — have certain rules surrounding them.
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Can you walk around with a sword California? Yes, it is perfectly legal to walk around with a sword in California, as long as you’re the wearer who doesn’t swing it or hide it, and it is carried in a scabbard hanging from the wearer’s waist, but brandishing a sword is illegal and can lead to arrest.