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  1. #1
    dakkon6585 is offline Junior Member dakkon6585 is on a distinguished road
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    Penssylvania, Berks county weapons laws

    Hello,

    Part of my halloween costume this year includes a sword 40" total 28" blade. The sword would be in the scabbard at all times while I was in public. I couldn't find anything online that talked about whether it was or was not legal to carry a sheathed sword. If anyone could could help me out that would be great.

    Thanks

    -Gin

  2. #2
    mcsap is offline Veteran member ( retired) mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute
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    Why not get a plastic sword and have ZERO worries ?

    Under PA State Law, a sword can be considered a Prohibited Offensice Weapon under Title 18 , section 908. This is a Misdemeanor of the 1st Degree meaning go directly to jail.
    Creeper Cop

  3. #3
    dakkon6585 is offline Junior Member dakkon6585 is on a distinguished road
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    Quote Originally Posted by mcsap View Post
    Why not get a plastic sword and have ZERO worries ?

    Under PA State Law, a sword can be considered a Prohibited Offensice Weapon under Title 18 , section 908. This is a Misdemeanor of the 1st Degree meaning go directly to jail.
    But it also states:
    Exceptions.--
    (1) It is a defense under this section for the defendant
    to prove by a preponderance of evidence that he possessed or
    dealt with the weapon solely as a curio or in a dramatic
    performance
    , or that, with the exception of a bomb, grenade
    or incendiary device, he complied with the National Firearms
    Act (26 U.S.C. § 5801 et seq.),
    or that he possessed it
    briefly in consequence of having found it or taken it from an
    aggressor, or under circumstances similarly negativing any
    intent or likelihood that the weapon would be used
    unlawfully
    .

    Thanks for directing me to the appropriate laws. Don't think i'm trying to be a smart *** or anything. I'm just trying to understand the laws that govern what I do. If i am wrong on those exceptions then so see be it. Oh and the sword is a katana with a custom hilt, one of the reasons why it never has to leave its scabbard, a plastic would be very cheap looking in comarison.

    Thanks for you help.
    -Gin

  4. #4
    mcsap is offline Veteran member ( retired) mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute
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    The application of this law is based upon the totality of the circumstances which includes the officers discretion. If you think you will be OK , you couild very well be. But on the other hand , you may not be.

    Cheesy is better than criminal charges.
    Creeper Cop

  5. #5
    DZL's Avatar
    DZL
    DZL is offline LE Hopeful DZL is a splendid one to behold DZL is a splendid one to behold DZL is a splendid one to behold DZL is a splendid one to behold DZL is a splendid one to behold DZL is a splendid one to behold DZL is a splendid one to behold
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    Where in Berks county are you? I can think of some areas of Berks county that I wouldn't want to be carrying a real sword. ;)

  6. #6
    mcsap is offline Veteran member ( retired) mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute mcsap has a reputation beyond repute
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    Since you are wearing a costume and are pretending to be someone you aren't...why do you need a real sword ??
    Creeper Cop

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