Penssylvania, Berks county weapons laws

[dakkon6585]

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

[mcsap]

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.

[dakkon6585]

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

[mcsap]

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.

[DZL]

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. ;)

[mcsap]

Since you are wearing a costume and are pretending to be someone you aren't...why do you need a real sword ??