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Post by bleiz on Oct 10, 2019 19:09:50 GMT
Hi all Have to find a costume for Halloween party (yeah :-( At least I will make it historical. Now, would it be legal to carry around a sharp sword in its scabbard (in Florida)? I could get an unsharpened sword and then get it sharpened too. Roman centurion Gladius or musketeer's rapier. The rapier would be easier to find unsharpened I guess Any input?
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Post by snowbite on Oct 10, 2019 19:28:02 GMT
I am 100% not a lawyer.
If Halloween = Ren Fest, then I'd say nobody is going to hassle you about wearing a sword while dressed as a musketeer in public, unless you're waving it around at people.
If you want a bit more legal protection, zip tie it into the scabbard. It won't accidentally fall out on the dance floor, and you'll have an excuse to not let a drunken fellow reveler "try it out"
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Oct 10, 2019 22:14:52 GMT
I have no idea of the blade-carry laws in Florida, but for a Halloween costume, I would suggest either a wooden sword or a waster/trainer sword---fancied up and painted to look like the real deal. You CAN'T go wrong there! I once saw a guy at a Halloween party dressed in (almost) full plate armor and carrying a BEAUTIFUL sword, all decked in silver and gold leaf with jewels and fancy carvings...and made of 100% American Hickory. He took a wooden sword and carved it down a bit to thin the profile, added a swanky leather grip, and (somehow) used tin foil to make a metallic-looking chape and locket, as well as the guard and pommel. It looked EXACTLY like a real sword. ------------Just a suggestion.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 10, 2019 22:19:53 GMT
Ask your local chief of police.
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Post by pellius on Oct 12, 2019 17:42:23 GMT
Florida Law does not specifically address open carry of a sword in public, and does not explicitly prohibit it. Carrying one concealed almost certainly requires a CWP.
That being said, and depending on where you are thinking about carrying one, lots and lots of folks carry concealed firearms, and get super protective of their kids. Stand Your Ground and self defense/defense of others is in part based upon the reasonable belief in one’s mind. Taking a live blade among kids or party-goers is asking for trouble.
Also, with respect, any given cop may or may not have a strong grasp of, or particularly care about, the specifics of weapons carry law.
I wouldn’t take a sword trick-or-treating or to a drinking party, if that’s what you are contemplating.
Also, even if you’re allowed to, it only takes one high profile “incident” for the legislature to “do something.” Don’t ruin it for everyone else!
Jmho, offered with respect. 🙂
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pgandy
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Post by pgandy on Oct 12, 2019 18:19:54 GMT
Just my 2¢, I don’t know the Florida law. Come to think of it my grandson is a police officer there. You ask about Florida law, but there are also local (county & city) laws and ordnances to consider. Assuming that it is not illegal it is possible for a lawman to confiscate and/or arrest you leaving you the burden of a lawyer and/or other legal expenses to prove him wrong and retrieve your sword. If possible I’d carry an unsharpened blade to be safer. Besides if you don’t plan to do any cutting what difference does it make?
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christain
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It's the steel on the inside that counts.
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Post by christain on Oct 12, 2019 20:11:55 GMT
I don't think I'd even risk it with a blunt. When folks get to partying too hard, things can go bad quickly.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2019 20:54:56 GMT
"Also, with respect, any given cop may or may not have a strong grasp of, or particularly care about, the specifics of weapons carry law."
Hence my comment to contact the chief of police. One's local district attorney can offer advice as well.
If going to party, simply transporting the sword is not an issue.
There are foam swords for costuming as well.
From my own perspective, the appearances and comments re "the cops" and "what can I get away with" underline a disservice to the overall sword community.
Wearing a sharp to a costume party is a bit like openly carrying a loaded firearm. Knowing a given group might make either perfectly acceptable but think abut it. Ask your host.
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Post by pellius on Oct 12, 2019 22:39:16 GMT
In case I failed to be clear; regarding my comment regarding what any particular cop might know: it was intended as a warning, not an invitation. Specifically, even if the law permits carrying a sword in public, a cop might nonetheless reasonably perceive it to be a threat, and interdict accordingly.
I would join the chorus advocating the use of a realistic foam sword.
Again, jmtc.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 12, 2019 22:48:43 GMT
You do mean a police officer, right?
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Post by pellius on Oct 12, 2019 23:44:48 GMT
Yes “Constable on patrol”
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