[MR] Knife and Sword transport laws

[Garth G. Groff]

Friends,

While you are all excited about preparations for Pennsic, this might be 
a good time to discuss various laws about carrying and wearing weapons 
in Pennsylvania and other states you will pass through.

Last year we visited Pennsic on our way back from New Hampshire, and 
took our belt knives and my sword with us. A merchant in New Hampshire 
from whom I bought a sword belt was shocked to learn I had my sword in 
the back of our station wagon and exclaimed that I could get in all 
sorts of trouble for just carrying it if stopped by the police. Odd 
because they were just down the road from a store that sold swords and 
daggers. So far my own research has turned up a mish-mash of laws. 
Swords are generally not mentioned (except sword canes, but that isn't 
of interest to us), but several sates specifically prohibit possession 
of dirks and daggers, or at least carrying them (which could include 
feast knives). Than there's the issue of concealment when you get into a 
car (this I remember from my MP days).

I would like to invite discussion of this topic, and would especially 
like to hear from those who have law enforcement or legal experience in 
this area, or society members who have dealt with this question from an 
official position.

In service,

Mungo Napier, Archer of Mallard Lodge
(mka Garth G. Groff)