[MR] Knife and Sword transport laws

[logan]

the law in most states and commonwealths are about the same regarding fixed
blade knives.  the statute in pennsylvania reads:

Title 18 § 908. Prohibited offensive weapons.
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the first degree if,
except as authorized by law, he makes repairs, sells, or otherwise deals in,
uses, or possesses any offensive weapon.

(b) Exceptions.-- 

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 negative any intent or likelihood that the weapon would be used
unlawfully. 
This section does not apply to police forensic firearms experts or police
forensic firearms laboratories. Also exempt from this section are forensic
firearms experts or forensic firearms laboratories operating in the ordinary
course of business and engaged in lawful operation who notify in writing, on
an annual basis, the chief or head of any police force or police department
of a city, and, elsewhere, the sheriff of a county in which they are
located, of the possession, type and use of offensive weapons. 

This section shall not apply to any person who makes, repairs, sells or
otherwise deals in, uses or possesses any firearm for purposes not
prohibited by the laws of this Commonwealth.




the sca would clearly fall under the section referring to curios and
dramatic performances i would think.

regards
logan


"I never did give them hell. I just told the truth, and they thought it was
hell." 
Harry S Truman 
"If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his
vengeance need not be feared"
Niccolo Machiavelli
www.ebonwoulfe.com
www.fighterpractice.com


-----Original Message-----
From: atlantia-bounces at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org
[mailto:atlantia-bounces at seahorse.atlantia.sca.org] On Behalf Of Garth G.
Groff
Sent: Tuesday, June 09, 2009 12:03 PM
To: atlantia at atlantia.sca.org
Subject: [MR] Knife and Sword transport laws

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)
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