Court sword in Los Angeles and Southern California

[williamager]

After seeing these forums I thought I would ask about this here in addition to looking around myself, since I expect that people here will be more knowledgeable on the topics. The questions are somewhat multifaceted, but I think belong in this section.

I'm considering buying a late 19th or early 20th century court sword, and keeping it in Pasadena and San Diego. To make matters more difficult, I would like to keep it on the Caltech campus part of the time. I do know that that the administration allows this for swords which are dull (and apparently even for swords which are sharp, if I were to keep it only in my offices). However, the court sword is pointed, and I am not about to damage a period piece in order to keep it here. Thus, is there some way I could cap the end of the sword in a way such that it would not be readily usable as a deadly weapon (ie, not sharp), and yet not damage the blade?

In addition, while I've tried to look into the laws on having this, I would appreciate any input from people here on the legal issues surrounding this. Am I missing any laws which would restrict this? If it could be capped, and thus not pointed or with a sharp edge, would it be exempt from most otherwise applicable laws? It seems to me that this would exempt it from the "dirk or dagger" provision of the California Penal Code. Also, what would the regulations be on wearing it (it is, after all, designed more as an article of clothing than a weapon)? I can only see the restriction on dirks and daggers being concealed, and this would certainly not be concealed, even if it did fall under those regulations.

 

[Tohatchi NM]

I don't recall the exact sword rules for SoCal. Since you're on private property, you may have a bit more leeway, but the public/private line is always dicey with schools that receive public grants.

A few suggestions:
1. Consider getting a locked case for your office. An antique under lock and key would probably be easier to get approved. As you say, formal approval shouldn't be much of a problem in this environment.
2. Find some engineering student to design a "Sword Club" for you - something that locks around the blade and renders it unuseable, much like the Club does for cars.
3. You may be a member, considering the nature of the blade in question, but have you considered consulting the SCA? I'd guess there would be a few people who prefer their steel pointy, reenactment or not. They might have an exact handle on the specific SoCal Laws. Besides, apart from the padded swords, everything would be pointy enough to make it dangerous if used with intent.

https://utils.its.caltech.edu/mailman/listinfo/cmrs

You might also be able to find a loophole for antiques/artifacts, provided you don't wear it to the movies.

Welcome to the forums. Somebody will probably be along shortly with actual, useful information.

 

[MORIMOTOM]

ca penal code 626.10(b) : any person except a duly appointed peace officer as defined.... who brings or possesses any dirk, dagger, ice pick, or knife having a fixed blade longer than 2 1/2 inches upon the grounds of, or within, any private university, the university of california, the califoria state university, or the california community colleges is guilty of a public offense...

this section may be applied as either a misdemeanor or felony. note it does not differentiate between public or private colleges/universities.

i dont know the exact piece you are referring to, maybe a pic would help. but if it is a sword, i wouldnt recommend wearing it unless you are re-enacting some historic incident or acting on stage.

you are of course, also subject to the rules of caltech. dont go on the opinion of an administrator, check for yourself. and just because they say it is ok, that doesnt necessarily exempt you from the penal code or pasadena municipal laws.

 

[Tohatchi NM]

ARRRRGHHHH!!! Awfully-written laws. I know a bunch of cooks - both professional chefs and poor students - who are felons for their >2.5 inch fixed blades. :thumbdn:

 

[MORIMOTOM]

ARRRRGHHHH!!! Awfully-written laws. I know a bunch of cooks - both professional chefs and poor students - who are felons for their >2.5 inch fixed blades. :thumbdn:

im sure the law was not written with them in mind. i believe individual facilities give exemptions to employees that need them for the course of their employment.

just be aware of the law and its implications. get approval from an administrator before bringing a sword on to a campus.

 

[_christoff_]

Assuming it has sheath, make a peace knot(which semi-permanently locks it in the sheath). I make chainmaille, so I made something very similar to the pic below before I brought my sword to my HS as a play prop. When people realized I would have to break a steel chain to get to the sword, they let it pass In truth it was just decorative 16g steel & brass that I could have taken apart with my fingers in a few seconds, but if that makes it school-legal then I'll do it. Idk if that would pass on your campus(as opposed to my small private high school), but it could work, and could even add to the costume.