Owning Daggers and Swords in Maryland

[SwordGirl]

Alright, I've looked at the laws quite a few times now, and I have yet to see something that specifically mentions the owning of blades in this category. There's plenty on concealed blades or carrying them in public, regardless of blade length, but I'm not seeing anything on just owning them. So here's my question: In the state of Maryland (or surrounding D.C. metro area), is it legal to own blades greater than those found in standard pocket knives if they are in your home, and not intended for use as a weapon? I love my knives, daggers, and swords, but they are all nothing more than a collection and meant for display. I'd hate to get in trouble for just having them! Any help y'all can give me would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tom19176]

Not sure of your state law, but in general possession means anywhere you have an item. Possession on your person or concealled indicates the law reguards carring and nothome. Remember unless the police have a warrant they can not search your house, so if you are a law abiding citizen you should not have too much to worry about. If they are on display or in plain sight, and the police respond to a call to your house, then the issue as to wheter or not they are legal will arise. Read the law in Levine's section on this forum....

 

[NickZac]

Yes...although double edged can complicate some things as it constitutes a dirk or dagger...I would recommend displaying in a case.

 

[FullerH]

I own a number of swords for re-enactment and living history purposes and live in Northern Virginia. I carry then in the trunk of my car over to Maryland for events as well as down to places in Virginia. At these events, there are LEOs present and I have never seen anyone hassled for their weaponry, including daggers, swords, and even the gravity knives and switchblades that the paratroopers use, but those latter only when in the role of a paratrooper. I have certainly seen British Commando re-enactors carrying the Sykes-Fairbairn dagger without comment from LEOs down at Jamestown. And nobody has ever questioned whether any of the swords in our camps were sharp or rebated. Some, which are kept carefully under control, are sharp. You do not want the tourists playing with the sharps!