Polearms and the law

**TheMightyMcClaw** · Posted On: 7/02/2012 3:04am

This thread is ridiculous, and I apologize for that.
Whenever someone asks about weapons for self-defense, my typically trollish answer is to recommend that they carry a glaive or a poleaxe or some similar massive polearm of antiquity, on the grounds that no one is going to start a fight with the guy with the halberd.
Now, let's imagine for a moment a parallel universe wherein someone might actually take that advice seriously. What are the laws regarding openly carrying swords and polearms around with you as you go about your daily business?
Secondly, if I do achieve my dreams of inventing the world's first concealable telescoping pole-axe, what is the legal status of concealed polearms? Would I be required to get a concealed carry permit for my insane weapon? Would it be a different process than getting one for a firearm?

**Tameshiwhaty?** · Posted On: 7/02/2012 4:16am

Apparently in my home state West Virginia it is considered decorative attire and can be carried if in clear view. When I was a young and dumb teen I thought it would be cool to carry a katana in the city so I did never got caught but damn that was stupid. Also in Portland Oregon you can carry a sword in public apparently, my sword guy lol was telling me I could walk out with my sai or katana and be fine so yeah .

**Permalost** · Posted On: 7/02/2012 12:37pm

If I'm interpreting my local laws correctly, a polearm is an openly carried fixed blade (with a long handle), and an openly carried fixed blade doesn't have a length limit. Another thought: Lynn Thompson of Cold Steel has argued that laws against spears and polearms are specifically against the 2nd amendment, because they are among the arms used by the American revolutionaries against the British.

**Devil** · Posted On: 7/02/2012 3:08pm

Originally Posted by TheMightyMcClaw

Secondly, if I do achieve my dreams of inventing the world's first concealable telescoping pole-axe, what is the legal status of concealed polearms? Would I be required to get a concealed carry permit for my insane weapon? Would it be a different process than getting one for a firearm?

Concealed carry permits don't include weapons other than firearms. In most states concealed blades greater than 3" in length are illegal. So, you're **** out of luck.

Maybe make a holster for your telescoping pole-axe to be carried openly on the hip. You may be all set then.

**lordbd** · Posted On: 7/02/2012 3:14pm

In VA, it seems like you can carry whatever weapon you want within reason as long as it isn't concealed.

I'm not sure if a polearm would be considered "within reason" though.

***DerAuslander*** · Posted On: 7/02/2012 3:37pm

You cannot carry a polearm within city limits in Baltimore, Maryland...as nerds sometimes find out during Otakon.

**Permalost** · Posted On: 7/02/2012 4:17pm

Originally Posted by Devil

Maybe make a holster for your telescoping pole-axe to be carried openly on the hip. You may be all set then.

This actually sounds more up McClaw's alley. Maybe with some kind of crazy steampunk holser.

**dwkfym** · Posted On: 7/02/2012 4:19pm

It would vary widely by state.
In Florida, if you can conceal it and is not a machine gun (even that might be okay if you have proper paperwork for it) its game.
If you invent a concealable polearm it'd be legal for a concealed weapons license holder in Florida. Note I'm confident thats the law but i'm not a lawyer licensed in Florida.

I think theres some complex discussion going on about legality of a scabbered blade though. Like a walking stick. Blade is hidden but the handle is not.