tai-chi-sword-california-carrylisted

# Carrying a Sword in California (Tai Chi Sword Included) **Direct answer: Owning a sword is fully legal in California — no permit, license, or registration, and no blade-length limit at home. Carrying is where the law bites: open carry of a sheathed sword is legal statewide (Penal Code §20200 protects a blade worn openly in a sheath suspended from the waist), but concealed carry of a dirk or dagger — which courts treat as covering fixed-blade swords — is a crime (§21310), even without unlawful intent. Swords are banned outright from school and college grounds (§626.10), public buildings (§171b), and airport sterile areas (§171.5), and because California has no statewide preemption, city ordinances can be stricter than state law.** This is general information, not legal advice. California knife and weapon statutes change and cities layer on their own rules — always point users to current statute text and a licensed California attorney for their situation. ## Step 0: Triage the question | User asks | Short answer | |---|---| | "Can I own a sword in California?" | Yes — unrestricted ownership, sharp or dull, no permit | | "Can I openly carry a sword in public?" | Generally yes — sheathed, worn openly (§20200); expect police attention anyway | | "Can I carry it concealed / hidden in a bag?" | No — concealed dirk or dagger is a crime under §21310, no intent required | | "Can I practice tai chi sword in a park?" | Yes in practice — parks aren't on the restricted list; transpor