Depends on the state, and even some states that don't let you carry guns (or cities, like NYC), will let you open carry blades.
Good luck though unless you've been trained in the Wu-Tang Swordstyle.
Bows, still depends, less commonly allowed though.
this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2026
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I do know that sometimes signs are banned from protests if they use sticks, because sticks can be used as melee weapons. Yet, your right to carry an M-16 in the streets--maybe even into congressional chambers during votes--is wholly protected.
It is completely stupid.
Could you use a long rifle as a stick for a protest sign?
Use your gun as a stick them
"Speak softly and carry a big M-16." – Teddy Roosevelt
🤣🤣
It'll certainly get the point across
What a weird damn country
Far as I know, as someone not in the land of the dumbfucks, each state has its own limitations on what they allow.
Some only allow specific calibers or length of blade.
Bows and arrows are usually classified as hunting utensils and may be fined as such if carried openly outside of permitted areas for hunting.
I can only assume it is required by the wearer to know the laws of their state in regards to this as the cops don't give a fuck and would rather just shoot you down.
This is the case. Some states would allow you a katana, or broad sword, others say only a pistol. I'm unsure about carrying and gun bigger than a pistol. But I've seen a guy at the grocery store with two pistols on his hips, with extra magazines.
Surely they aren't so tyranical as to deny me a bayonet?
Lol I'm pretty sure that'd be fine as long as it's on a musket.
TALLY HO, LADS
Big IRON! BIG IRON!
Probably.
I wonder if I can tow a trebuchet behind my Chevy Silverado.
Launching children with automatic weapons over 300 meters.
Funny thing about that. Someone here in Sweden emailed the police if it was legal to own a trebuchet or if you needed a weapons liscense for it. (The police issue weapon licenses)
The response was that of course no one has ever tried, so there is no formal ruling. But crossbows require a weapons license while bows do not. Because the crossbow can store the energy. So leaning on that reasoning. It would probably require a license.
But I love that the question was asked to our police, and that they gave a serious and thorough answer.
So, technically. As long as you're not breaking any traffic related laws. It is not illegal to mount a trebuchet on a roadworthy wagon and tow it behind your car.
Ran into AI article hell trying to look this up.
https://knifeinformer.com/state-knife-laws/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gun_laws_in_the_United_States_by_state
https://thelegalguide.org/constitutional-carry-knives-do-knife-laws-follow-gun-carry/
Does constitutional carry for firearms affect my ability to carry a knife? No. Knife laws operate independently of firearm carry laws. A state may allow permitless firearm carry while imposing strict knife restrictions, or vice versa.
https://thegunzone.com/can-you-open-carry-a-bow-and-arrow/
The legality of open carrying a bow and arrow varies dramatically. Some states have no laws specifically addressing the issue, meaning the practice is generally permitted unless prohibited by local ordinance. Other states might consider a drawn or easily accessible bow and arrow a concealed weapon if specific conditions are met, such as having the bow strung and an arrow nocked in a populated area.
Interesting. Because i was just thinking, an arrow knocked but undrawn, how is that any different from having a gun in your holster, bullet in the chamber.
Knives i get, because of the concealment issue. But an actual sword worn on the hip in a scabard. It's not concealed. And I'd argue far less dangerous than a gun.
Not that rules or laws are under obligation to make sense, unfortunately.
In Georgia they changed from a concealed firearm permit to a weapons license a while back. It removes a lot of the confusion.
It is legal to carry swords in California, but only if they are sheathed. "Open carry" only applies to firearms here, so bows are okay to be carried around in the open.
California has some of the weirdest rules. It was a felony to even possess nunchaku in the state until as recent as 2022. Meanwhile, you can own a big ass fucking machete and the law specifies that you must open carry it when you take it anywhere, but a balisong is still illegal to possess, concealed or otherwise.
I feel like a lot of the weapon laws were drafted as emotional responses to very specific events, both real and imagined, and nobody ever bothered to go back over the data after the fact to see if the bans actually did anything.
Things were never the same after the 1913 San Luis Obispo Nunchaku Massacre
It was implemented because, and I shit you not, due to a fear of roving karate gangs of delinquent youths, when Asian martial arts schools started rapidly popping up in America in the 70s. Needless to say, this fear was as realistic as the Satanic panic surrounding DnD the following decade.
In Alberta, Canada's Texas, swords may be carried if sheathed. My buddy wore a broadsword to uni class - slung over the back in that way that you maybe slice off your ear if you need to draw it - until the uni banned it on their property.
That's pretty neat. Thanks
And i assume pulling the sword out would be "brandishing a weapon"
Maybe? I think it would have to include threats but I am not 100% on that. Like, it might be okay to unsheathe it to show it off, like if you were selling it and the buyer wanted to check it for damage. 🤷♂️
I'm pretty sure there's still a difference between 'open carry' and 'brandishing a weapon'. So you probably could, as long as you didn't brandish it
not necessarily. the us interpretation of the second has only ever been about guns. weapons like you mention are often banned as well as body armor and less than lethal weapons.
I have a new interpretation for the second amendment: it is a right to bear arms. As in bears, the animals, all americans have the rights to their arms. Not to like remove them or anything, more like intellectual property rights, as in you have the right to create, possess, distribute, sell, relicense, modify, make derivatives of, reverse engineer, request the design schematics of, and repair any art or technology based on bear arms.
I do find it hilarious that you might be allowed to openly carry a firearm, but a bow with arrows, that's where we draw the line!
Perhaps in the context of that bow and arrow is silent? Where as you cannot discharge a firearm without anyone knowing.
it annoys me that defensive things like bullet proof clothing and tazers are often illegal. So its legal to defend yourself with lethal force but if you don't want to kill people then to bad so sad for you.
Is also wonder about a guillotine on little wheels.
It's worth spending extra to get the big wheels. The little ones just aren't very stable.
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