Sword Cane: Legal For EDC In Texas?

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VorpelSword

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It now looks like I will be walking with a cane for the rest of my life.

Can I EDC a sword cane in Texas?
 
Like anything that is governed state by state, it depends how they classify “sword”
Texas, short answer, yes (ish)
Location, length, intended use, edged / only pointed, etc.
Your best bet, IMO, is research the area you are most likely to frequent.
I don’t need a cane, but can say, people are much more polite to a person with a cane. It’s sounds elementary, but is very noticeable.
 
Most sword canes are sword canes to an observer in the know. The trick is to get one that looks like a regular cane.
 
I am recovering from a series of hip replacement surgeries on both sides. My physical therapist and I both anticipate that I will be using a cane for the rest of my life.

I do not drive a car due to another disability and so, use public transportation to get around in Houston. While Texas is a ""constitutional carry" state I do not feel comfortable openly displaying a pistol. Texass also has CCW of a firearm but many to most places have legal postings that prohibit firearms (can't leave the heater on the bus, right?).

With all that, I am seriously looking into a blade concealed in a walking aid; a sword cane. Don't know how well that will work. It has got to be as good as a cane as what I've got from the drug store. I probably don't need a 36 inch blade either. Probably couldn't use it effectively either. . . .though any blade can be cut down.

Cold steel has a line of sword canes that are "affordable". I will also consider an "antique" if it is below a museum piece price point.
 
I have a sword cane from SMKW. I’ve had it a looong time, so it’s no longer in there cat. Which, BTW, ranges from rediculous to very interesting.
My thoughts (after strong coffee) are about the use of one. In no way am I trying to be provocative.
You’re faced with, when do you show the “problem person” your defense? Which is the ultimate decision.
That could put you in the position of brandishing.
One nice thing about the sword cane is, the sheath ends up being a club in your offhand. A toofer
Personally, I would opt for a shorter blade. Quicker in the hand both to draw and use.
If, and I hope you never do need it…the law can take many unexpected turns. Think sleazy lawyer.
Will Exibit A be a knifelike object or a cutlass?
 
Vorpel -

I am also in Texas. I don't have to use a cane all the time, although I have issues that require the periodic use of a cane for balance.

I considered getting a sword cane after they became legal to carry back in 2017. I chose NOT to get one because -

You can't take one (legally) into any area where they have those stupid "restricted length" requirements, i.e., the same locations where we are not allowed to take a concealed handgun or where prohibited, i.e., the 30.05, 30.06 and 30.07 signage locations, 50% bars/restaurants, court houses, etc.

The ones I looked at had a tendency to wiggle/rattle/ slip loose over time. The older ones, i.e., vintage/antique from the 1800s that had latching mechanisms cost an arm and a leg.

Many are useless for actual cane usage. They can't support much weight.

I don't like the hooked canes as they aggravate my wrist issues. What I have been using are 2 kinds -

First up, I went to Home Depot and bought a 4 foot long 1-1/2" curtain rod, stained with a good quality oil based wood stain, gave it a coal of varnish, and then put a 1-1/2" rubber foot on it. Legal to carry everywhere, including court houses, police stations, bars, schools, etc. If can hold it wherever my hand feels like holding it.

The other option to do the same treatment to a strawberry hoe or eye-hoe handle. These handles are 5 to 6 feet long and you can cut them down to whatever length you prefer. Strawberry hoe handles tend to be in the 1-1/4" range and eye-hoe handles in the 1-1/2" range. Both have a swell at one end that where the hoe friction fits, but the swell makes for a great retention pommel.

If I ever choose to go with a sword cane, I'll probably make one out of an eye-hoe handle and an old spike bayonet, say a British No. 4 or a French Gras or a Russian Mossin-Nagant or a Chinese Type 56 SKS because those would be the simplest to convert. For a bladed bayonet version, a good old US M7 would work. A little hard to implement, but easily done.
 
I also have a sword cane (cold steel) but it’s a hassle pulling it out, I. Actually purchased a solid aluminum cane that would put a serious hurt on someone trying to harass me, it’s enough for me.
 
Bobthebrewer said:
I also have a sword cane (cold steel) but it’s a hassle pulling it out, I. Actually purchased a solid aluminum cane that would put a serious hurt on someone trying to harass me, it’s enough for me.
Click to expand...
I have Cold Steel's 1911 Guardian 2 Walking Stick non blade version. It's a solid walking stick with a weight of 24 oz. Fully capable of knocking a fool out!

You can add a bit of 1911 pistol flare to your personal style by carrying Cold Steel's patented 1911 Guardian II Walking Stick. It has a handle that closely mimics the characteristics of a 1911 pistol grip in terms of size, shape and thickness, and it features thin, pebble grain synthetic grips. If you choose, you can modify your cane to your own tastes, because it can accommodate most custom 1911 pistol grips easily. The tough and sturdy shaft is made from seamless 6065 Aluminum with a 3 mm wall thickness that's been heat treated for strength so that it can support heavier loads without breaking. It's also capped with a custom-made rubber ferrule for extra traction, so it resists slipping or sliding on wet, icy or uneven surfaces.
 
Isn’t it legal to carry an AR strapped around your back in Texas? I doubt a sword cane would be a problem.
 
A GOOD cane with a 'shepherd's hook' handle would be a better option and with practice a better weapon for self defense. And you could take it on a plane, ship and other restricted areas. For that matter a quality Shillelagh is an excellent and historical cane, weapon, club etc but the ones imported from Ireland can be expensive.

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If you need a cane for balance or walking, how will you fight when you are now using the cane as a short sword? I've thought about this as my time is approaching and I think a good stout cane and a fixed blade is a better alternative. Or cane and pepper spray. If it is a court day, you can bring the cane but will need to leave the other stuff at home.
 
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