Swords in a non-reenacting situation

[beloitpiper]

So we've all seen these guys at Renn Faires and Highland Games with the great kilt and sword, but I'm wondering if any of you can justify a sword being worn with Highland attire outside of reenacting or fantasy situation. Personally, I leave it up to the Marines, but maybe some of you know some ceremonial swords or people who wear them with the kilt.

Mods, if this is inappropriate, please delete.

[Jack Daw]

In Houston, a blade over 6 inches is illegal to tote; and, dirks and sharp swords must be sheathed at the TX Ren Fest near Magnolia.

[davedove]

Maybe for some types of ceremonies, but I can't think of anything else, and certainly not for everyday wear.

[Phil]

It used to be fashionable to wear just about every piece of hardware imaginable with highland dress - sword, pistols, powder horns, dirk and anything else. Just imagine the rattling and clanking as they walked. Nowadays people go for a simpler look and anyway the authorities tend not to approve of people walking about armed to the teeth for very understandable reasons.

[CactusJack]

These are the rules for weapons at the St. Louis Ren Faire..

Weapons:
All Edged weapons must be covered with cloth or a sheath.
All weapons must be zip tied so they cannot be drawn. Twine and leather are not acceptable. Wooden and Plastic swords do not have to be zip tied. Replica Guns are allowed but must be zip tied so they cannot be drawn. NO Real Firearms Allowed!

[beloitpiper]

Jack, I think the Bristol Faire in Kenosha has the same rules. Phil, that's a good point, I wonder why/when swords became unfashionable with black-tie Highland dress?

[Carolina Kiltman]

Can't answer that, I imagine they began to disappear when swords became ceremonial rather than common weapons. But on occasion I would get an invitation to a formal do, and it would state "Large Medals and Swords" (US Navy)

[prb]

In Houston, a blade over 6 inches is illegal to tote;

What happened to your right to keep and arm bears?

[Dr. Mac]

Polar or grizzly, prb?

[davedove]

What happened to your right to keep and arm bears?

No, no, you got it wrong. It's the right to b-a-r-e arms. Everyone, rip off those sleeves.