Legal question regarding sword laws in California:
I am a native of Westminster California in Orange County. I have no criminal record and have little to no interest in owning a firearm personally. Where I live there are a lot of unfortunate homeless and/or folks suffering from drug addiction. On more than a few occasions, I have been approached in a hostile manner especially at night when I walk my dog. (I tend to get home late.)
While I do not wish to own a firearm for myself, I am still interested in defending myself the best way I know how to. I have been classically trained in swordsmanship and do not feel confident in my skills with a knife. I am curious about how the law works regarding carrying a properly sheathed, fixed blade in the open when I walk my dog to the store and such and while what research I can find on the matter seems to suggest I can do so legally, they have seemed to be lackluster resources at best.
I feel I should further add: 1. No, it is not a katana. (not sure why I felt I needed to add that but there you go) 2. No, I am not a sword wielding lunatic wishing to go all Purge on people. 3. I have no want, desire or plan to harm anyone, and I truly feel for said unfortunate in my city. However, I do simply feel that just the sight of a blade, even still sheathed, would dissuade would be aggressive advances. Were it still not to discourage such advances, I would like to be able to confidently defend myself the best way I know how to.
Thank you for your time!