--- title: "These are 6 other weapons legal for open carry in the United States" description: "Sure, you knew you could open carry a firearm in some states... but did you know about flamethrowers and other weapons?" date: "2020-12-03" modified: "2020-12-04" authors: - name: "Blake Stilwell" job_title: "Editor-In-Chief, Air Force Veteran" link: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/authors/blake/" url: "https://www.wearethemighty.com/popular/these-are-6-other-weapons-legal-for-open-carry-in-the-united-states/" categories: - "Tactical" - "Weapons" --- # These are 6 other weapons legal for open carry in the United States ![a flamethrower weapon]() As we all know by now, the Second Amendment protects the right for citizens of the U.S. to bear arms. In 48 states and territories, it is also legal for Americans to carry their weapons in the open, in public, in plain sight. While these "open carry" laws allow users to wear various firearms, it doesn't allow for all weapons. Some non-firearms are legal for open carry, some aren't so much. --- ![]() Depending on where you are in the United States, you'll want to check the local ordinances before you strap on your other weapons. Seriously, this site is We Are The *Mighty*, not We Are The *Lawyers --* so check those laws. ### 1. Swords – California In California, any fixed blade must be sheathed. But [not only is it legal to openly carry a sheathed sword, it's the law](). Any kind of concealment for bladed weapons is a misdemeanor. Bladed weapons in most states where they *are* legal to carry, are usually illegal if they're longer than five inches. Concealed blades, like cane swords, are always illegal. ![]() *Just one of the many things wrong with the movie Blind Fury.* ### 2. Religious Knives – U.S. Military and all States Because Sikh religious practices sometimes require the use of a *kirpan*, a small sword used in religious practices. Because the bladed weapon is anywhere from three to nine inches long, it can be illegal in most states, but many state courts and legislatures found this violates the Sikh's religious rights. The U.S. military allows for Sikhs to wear the bladed weapons in uniform. ![]() *Also, turbans (photo via The Sikh Coalition)* ### 3. Flamethrowers - Everywhere except Maryland and California The perfect tool for melting snow *and* killing insects [is now commercially available and legal]() for open carry in 48 states. Why? Because it runs on good ol' 87 octane gasoline. Homemade flamethrowers were previously regulated based on the fuel they used. Now nothing can stop you from getting to work in those deep February snows. ![]() *Pesky mosquitos!* ### 4. Tomahawks - Not California, Colorado, or Texas Unless you're carrying a tomahawk made of wood and stone (in which case you should also be wearing a Native American headdress and traveling with a construction worker, policeman, and cowboy), then a tomahawk is actually a pretty popular weapon. Battle tomahawks are legal to own in most states that allow a fixed blade, [except Colorado](). Texas prohibits "any hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown." In California, you should be on your way to a re-enactment or camping while holding your tomahawk, otherwise the law can give you a headache over it. ![]() *But not the same headache you can give them.* ### 5. Battle Axes - Washington State Washington State Football Coach Mike Leach famously announced he uses a [Viking battleaxe for home defense](), instead of his firearms. [It is legal to ]()[open carry any type of weapon in Washington State](), so long as it is "not carried in a way that may cause others alarm." ![]() *Time for a kinder, gentler battleaxe.* One trailblazing action group is working on getting [restrictions to battle axes lifted in Texas](). ### 6. Ninja Stars - Montana In Montana, it is legal to openly carry any weapon that is legal to own. So, throwing knives, lightsabers, ninja stars, you name it: anything not expressly forbidden by case law or state legislation is fair game. Go nuts, ninjas in Montana! ![]() *Cowboy ninjas rejoice!* ## Author Blake Stilwell is We Are The Mighty's Editor-in-Chief, covering military news, entertainment, and history, along with veteran education, employment and entrepreneurship. He is a former U.S. Air Force combat cameraman with degrees in Graphic Design, Television and Film, International Relations, Public Relations, Business Management and Middle Eastern Affairs. After leaving the military, he began working in film and television production in New York and Los Angeles, work that included ABC News, NBC Olympics, and HBO Sports. He then spent two years in Washington with White House Communications, before joining the Near East Foundation. At NEF he served as an International Development Fellow, then Communications Officer, and finally, Media Officer for the Middle East and Africa. Based in the Palestinian Territory, he coordinated strategic communications between eight country offices, international media, and government and NGO partners. He began a career focused on writing and editing in 2015 with We Are The Mighty. He left in 2019 for Military.com, but returned as Editor-in-Chief in 2025. Blake’s work has been seen on CBS News, Fox News, CBC, The Chicago Tribune, Task & Purpose, Military Times, Recoil, Skillset, American History, and was shockingly even used in a Supreme Court argument. He is an avid traveler and small business owner in Ohio, where he spends most of his energy fixing up a very old house. ### Author social links [Facebook]() [Twitter]() [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()