Sirs- I'd carry a Gladius, It's good on defence, perfect for stabbing and cutting, and not so big as to get in the way,

Hi guys, first time posting on here so please bear with me, I think i'd have to go with a custom creation, Christian Fletcher Venetian Sidesword with a Ric Furrer, backsword style blade with a sharpened false edge

I'm a huge fan of your good old fashioned knightly "gete swerds," but since those and all my "favorites" were designed times where armor was equally commonplace, I have to admit that that a cutlass or rapier of some sort would probably be better for the closer quarters, unarmored combat that would happen nowadays (gladius is a good call too, actually). Of course if I were doing it for fashion purposes only and not so worried about using it as a weapon, then of course I would go with an Albion Duke or something along those lines.

Wakizashi or Rapier. Depends on my mood.

A few years back I decided to make a one handed straight sword from ¼” bullet proof steel. Somehow the cutting torch did something to the steel, and the blade ended up curved. So I made a Wakizashi. My brother made a matching wooden sheath and handle that are simple yet beautiful.

Yes, it is legal to publicly wear a sword in most places here in the USA. I sometimes do for costume purposes. I am always careful to never fully draw a blade in public places (partial draw to show the curious). It helps if I am wearing a hauberk, which makes the sword not stand out as much. “He’s wearing a sword AND chainmaille? Well, that’s ok then.”

This is one of those scenarios I love to dream about.

For regular everyday carry I'd carry a simple hanger on a baldric. Since I dress rather plainly (shorts and a t-shirt) anything fancier would look out of place.




For semi-formal events I'd wear a slightly fancier cutlass, similar to this, but with a plain steel hilt and a different design in the basket.




For formal events I'd wear a nice smallsword.




And last but not least, if I were in formal Highland attire or expecting trouble I'd carry my Scottish Basket-Hilted Broadsword.




Of course, these would all be worn with a Dirk on my left side.

With my build, I'd go with a colichemarde smallsword, which I've heard is ideal for dueling. (Not that I'd actively seek out duels, but it sounds like it's a practical yet lightweight sword to carry around for self-defense if needed)

I think I would be carrying the British Victorian Army Officer's Levee Sword and it closely resembles the swords carried by army officers, royals and sometimes leaders during ceremonies nowadays.
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i would go with a short single hand cut and thruster. black or brown leather to match what ever case i was using that dat at work...

but honestly even if they did allow swords to be carried around.. i wouldnt, i enjoy being somewhat peaceful but mostly most all girls would think im a total dork!! lol only my close friends even know i like swords.. so shhh dont tell anyone

Wonderful question. I would would to be able to carry a sword around with me. I would probably carry a longsword or, if I owned one, the sword shown below, made by my favorite sword smith Peter Johnsson. Heh heh, I'm not sure how to stick the image in with this text, so I attached it to this post instead...computers confuse me...

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there`s nothing like a rapier. I´d carry one. a swept hilt rapier.

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swift, deadly and ageless genteel.

Something like this katzbalger with pricker & by-knife. Or a hunting messer + kit. Utility, compact size and effective in a variety of situations.

Cheers,

Out of the swords I already own, I would go with my Schiavonna, by Cervenka. I like the thought of a steel fist when the distance has been cut down, and a blade that has presence, but still enough dexterity.
My other choice , in weapons I don't yet own, would go to Arms&Armor's #192 town guard's sword.

Likely a saxon Type L with a Geibig 2 or 3 blade about 34" OAL. More or less thr Albion Thegn.

Probably a cross between a Messer and a viking langsaxe, so a viking motifed messer (shorter crossguard and possibly a lobed pommel instead of a scale grip) And in Florida sword carrying is legal unless you "brandish" then its a misdimeanor >.< statute 790.10

I prefer plain rather than any decoration – practicality before ornamentation.

Probably something I could handle without problem in a small area, such as:

Russian Kindjal (1907)
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Or a slightly altered Ram Dao (sacrificial sword).
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Paired with a buckler of boiled leather and steel boss (so it weighs less), and:

Indian (Bagh Nakh) Tiger claw:

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And a Katar or rondel dagger as last line of defense.

I'd love to carry around the Gustav Vasa Rapier, but given that I drive a car frequently, it would get in the way much too much in daily use. So, I'd take it along for special occasions, but would wear a sidesword of some type for daily use.

My choise for everyday wear, maybe also to formal events:

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This douple loop hilt is my all time favourite smallsword, so simple and elegant. Wish I could own something like this one day.

For those days when when trouble is to be expected:
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If this was the case and there was a real need to openly carry a sword then nothing would say don't messer with me like the Albion Knecht.

I am hardly as expert as many of the other people who have replied,But I am going to take a bit of a contrarian view anyway.

First let us examine your question, IF the government of your country decided to allow citizens to carry swords in public then I would have to make a few assumptions:

A) Some people would carry swords for decoration
B) Some people would carry them for protection
C) Some people would carry them with the INTENT to use them

For the purposes of establishing my position, the people in category A do not count, and for most purposes, unless I myself am in category C then B does not count either. So that leaves C.

If I were in category B and worried about confronting category C, I would want the best sword for combat that I was capable of using. Since it is unlikely that I would be facing assailants carrying short swords, those are right out. I would want something that lent itself to a multitude of styles, capable of both offense and defense and with good reach.

Personally I think a light longsword or heavy rapier would be the better choice. Besides, I have always been partial to the Dresden Rapier ( http://www.myArmoury.com/swor_aa_dres.html ) :D and it fits my reasoning nicely!