Non-Firearm Open Carry

[Fostro]

Let me start by introducing myself.

I'm a 20 year old who moved up from Ohio to attend college in downtown Pittsburgh, and I work for the Allegheny County Adult Probation Office.
I have 15 years of martial arts experience as well.

I recently purchased a RCB expandable baton. I went and got a holster.
I'm having a hard time finding anything about carrying the baton, and the closest I can find is the knife laws. I obviously can't get an LTCF and this isn't a firearm, but a metal stick is nonetheless a visual deterrent and even effective in violent self-defense situation.

Can I carry this thing? I'd hate to have bought something I can't take out.
At most, I'd put it in my book bag or something.

Would you guys be able to help me out?

*edit- I definitely put this in the wrong forum.

[jahwarrior72]

batons are LEO-only; i believe they fall under the prohibited items list. i'm not sure if they're legal to own, but they're most likely illegal to carry, at the least. you might consider buying a sturdy walking stick; they're considered medical devices, and are perfectly legal everywhere across the country. Cold Steel makes quite a few that i've had a chance to handle. they double as self defense items quite effectively.

another idea that you might make use of is a leather coin pouch. there a few companies that make them; they're basically elongated leather pouches that, if filled with quarters, may be used as a last ditch self defense item, if swung with some force. they simulate the effect of a sap, while staying within the law.

[mrjam2jab]

FWIW:

Quote:18 Pa.C.S. § 908: Prohibited offensive weapons
...

© Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Firearm." Any weapon which is designed to or may readily be converted to expel any projectile by the action of an explosive or the frame or receiver of any such weapon.
"Offensive weapons." Any bomb, grenade, machine gun, sawed-off shotgun with a barrel less than 18 inches, firearm specially made or specially adapted for concealment or silent discharge, any blackjack, sandbag, metal knuckles, dagger, knife, razor or cutting instrument, the blade of which is exposed in an automatic way by switch, push-button, spring mechanism, or otherwise, any stun gun, stun baton, taser or other electronic or electric weapon or other implement for the infliction of serious bodily injury which serves no common lawful purpose.

I thought I remember there being "spring stick" in there as well....

[Fostro]

It also lists firearms in there as well, and this whole forum is dedicated to carrying firearms out in the open. I just want to know if I can carry a baton on on my bag or belt.