You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions and access our other features. By joining our free community you will have access to post topics, communicate privately with other members (PM), respond to polls, upload content and access many other special features. Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.
Hey, I'm not sure if this has been mentioned before but, does anybody know what's going on with the 'Samurai Sword' law in the UK? The BBC have claimed that the selling, purchaisng, importing and exporting of samurai sword replicas will be banned by April this year. But what excactly does Samurai Sword Replicas mean? Like the £10 sword craps you get or does this include the higher end of non-folded blades like Hanweis. Also does this law include other types of swords like rapiers and broadswords and all?
No offense, but I don't think the police are going to arrest you for having a samurai sword, then release you on the grounds that your sword is a 'higher end Hanwei.'
If it's sharp and pointy I'm sure you won't get away carrying it about, because it's still capable of stabbing someone.
__________________
Ah, Steven Seagull, I bet nobody's thought of that before.
No offense, but I don't think the police are going to arrest you for having a samurai sword, then release you on the grounds that your sword is a 'higher end Hanwei.'
If it's sharp and pointy I'm sure you won't get away carrying it about, because it's still capable of stabbing someone.
No but you woun't be allowed to purchase swords, so if you're in an iaiado club, you're pretty much screwed, and what if you want a sword as a decoration?
I think this is a very interesting in terms of what it means for martial artists. For example, plenty of Samurai swords are purchased at the martial arts expo 'Seni' (which, funnily enough, is in April), the event will be affected majorly.
It looks like the only way to aquire imitation swords will now only be through martial arts expo's like seni. Real samurai swords will still be allowed to be traded since they go for a vastly higher price than an imitation which you could pick up for £30. Martial arts clubs look to be unaffected: "Ministers say they have recognised there is a special case for exemptions for genuine collectors of the original weapons and acknowledge there is a legitimate role for the blades in some forms of martial arts."
__________________
Ah, Steven Seagull, I bet nobody's thought of that before.
The big part is probably to keep swords out of the hands of gangs and the like. Higher end collectibles generally do not pose a threat to the general public. I wouldn't worry too much, you may just have to wait until certain martial arts events to buy a sword.
The big part is probably to keep swords out of the hands of gangs and the like. Higher end collectibles generally do not pose a threat to the general public. I wouldn't worry too much, you may just have to wait until certain martial arts events to buy a sword.
I'm just curious as to why samuari swords are being pointed out here. Have there been specific instances of katanas being used by criminals? Why not all blades over a certain length?
__________________ "An eye for an eye only blinds the world." - Ghandi
"Imagination is more important than knowledge." - Albert Einstein
"Without deviation from the norm progress is not possible." - Frank Zappa
I'm just curious as to why samuari swords are being pointed out here. Have there been specific instances of katanas being used by criminals? Why not all blades over a certain length?
Because some people unfortunately, are TOO stupid to realise that swords can't do much without handlers. So the government are gonna spend another large amount of money banning cheaper swords when most blade related incidents are done with kitchen knives, multi tools and other 'shanks'. It's not actually the swords fault really because if you look at a full sized katana, they're not that easy to hide, unless you're incredibly tall, but even then your walking would be out of order and you'll have a sword sticking out the back. I blame the incompetence of some police force.
I'm just curious as to why samuari swords are being pointed out here. Have there been specific instances of katanas being used by criminals? Why not all blades over a certain length?
I am betting that it is an extension of the law about blades of a certain length. No longer can people hide behind "This is a collectible", when their 'collectible' retails for $39.95 + tax.
Hello,
My first post on here just thought i'd clear up some of this law rubbish.
1st of April 2008 All fools day.
All samurai 'type' swords will be banned from SALE within the UK and from being imported upto 5 years in prison for breaching this.
You have until then to get the sword you want.
I have a Sword shop in the midlands of England have been in contact with my Member of Parliament 'for what it is worth'.
Yes there are exceptions for collectors and martial artists.
The proposed idea is genuine swords from approved Japanese Forges.
This means No Paul chen, Hanwei, etc as these are not made in Japan so are cheap inferior copies as decided by English polititians.
Sorry for the bad spelling but as you can tell i am rather annoyed.
Need more info get it touch.
I cut myself more with paper BAN IT
The sword BAN is only for cheap swords that anyone can buy on the net. Shops that make genuine Iaito's in or for the UK will be aloud. If you are a practioner you can own a sword, I would think that some kind of registry will be enforced for buying new swords. If your sensible and only carry your swords to training/displays with your MA licence also carry it in a bag or case you will be fine. With in a few weeks UK shops will be selling their Iaito's again. http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2008/em/...0080973_en.pdf
That link will tell you the legislation.
__________________ Power of the mind is infinite, while brawn is limited...
The law only allows the seller ie shop or internet. A legal defense to sell genuine or traditionally made curved bladed swords over 50cm.
The law is still awaiting a test case.
If i was to sell one of my swords to you, i could have no action taken against me or..
They could arrest me, confiscate my entire stock and close my shop down till it gets to court.
If you can show me a shop or site in england willing to sell and with stock....
Anyone caught importing could be arrested and locked up for upto 7 years.
Sword Laws UK
leads to 
Sword law UK 
Linear Mode
