Samurai Swords Banned?

Raistlin · 10-04-2008, 09:55

When did this happen:

Quote:

***Policy on sale of samurai swords***

02 April, 2008 | 12:52PM BST

The UK Government recently decided to ban the sale, manufacture, hire and import of samurai swords. While there are some exceptions to this general ban, we don’t think it’s practical to enforce a policy based on these.

The sale of samurai swords on eBay.co.uk will therefore be completely prohibited when the new law comes into effect on 6th April.

Regards,

The eBay Team

(Quote taken from eBay's news page)

I don't recall seeing the Government announce a ban on 'selling, manufacturing, hiring, or importing, samurai swords'.....

Anybody shed any light on this?

**Graham M** · 10-04-2008, 09:57

I heard about it but didn't really pay any attention to it as I didn't intend to buy one lol

**Derek** · 10-04-2008, 12:45

About the end of the last year it was announced.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7139724.stm

Although I don't think the ban applies in Scotland or Northern Ireland yet and unless they start examining parcels sent within the UK there are more loopholes in the plan than the last bit of knee-jerk government plans.
Besides most of the swords you can buy are such poor quality you can inflict far greater harm using a largish kitchen knife and unless the government wants to start licensing the sale of them....

Jules · 10-04-2008, 12:52

I had heared about it as well but didn't take a lot of notice

Xaccers · 10-04-2008, 13:00

We had this last year with realistic imitation firearms.
Thankfully we managed to get a defence against the offences of importing, manufacture and sale, so those with a legitimate purpose can continue.

Welcome to the world of tabloid politics.

joglynne · 10-04-2008, 18:13

As far as Samurai Swords are concerned the powers that be have accepted that a blanket ban was not needed and

Quote:

..., the law will include exemptions for rare, genuine Japanese swords valued by collectors, and also for the kinds of swords often used in martial arts.

so at least it shows they learnt something from the attempt of a total ban of realistic imitation firearms.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-u...anning-swordsv

**Matt D** · 10-04-2008, 21:33

It's not just "Samurai swords" that have been banned from sale etc., it's all curved swords of 50cm or more in length, not just Katanas.

Although that means that, at the moment, it is still perfectly legal to buy straight swords (e.g. "broadswords", "Ninja swords", etc.). However the Home Office is apparently considering extending the ban to all swords in October.

An anti-ban Facebook group:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8032874663

FAQ:

http://www.akct.org/page29.html

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xaccers

We had this last year with realistic imitation firearms.
Thankfully we managed to get a defence against the offences of importing, manufacture and sale, so those with a legitimate purpose can continue.

Welcome to the world of tabloid politics.

Yep, more knee-jerk nonsense from our Glorious Leaders.

Quote:

Originally Posted by joglynne

As far as Samurai Swords are concerned the powers that be have accepted that a blanket ban was not needed and so at least it shows they learnt something from the attempt of a total ban of realistic imitation firearms.

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-u...anning-swordsv

I don't think they've learnt anything.

The problem with "genuine Japanese swords valued by collectors" is that they are extremely expensive.

Many collectors happily collect - or used to 'till now - good quality replicas (e.g. Paul Chen swords). And not just "Samurai" swords, but also other Japanese swords, Chinese swords, British & European swords, movie replica swords (LOTR, Highlander, Blade, etc.), etc.

But now, if you want to buy a "Samurai" sword (& most likely soon *any* sword), you have to either buy a really expensive genuine one, or e.g. be a member of a martial arts club which uses swords & has public liability insurance.

Ramrod · 10-04-2008, 21:39

I have a couple of 'live' Paul Chen Chinese swords for tai chi.
.........Glad they haven't been banned

WHISTLED · 10-04-2008, 21:52

Quote:

Thankfully we managed to get a defence against the offences of importing, manufacture and sale, so those with a legitimate purpose can continue

'We havent grown up yet your honour!'

papa smurf · 10-04-2008, 22:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

I have a couple of 'live' Paul Chen Chinese swords for tai chi.
.........Glad they haven't been banned

i practice an ancient viking art all you need is a big chopper.....[er axe]

The Hitman · 10-04-2008, 22:37

Novelity lighters have been banned as well

Xaccers · 11-04-2008, 00:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by WHISTLED

'We havent grown up yet your honour!'

Have you not?

**Maggy J** · 11-04-2008, 00:25

Eventually every interest and hobby will be banned because of either health and safety or because some moron will have used something from some hobby to kill or it's considered cruel or it's something some toff enjoys doing.

After all you should see the damage I can inflict with a pencil..

danielf · 11-04-2008, 00:31

I agree that the ban is silly, but what exactly is the appeal of collecting replica swords?

(Personally I'm uncomfortable with the small axe I have in the shed for chopping up fire wood)

Xaccers · 11-04-2008, 01:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by danielf

I agree that the ban is silly, but what exactly is the appeal of collecting replica swords?

(Personally I'm uncomfortable with the small axe I have in the shed for chopping up fire wood)

It's all down to the individual.
One might as well ask what's the appeal to collecting stamps?