Is the UK banning swords?

No, swords aren't completely banned in the UK, but ownership and carrying are heavily restricted, especially for curved blades over 50cm (like ninja swords, banned since August 2025) and pointed/sharp weapons, requiring you to be 18+ and have a good reason (like re-enactment, sport, or stage combat) to carry them in public, always covered. Traditional straight swords (e.g., medieval) and antique blades (over 100 years old) are generally legal to own, but carrying them in public without a valid reason is an offense.

What swords are being banned in the UK?

From 1 August it will be illegal to own, sell, or import ninja swords in England and Wales. It comes after changes were made when the Crime and Policing Bill went through Parliament earlier this year following campaigning by the family of Ronan Kanda, who was killed in Wolverhampton in 2022.

Can you buy a sword in the UK in 2025?

Since 1st August 2025 the sale, possession, manufacture, and transportation of ninja swords were officially banned* across England and Wales. This is an important milestone in the fight against knife crime – closing a dangerous loophole that has allowed the sale of ninja swords in the UK.

Are you allowed swords in the UK?

An amendment of this act was passed months later in August 2008, allowing curved and Samurai swords, which are handmade using traditional forging methods before 1954, to be sold without a license. All the swords sold on our site are legal to own in the UK.

When were swords banned in the UK?

Since 2008, curved swords with a blade over 50cm long have been prohibited under UK law, with certain 'defences' and exemptions.

Female Giants vs. Strongest Dwarfs - (Who's Stronger?)

Where can I legally buy swords in the UK?

Celtic WebMerchant: reliable UK sword shop

We also have a collection of custom made swords from artisan European blacksmiths. We do not sell razor-sharp swords to persons under 18, and we make sure that the weapon you buy is legal in the UK. We make sure that buying a sword online is carefree, easy, quick and reliable!

What weapons can I legally own in the UK?

What Self-Defence Weapons are Legal?

• Personal Alarms. One of the most recommended self-defence items is a personal alarm. ...
• Keychain Weapons. ...
• Self-Defence Classes. ...
• Knives and Blades. ...
• Firearms. ...
• Other Offensive Weapons. ...
• Awareness and Avoidance. ...
• Self-Defence Apps.

Can I legally buy a sword?

Yes, owning a sword is generally legal in the U.S. for adults (18+) as a collectible or for display, but carrying them in public is heavily restricted and varies significantly by state and local laws, often treated like dangerous weapons or illegal concealed items, with specific rules for items like cane swords or intent to use unlawfully. 

Are curved swords illegal?

No, curved swords aren't universally illegal; ownership is generally legal in many places like the U.S. and U.K., but laws vary significantly by location, often restricting carrying them in public or targeting specific types like "ninja swords," while exempting antiques, traditional, or historically used blades (martial arts, reenactment). Laws focus on public safety, so intent and context (e.g., a collector vs. someone carrying it menacingly) matter, with exceptions for lawful activities and traditional craftsmanship.
 

Is katana illegal?

Yes, katanas are generally legal to own in many places like the U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe, but legality varies significantly by country, state, and city, with restrictions often applying to public carrying, blade length, and import; ownership usually requires checking local laws, as some areas ban them or require permits, while decorative or antique ones may have different rules.
 

Can you have a Katana in your house in the UK?

Katana type swords are already prohibited and fall under the definition of a prohibited item listed in (r) in the Schedule to The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988.

Can you sell swords on eBay UK?

Most types of weapons are not allowed on eBay.

What blade can you legally carry in the UK?

You can carry a knife in public if it has a folding blade that is 3 inches (7.62cm) or less in length. However if any knife is used to threaten or intimidate it is considered an offensive weapon. Please note, lock knives are not classed as folding knives and are illegal to carry in public.

Is a 2 inch blade legal?

Yes, a 2-inch knife is generally legal to carry in most places in the US, as many laws focus on blades over a certain length (like 2, 3, or 4 inches) or prohibit specific types like switchblades or daggers, but legality hinges on your specific state/city laws, intent, and if it's a "per se" weapon (like a dirk), so always check local ordinances. 

Can you legally walk around with a sword?

In most states, laws pertaining to swords are vague at best, except for sword canes and katanas. Until a few years ago, most Legislators never even considered creating laws specifically pertaining to swords, other than sword canes, which are concealed weapons.

Why is the UK banning ninja swords?

The ban on buying and selling ninja swords is part of the government's pledge to introduce Ronan's Law, named in honour of 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who was fatally stabbed with a ninja sword in 2022.

Can I bring back a knife from Japan?

Yes! You can bring Japanese knives home, but there are a few important things to keep in mind: Carry-on rules: Knives are not allowed in hand luggage on planes.

Can curved swords stab?

When you swing it, the way your hand moves fits well with the curve of the blade, allowing it to slide in and out of something smoothly. Matt Easton, an expert in historical European martial arts (HEMA) who focuses on sabers, points out that curved swords are also effective at stabbing.

Can I own a sword in the UK?

Do I need a licence to purchase a sword or other weaponry from your site? UK Law does not require you to have a license to purchase or own a sword.

Can I keep a sword in my car?

In many places, the possession and transportation of weapons, including swords, may be regulated or restricted by law. Carrying a sword in your car could potentially be seen as carrying a weapon, and it may be subject to the same regulations that govern the possession and transportation of weapons in general.

What does God say about owning a sword?

God's message about swords in the Bible is complex, showing both literal warnings against violence ("all who take the sword will perish by the sword") and metaphorical uses, like the "sword of the Spirit" (God's Word) and the division a "sword" can bring (Matthew 10:34), alongside instances where Jesus seemingly commanded buying swords (Luke 22:36) for defense in dangerous times, highlighting spiritual preparedness over physical aggression.
 

How can I legally defend myself in the UK?

You can use reasonable force to protect yourself or others if a crime is taking place inside your home. This means you can: protect yourself 'in the heat of the moment' - this includes using an object as a weapon. stop an intruder running off - for example by tackling them to the ground.

Can I have a sword at home?

A new offence of possessing an offensive weapon in private (e.g. your own home) has now been created and came into force on 14th July 2021. It is a summary only offence, meaning it can only be dealt with in the Magistrates' Court, and carries a maximum of 6 months' imprisonment.

What is the most powerful gun you can own in the UK without a license?

Airgun Law – England and Wales

You can buy and use air pistols up to 6ft/lbs of power and air rifles up to 12ft/lbs of power without a licence. If you want to own or use a rifle over 12ft/lbs of power, you will need a firearms certificate, which you can obtain through your local council.