2006-11-04 10:10:07 · 19 answers · asked by michael 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Ownership in your home, no.
Taking one into a public place without reasonable excuse- yes since it has a blade longer than 3 inches.
Reasonable excuse? Transporting one home after buying it, taking it to a Samurai Sword Lovers' Convention etc.
Waving it around above your head shouting "Sayonara" - no.
2006-11-07 08:17:06 · answer #1 · answered by Hilary Y 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No.
There's a lot of ignorance in SOME of the posts above. Offensive weapon laws in the UK is a tricky area, but to legally carry an offensive weapon you have to show 'good reason'. Think of the sword-carrying knights etc. that one sees at country fairs. Think of actors brandishing edged weapons when filming or performing a play. Think of the farmer using a six-foot scythe. Think of a Sikh or Scot with a ceremonial dress-knife. These examples demonstrate when it is reasonable and perfectly legal to have an offensive weapon on your person.
Conversely, if one walked into your local pub waving a samurai sword, smeared in peanut butter and screaming "Banzai!", expect a very harsh police response! In summary, a sword is perfectly legal in the UK - depending on what you do with it and in what circumstances.
2006-11-05 02:36:57 · answer #2 · answered by D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Ornamental Samurai sword are sold the lenght of the country in various shops and market stalls as well as online. You can get some really nice ones and if you sharpen them then they make great tools for getting burglars out of your house.
It's when you sharpen them and strap them to your waist to get an edge over the rest of the peasants queueing at Argos as it gets near to Xmas that the legality is somewhat negated.
2006-11-04 10:19:56 · answer #3 · answered by Martin G 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you leave them at home no, the same as a knife.
If you walk in a public place and brandish it they could be.
We are have just returned from 6 months in Japan you really should read the book 'spirit of the samurai'
Fantastic place and terrific people, not like anywhere we have ever been.
2006-11-04 10:22:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I bloody well hope not, i have 6 and they are all like razor blades, besides people sell them on eBay and im sure some limp wrister would have stopped it if it was illegal.
Buy one without worrying friend, they are perfectly legal to own.
2006-11-04 10:17:38 · answer #5 · answered by thecoldvoiceofreason 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No possessing them is legal. you cannot take them onto the street or public places. It would be deemed as an offensive weapon. I should know I am an Assassin for the seven wise Ninjas of Poontang!
2006-11-04 23:08:32 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can own one but it has to be blunt. Im not sure if its legal to taking a one outside. It doesnt seem like a good idea.
2006-11-08 08:56:45 · answer #7 · answered by Bella 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No as long as you are not carrying one around in public with you. You can keep as many as you like in your own home.
2006-11-04 10:27:10 · answer #8 · answered by Poppy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope, I imported a real one from Japan, and it wasn't even stopped at customs.
2006-11-04 17:26:17 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
ARE WE LIVING IN A NANNY STATE OR WHAT!!!!!!!!!!
Of course there not, just don't take them out into the street! Unless you mean to do business!
2006-11-04 23:00:45 · answer #10 · answered by Marc T 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋