This law sucks-bigtime.
It collectively bans any and all curved blades over 50cm long.
While,wait for it....not banning any straight bladed swords of any type or length.
So I can still go out and buy say a carbon steel,razor sharp ninja sword-as long as its straight.
Because as we all know-it would be impossible for anyone to be harmed by a straight blade.
SO any curved long blade-including pirate style swords and many others are now illegel to buy hire or sell here in the UK.
The law says nothing about those who own a sword prior to the ban-as long as you do not sell,lend or rent the blade you can still own it.
BTW it has been an offence to carry a sword in public for a long while here.
I think its similar to air guns-you must only carry/transport them in a case,and not on display in public.
Here is the actual government document explaining the law changes:
www.opsi.gov.uk...
There is talk on sword forums that the UK gov will extend the ban to include ALL swords by october 08,although i have nothing concrete on that,but it
would not surprise me.
I think this move by the Gov is possibly one of the most idiotic ideas they have yet had--I mean knife crime is huge in the UK,where as I can only
remember 4 or 5 incidents of crimes involving proper swords over the last 10 years or so.
In my experience people who own swords do so for non violent reasons,such as artistic merit or historical value.
Just because a tiny minority may abuse swords does not in my opinion mean that they should be banned.
I mean MY GOD...more people use their cars as a deadly weapon to kill and maim others---Shall we ask our beloved Gov to ban them next?
The main reasons this pisses me off is it is more of the gov deciding what is right for all of us-without any consultation with the public.And because
the law covers those who make blades as well-like my friend who is a traditional blacksmith.
I think he should still be allowed to make such traditional items as swords.
Being a fan of archery I also worry that in the future will bows and arrows be the next in line for being banned?
Then what?
Plastic cutlery anyone?