We are often asked about the UK law in regards to buying and owning a sword or weapon. Do I need a license to buy a sword in the UK? Is it legal to own a sword?
Currently, as the items we sell are replicas, you do not need to have a permit for these items. All products sold on our website are legal to buy and own in the UK if you are aged 18 years and over. Any swords bought must be held in your home, and are not allowed in public without a valid reason. You may carry a sword outside the home, for going to and from an engagement such as using the sword as a prop in a sport, re-enactment or stage combat/acting, as long as it is fully covered.
We age check all our customers by verifying they are at least 18 years old. With regards to our sharp or sharpened items we must, by law, request proof of age and address in the form of a passport or driving license.
Samurai and other curved blades were originally banned from sale in April 2008. 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.
Due to legislation passed in 1988, we do not sell the following products due to them being made illegal to import or sell in the UK:
– Push Daggers
– Butterfly Knives
– Blowpipes
– Sword Canes
– Gravity Knives
– Knuckle Dusters
– Throwing Stars
For a more detailed breakdown please refer to the OFFENSIVE WEAPONS ACT 2019.