Sword Ban Information
Elite Swords is not yet active, but you can register here!
As of the 6th April 2008 it became illegal to manufacture, import or sell all swords with a curved blade over 50cm. Initially we planned to supply these so long as the customer were able to prove their eligibility, although it appears that the suppliers will not supply us.
If you read the draft document it actually says it is illegal to sell these swords, even to martial artists. Although if you do get prosecuted then you can use as a defence that you supplied the sword to a martial artist for a permitted activity. BearArm Ltd is happy to take the "risk" as we are confident that we will have enough proof that the customer is a martial artist. However, the suppliers are not, and they are no longer selling the affected swords to retailers in the UK.
So we intend on selling the current stock of swords. At this time you can buy these through Oriental Weaponry (Elite Swords has been postponed);
Practical Elite Katana(Ref: HW6000KPC)
Practical Plus Elite Katana (Ref: HW6001KPE)
Tsuru Iaito - 29" Blade (Ref: HW5014)
Three Monkey Katana and Wakizashi (Ref: HW2329-1) - 50% Off!
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
Click here for the Government's Draft Order
FAQ
The legislation does not mention samurai swords, it only mentions swords with a blade length of 50cm or over. Does this mean that non-Japanese swords will also be banned?
As per the document, it appears that ALL swords with those characteristics will be banned. Including Chinese Dao, American & European Sabres, Filipino Swords etc.
This ban is applied to imitation swords only and not to 'real' Japanese swords, will the Paul Chen Swords be affected?
In short, yes they are affected. Although the Paul Chen swords are forged in the traditional way, they are made in China and are therefore imitation. However, The UK distributors are trying to add an exception to this, so that those swords made in a traditional way can also be used as a defense. At the time of writing we do not know if this is possible or how long this amendment will take to come in effect.
Could you please tell me what katana brands will be available to those who can prove their eligibility to buy them, for example Hanwei/Paul Chen, Bugei, Last Legend?
We plan on selling Hanwei, by Paul Chen Swords. We would like to sell other brands but, given the uncertain times we are in (regarding the ban), we are not currently investigating becoming a retailer for other sword manufacturers.
What about people like myself who just enjoy collecting samurai swords? Am I entitled to buy?
I'm afraid not, although the UK distributors are trying to add the exception that swords made in a traditional way regardless of origin (i.e. outside of Japan), will not be affected by the ban. If this is allowed, then we should be able to supply the swords to collectors (It seems a little ridiculous that a £2,000 Tamahagane katana is deemed illegal!).