Ownership and trade in the United Kingdom

As of April 2008, the British government added swords with a curved blade of 50 cm (20 in) or over in length ("and for the purposes of this sub-paragraph, the length of the blade shall be the straight line distance from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade") to the Offensive Weapons Order.^[8] This ban was a response to reports that Samurai swords were used in more than 80 attacks and 4 killings over the 4 preceding years.^[9] Those who violate the ban would be jailed up to six months and charged a fine of £5,000. Martial arts practitioners, historical re-enactors and people currently possessing such swords may still own them. The sword can also be legal provided it was made in Japan before 1954, or was made using traditional sword making methods. It is also legal to buy if it can be classed as a 'martial artist's weapon' ^[10]. This ban currently applies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.