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UK Bans Samurai Swords

Move follows a wave of high-profile attacks in recent years

By Zach Samalin, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 14, 2007 3:35 PM CST

(Newser) – British authorities are cracking down on a deadly, if unconventional, weapon—the samurai sword. The government banned the sale of the Japanese blades this week following at least 80 serious attacks, including five deaths, in the last few years, the Guardian reports. Collectors and martial arts practitioners will not be affected, just those who pick up cheaper imitations.

"In the wrong hands, samurai swords are dangerous weapons," said a Home Office official. "We recognize it is the cheap, easily available samurai swords which are being used in crime and not the genuine more expensive samurai swords." Those who import, sell, or rent the swords face 6 months in jail and a hefty fine.

[Images (3)]

[Videos (1)]

Armor-clad Samurai professional actors for sword fight demonstrate sword duel in the river during a reenactment of a battle scene in the old age of civil wars as a part of spring festival in Fuefuki,... (Associated Press)

A ban on Samurai swords is underway in Great Britain. (Shutterstock.com)

The British government has announced they will ban the sale of samurai swords after a series high-profile attacks. (Shutterstock.com)

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An accidental Samurai Sword injury occurs on "Shop at Home." (ThisGoodThing (YouTube))

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UK Bans Samurai Swords