Is It Legal To Own A Sword?

Laws of buying and importing swords

In most countries, it is 100% legal to own a sword.

In the modern world, swords are rarely used as an offensive weapon outside of martial arts classrooms. However, some people may want to keep a sword at home for self-defence purposes, while others like to keep them as collector’s items and display pieces. But whether it’s to defend your property or proudly display on your wall, is it legal to own a sword?

Regulations surrounding the ownership and importation of swords vary in the UK, US, Australia and Canada. In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know so that you can stay on the right side of the law. If you have any questions regarding your jurisdiction, don’t hesitate to contact us.

 

Is it legal to own a sword in Australia?

Yes, it is legal to own a sword in Australia. Here, any bladed weapon with a cutting edge can be considered a sword, which extends to knives, daggers, bayonets and machetes. You must be at least 18 years of age to buy, sell or own swords. Moreover, it’s illegal to carry swords and knives in public places, except for utility knives with a blade shorter than 10 cm.

However, while you can’t carry swords, most states permit you to keep restricted knives and swords in your own home. You are not allowed to possess any swords that have been modified to make them suitable for use as weapons.

 

Can you import swords into Australia?

Yes, you can legally import swords into Australia. According to the Australian Border Force, you can import swords including bayonets, katanas and samurai swords into Australia, though you must declare them to customs. Restricted knives and swords that you can’t import without special permission include concealed blades, daggers and automatic knives. Learn more about importing weapons into Australia. 

Remeber, you shouldn’t carry your sword around in public.

The maximum penalties for carrying swords in public vary by state:

• New South Wales: $5,500 fine or two years imprisonment
• Northern Territory: $5,000 fine or three months imprisonment
• Victoria: $5,000 fine or six months imprisonment
• Australian Capital Territory: $5,500 fine or two years imprisonment
• Queensland: $2,500 fine or two years imprisonment
• South Australia: $2,000 fine or two years imprisonment
• Tasmania: $1,000 fine or six months imprisonment
• Western Australia: $2,000 fine or two years imprisonment

 

Is it legal to own a sword in Canada?

The legality of swords in Canada varies by state, but generally speaking, there are no restrictions on swords that are used for martial arts training or have historical value (antiques). Swords with a blade exceeding 30 cm in length are restricted, meaning you need to comply with strict licensing regulations and legal requirements to own and use one. However, restricted swords can usually be used for ceremonial purposes, historical reenactments or as collectors’ items.

All concealed swords are strictly prohibited in Canada. These include belt buckle swords and cane swords.

 

Can you import swords into Canada?

You can import most types of non-restricted swords into Canada provided you complete a customs declaration form. You’ll likely need to provide the purchase receipt, a brief description of the sword that includes its type and intended use, and its historical significance. If you want to import restricted swords, you’ll need a permit from the Authorization to Transport (ATT). You can contact the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or the Canadian Firearms Program for more specific details.

 

Is it legal to own a sword in the US?

Sword ownership is generally legal in the United States provided you are at least 18 years of age. However, different states have different regulations when it comes to carrying swords in public. While laws can vary, it’s almost always illegal to carry a double-edged or concealed sword, though carrying a sheathed sword is generally permissible.

In many states, concealed blades such as cane swords are heavily regulated. For example, possessing a cane sword in California is illegal. In Texas, you can own a cane sword, but carrying them in public is restricted. In states such as Missouri, Delaware and Georgia, you’ll need a concealed weapons licence to carry a cane sword.

We should also note that while some states impose very few if any regulations on sword ownership, many impose regulations on where you can carry them. For example, while Texas permits you to carry open swords including katanas in public, you can’t carry knives or swords in places such as schools and government buildings.

 

Can you import swords into the US?

Generally speaking, US Customs will not have an issue with you importing swords into the US, though make sure you declare such items on arrival. Make sure to keep hold of documents such as purchase receipts and export permits. You may be required to provide additional information for certain types of swords, including antiques.

 

Is it legal to own a sword in the UK?

Under the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 2019, you can generally own a sword in the UK provided you are over the age of 18 years. The UK classifies swords into two categories – antique and modern, with antique swords being manufactured prior to the year 1954. You don’t usually need a specific licence to own antique swords, unless you intend to export them. You will, however, need a sword licence to own a modern sword for a legitimate reason such as martial arts practice, historical reenactments or theatrical performances.

Before buying a sword, find out which swords are banned in the UK. Prohibited swords include samurai swords, disguised blades, butterfly knives, sword sticks (cane swords), and push daggers.

 

Can you import swords into the UK?

Provided they are not prohibited, you can import swords into the UK. Just make sure to declare your swords at customs when you arrive. In certain situations, you may be able to obtain permission to import restricted weapons, such as if you intend to display the sword at a museum or use one in a theatrical production. You will need to provide evidence that demonstrates why you need the restricted sword. Keep in mind that the final decision on whether or not to permit the import of a sword lies with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

 

Order Your Sword from The Survival Island

Are you looking for a sword that you can legally own in Australia, Canada, the U, the UK or another country? At The Survival Island store, we are experts at legally exporting swords to countries all over the world. We proudly boast a broad range of swords that includes Chinese ring swords and Japanese katanas that make excellent collectables and display items. We’re a team of survival and wilderness entrepreneurs that’s passionate about personal independence, survival and sustainability, which is why we only sell swords that have our seal of approval.

Order your sword today, and we’ll have it delivered to you in no time at all. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the legality of sword ownership in your area.