Possession in private isn't an offence unless you have it in your possession with a view sale, lend or hire. The thrust of the order is an attempt to stop manufacture, import and sales. It's the same with the samurai swords.
The violent crime and disorder act actually (but not really helpfully) added specific defences other than lawful excuse. It made it defence for use in films and other productions. The consultation document actually asked if there should be any other specific areas for a legitimate defence. Education and reanactments where suggested. It's time we set up a bushcraft re-enactment society.
As Red said Hunting knives may now also be considered. It will be interesting to see what they will define as a hunting knife. Length may be a feature.
Pablo.
thats alright then they arnt obviously banning anything
though it is now illegal to import Coffe tables from Egypt
i bet they wont point this out when it comes in and have a massive amnesty for handing in your ILLEGAL swords how many will say no thanks i can still actually own it just not sell lend or hire it to Criminals any more
Oh
Should curved, single edged swords (sometimes known as samurai swords) be added to
the Offensive Weapons Order?
that description covers a lot of machetties and Bush style tools when is a machette not a sword ????? etc
And for the Martial arts types saying its oks we only want guenuine swords for our stuff etc
The gov said originally they didnt want to stop sports users and destroy tareget clubs for pistols so wrote up a whole exemption for small calibre pistols used at special clubs to show this good intent then promptly scrapped it and banned the lot
you might not get your Martial arts exemption at all
the only exemption I can see definatly happening is for museums
ATB
Duncan