You must be at least 18 years old to purchase a sword or any bladed product from The Knight Shop.

We operate strict age verification procedures in accordance with UK law and reserve the right to request proof of age before dispatching an order.

In most circumstances, yes.

The majority of historical swords, replica swords, HEMA training swords and collector's swords can be legally owned and displayed in your home.

Many thousands of collectors, martial artists, re-enactors and history enthusiasts across the UK legally own swords.

Generally, no.

It is illegal to carry a sword or other bladed article in a public place without a good reason or lawful authority.

Examples of legitimate reasons may include:

• Travelling to or from a HEMA club
• Attending a historical re-enactment event
• Taking a sword to an exhibition, museum or display
• Film, television or theatre use
• Transporting a newly purchased sword home

When transporting a sword, it should be securely packaged and kept out of immediate reach wherever possible.

Carrying a sword for self-defence is not considered a valid reason under UK law.

UK law places restrictions on certain curved swords with blades exceeding 50cm in length.

However, several important exemptions and defences exist, including swords that are:

• Traditionally handmade
• Used for historical re-enactment
• Used for sporting activities and martial arts
• Used for film, television or theatre productions
• Antique swords over 100 years old
• Museum and gallery items
• Certain blunt training swords and display pieces

These exemptions were introduced to protect legitimate collectors, martial artists, historical organisations and cultural activities.

Historical European Martial Arts (HEMA) training swords are widely used throughout the UK.

Blunt steel training swords used for recognised sporting activities are generally lawful to own and use within the context of legitimate HEMA practice and competition.

Always transport HEMA equipment responsibly and directly to and from training venues.

The UK has a thriving historical re-enactment community, and the law provides protections for those participating in legitimate historical activities.

Collectors and re-enactors may legally possess many types of historical swords for display, educational and re-enactment purposes.

Antique swords that are over 100 years old benefit from specific legal exemptions.

Many genuine Victorian, Georgian, Napoleonic and earlier swords can therefore be legally bought, sold and collected within the UK.

Some bladed weapons are prohibited under UK law and cannot legally be sold, imported or possessed except in limited circumstances.

Recent legislation has expanded restrictions on certain weapon types, including zombie-style knives and machetes, while additional legislation relating to so-called "ninja swords" has also been introduced.

The Knight Shop does not sell prohibited weapons and continually reviews its product range to ensure compliance with UK legislation.

Purchasing a sword online is legal in the UK provided:

• You are over 18 years of age
• The item itself is legal to own
• Appropriate age verification checks are completed

Orders containing bladed products may require age verification at the point of sale and/or delivery.

For most collectors, history enthusiasts, HEMA practitioners and re-enactors, owning a sword in the UK is entirely legal.

The key principles are:

✓ Be over 18

✓ Purchase legal products from reputable retailers

✓ Store swords responsibly

✓ Do not carry swords in public without a legitimate reason

✓ Transport swords safely and securely