No, it is not broadly illegal to have a sword in your house, but it depends entirely on the type of sword.
Owning specific, banned types of swords in private properties (like your home) is a criminal offense.Legal SwordsYou are generally allowed to own and keep traditional, historical, or display swords at home provided you are over 18. Examples include:Antique swords (over 100 years old).Straight-bladed swords.Curved swords over 50cm (like samurai swords), only if they were made before 1954, hand-forged using traditional methods, or qualify as historical antiques.Banned Swords (Illegal in your home)Under the Offensive Weapons Act, the UK has banned the possession of several specific types of weapons, even in private dwellings. It is illegal to own:Ninja swords: Any straight, double-edged blade between 14 and 24 inches with specific tip styles.Zombie knives: Blades with a cutting edge, a serrated edge, and images or words suggesting it is for violence.Sword canes: Any concealed blade inside a walking stick.Crucial RulesYou cannot carry them in public: It is illegal to carry a sword in public without a valid, legally recognized reason (e.g., historical re-enactment, martial arts training, or theatre).Self-defense: You can never use a sword for self-defense in the UK. If you use any weapon at home for defense, you can be prosecuted for possession of an offensive weapon or using disproportionate force.
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