After long ago coming for the guns, the Crown is seeking to disarm honest, hard-working ninjas in the British Isles.
We here at Guns.com have repeatedly offered examples of how strict firearms regulations are in the UK – while at the same time, the country's violent crime rates have been climbing. This had led to a series of actions against knife ownership and carry.
In the latest push to disarm the populace at large, His Majesty's Government has announced its "Ninja sword surrender and compensation scheme." Such edged weapons are defined as having a blade at least 14 inches long but no more than 24, with a primary straight cutting edge, and a tanto-style point that provides a secondary straight cutting edge.
With some narrow exceptions, such as for museums, reenactors with blunt or faux swords, and for historical swords over 100 years old, starting Aug. 1, 2025, it is illegal to possess a so-called ninja sword in the UK. Last month, an amnesty allowed those with a newly illegal ninja sword to hand them in at participating police stations or drop them in one of 37 locked collection bins. Authorities announced this week that some 1,000 assorted knives and swords were surrendered in July.
The standard compensation amount for each surrendered weapon was £5, or about $6.65, although those with proof of purchase for a higher amount dated before March 27, 2025, could attempt to claim more.
While British law permits the ownership of curved swords by some for religious reasons, particularly by Kirpan-carrying Sikhs, there are no religious exceptions for ninja swords. Katana-style swords, "zombie knives," and machetes have already been outlawed. Current law only allows for the carry of non-locking folding knives with a cutting edge no longer than 3 inches. Carrying fixed-blade tools meant for carpentry, garden, or kitchen tasks in public without cause can lead to a four-year prison sentence.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer says the ninja sword ban is part of his "Plan for Change" and is "turning the tide" on violence in the country.
