UK Enforces Ninja Sword Ban as Over 1,000 Weapons Surrendered

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England and Wales have officially prohibited ninja swords, and more than 1,000 weapons have already been surrendered under a month-long amnesty scheme. The legislation came into force on 1 August as part of Ronan’s Law, named after 16-year-old Ronan Kanda, who died after being stabbed with such a blade.

Under the new rules, the manufacture, sale, import, or private ownership of ninja swords, which are defined as straight-edged blades between 14 and 24 inches long with distinctive angular tips, is illegal. Exemptions apply only to antique collectors, theatrical performers, educational or historical re-enactment groups, and official government or visiting force activities.

The surrender campaign ran throughout July and invited anyone in possession of a banned weapon to turn it in anonymously at police stations or via mobile vans operating in high-risk areas. Owners eligible under a previous cut-off date could receive £5 per item, with higher compensation for valuables with proven worth.

Those found in possession of a ninja sword in private settings may face up to six months in prison. Once additional provisions from the Crime and Policing Bill take full effect, the penalty will increase to a maximum of two years. Carrying any weapon in public already carries penalties of up to four years’ imprisonment.

Knife crime in England and Wales remains a serious concern, with the most recent figures showing more than 54,000 offences last year. Government sources report early signs of progress, including declines in knife-related robberies in several of the highest-risk areas.

Charities and local campaigners welcomed the ban but emphasised that it addresses only a narrow aspect of knife violence. They urged ministers to focus on underlying causes, including youth deprivation, lack of community resources, and mental health support.

Officials argue the measure provides both symbolic and practical impact because it removes a class of dangerous weapons from circulation. It also demonstrates the government’s willingness to act decisively on public safety. The ban forms part of a wider strategy combining legal reform with targeted enforcement to reduce violent crime and protect communities.