So, you’ve finally found the perfect katana. Maybe it’s for your martial arts training or even a stunning display piece you’ve been eyeing for years. You might even consider making it your first piece in your collection of historical weapons.
But wait! Are katanas legal where you live?
The thing is that legal ownership of a Japanese sword is never straightforward. What’s perfectly okay in Texas might land you in hot water in London. While you might legally own a katana at home, carrying it to your neighborhood dojo could break entirely different laws.
So, join us in breaking down katana ownership laws across major countries. That should help you enjoy your Japanese sword collection without the legal headaches.
Why Katana Laws Even Exist
It’s worth pointing out that the Japanese katana isn’t only a pretty sword to decorate a wall or living space. It’s a legitimate weapon, where feudal Japan’s legendary warriors (the Samurai) fought fiercely and with extreme devotion to shape a nation and its people.
Modern governments (outside Japan) know this. And that’s why most countries regulate sword ownership (to some extent).
Katana legality stems from a few crucial factors.
Blade Type
Do you have a live, sharp blade (a “shinken”) or an unsharpened practice sword (an “iaito”)? We must point out that a traditionally forged, razor-sharp katana (featuring high-carbon tamahagane steel) is subject to more scrutiny than a blunt decorative replica (or even a training piece).
Blade Length
Many jurisdictions limit blade length to about 50 centimeters. Any blade in excess will often warrant special permits (unless you don’t mind getting permanently banned). We know katana blades often range between 60 and 80 centimeters.
Intent or Purpose
How you intend to use your katana is another legal consideration. Are you a martial artist or a sword collector? Maybe a historical reenactor? Having a legitimate purpose for owning a katana can help you establish its legality. Simply saying you want to look cool carrying a katana won’t cut it with the authorities.
It’s worth pointing out that the cultural significance of katanas creates an interesting legal paradox. We respect these blades as art and cultural artifacts. However, we also cannot deny they’re “dangerous.” It’s this tension that shapes how different countries design and implement an owning a katana law.
Are Katanas Legal in the US?
A man openly carrying a katana in Texas where carrying a katana is legal on CNN Crime+Justice
You’re in luck if you’re a US citizen. Your country is one of the most permissive when it comes to katana ownership.
The federal government doesn’t classify katanas as prohibited weapons. So, you don’t expect special permit requirements. No national sword registry either. Moreover, the government doesn’t list Japanese swords alongside firearms in its weapons statutes. You only need to be 18 to own a katana, regardless of where you are in the US.
However, owning a katana IS different from carrying it!
This (katana carriage) is where state laws vary. For instance, Californians can legally own a katana, but they cannot carry it in public without a legitimate reason. It’s the same in New York. Transporting the katana from your home to the dojo demands full sheathing and security in one’s vehicle.
Texas is more lenient, though (like its gun laws). Some states put restrictions on blade length, where anything longer than 3-5 inches is not allowed for concealed carry.
The bottom line is that the US makes it possible for its citizens to own a beautiful authentic Japanese sword. Just be mindful of bringing it outside your home, though.
UK Laws on Owning a Katana
A man explaining the UK’s curved swords law on Matt-Easton.com
While Americans are lucky, Britons aren’t (when it comes to owning a katana). The UK has strict katana laws that no one would dare mess with.
The British Isles started banning curved swords exceeding 50 centimeters in 2008 (under the Offensive Weapons clause of the 1988 Criminal Justice Act). So, should you say goodbye to ever owning a katana if you’re from the UK?
Not quite!
You can still own a katana legally if your sword is:
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Hand-forged, using traditional swordsmithing methods,
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Duly-certified antique swords (preferably pre-1964 as a family heirloom or even a dutifully documented vintage purchase), or
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Only for legitimate martial artists (with verifiable membership in a UK-recognized dojo).
Just because there are exemptions doesn’t mean UK owners can bring their prized blades outside their homes. Like in the US, the UK discourages its citizens from carrying “exempted” or legal katanas outdoors without a “reasonable excuse.”
That’s why UK katana owners must always keep their swords fully covered during transport. More importantly, they must carry proof of dojo membership.
So, are katanas legal in the UK? Yes, but only in certain situations! Otherwise, you might face a prison term of up to four years.
Canadian Katana Ownership Laws
When it comes to katana legality in Canada, it’s more relaxed than in the UK. However, rules still exist for aspiring katana owners to follow.
The good thing about Canada is that it “treats” katanas like ‘knives (not as prohibited weapons. So, there are no federal bans, no registration requirements, and no special permits (although you must be at least 18).
Like the UK and the US, owning a katana is different from carrying it. The Canadian Criminal Code requires anyone who carries a katana in public must have legitimate (not “just in case”) reasons (like going to martial arts training, an exhibition, or even a historical reenactment).
That’s why transporting it in a proper katana sheath is essential. Equally important is valid documentation.
Canadian provinces often observe the same laws in their jurisdictions, although you cannot expect officials to allow you to walk into a school or government building with a katana in hand (no matter how securely sheathed).
Are Katanas Legal in Australia?
Owning a Katana Law in Australia feels more “complicated” than its North American or British counterparts.
Katana legality varies across states, with some regions having stricter regulations. Generally, Australian authorities consider katanas as “controlled weapons,” requiring a minimum age of purchase (18), although ownership itself isn’t banned in most states.
Except Victoria, which has the strictest rules. Swords (including katanas) ARE prohibited weapons that require a special prohibited weapons permit or an exemption to own one legally. You must be a member of a recognized historical reenactment group or a reputable collectors’ organization in Australia to file for such exemptions.
On the other hand, New South Wales is more forgiving. It doesn’t consider a katana a prohibited weapon unless you conceal it. Carrying it in public must also have a valid reason (like travelling to a dojo or a reenactment venue). The same is true with Western Australia, South Australia, and Queensland.
Katana Laws Around the World
How about in other countries? Are katanas legal? Let’s dive in.
Japan
A Japanese man wielding a katana sword on Japan at Hand
Ironically, Japan has very strict sword laws. Modern katanas require registration with the police. Moreover, authentic Japanese-made blades must have extensive documentation.
Meanwhile, authentic words need special certificates (like NBTHK) proving their historical value. You can expect serious paperwork (and plenty of cash) when importing or exporting Japan’s most famous sword.
Germany
The German Owning a Katana law is more relaxed than others. Anyone aged 18 and above can legally own a Japanese blade, although subject to blade length restrictions. Germans cannot carry the katana in public without a valid reason, too!
France
The same katana ownership rules for Germans apply to the French (18+ and one can carry outdoors only with a reasonable excuse).
New Zealand
Being a neighbor to Australia, Kiwis can expect katana legality concerns to be similar to their Aussie counterparts. They must store and transport their blades accordingly, lest they face hefty penalties.
Singapore and Hong Kong
Individuals in these jurisdictions can expect more restrictive katana ownership policies, including special permit requirements and very severe penalties for violations. Singapore and Hong Kong aren’t your usual “sword-friendly” jurisdictions.
Most of Europe
Most European nations observe the same general principle of letting citizens own a katana but limits their ability to carry it outdoors without reasonable justification.
How to Legally Own Your Katana
An antique Japanese katana on Katana-Sword
So, you want to stay on the right side of the Owning a Katana law? Here are some pointers to do just that!
Do your homework
We might have left your country out in the list. So, you’ll definitely want to start by researching and learning everything you can about sword ownership in your location. Remember, city ordinances can also limit your katana ownership.
Only reputable sellers, please
Trustworthy, legitimate sellers (like Katana-Sword) know and understand the laws and will never sell prohibited items. More importantly, they’ll provide documentation proving your purchase is legit!
Store it properly
Learn the proper way of storing your beautiful katana. Ideally, you’d want it in a locked case or even a traditional katana display stand. Remember, it’s more than just safety. It’s more of a demonstration of responsible sword ownership if authorities ever question you.
Transport with care
Always carry your sword in a proper sword bag or locked case (never openly in public unless you’re traveling directly to and from a legitimate activity. Keep your katana in your car’s trunk and always carry your dojo membership card, purchase receipts, event invitations, and other documentation.
Join a reputable organization or dojo
Since katana ownership isn’t really an issue, but more about carrying it in public, you’ll want to belong to an exclusive circle. So, join a legitimate martial arts school or even a reputable sword collectors’ organization. Your papers from these institutions should provide legal cover for katana ownership and transport. More importantly, you’ll stay connected with others who understand the legal landscape.
Respect your katana
Your katana is an object of beauty, ingrained with centuries of Japanese swordsmithing tradition. So, resist the temptation to modify it to make it less conspicuous in public. Moreover, don’t carry it around just because you think it looks cool.
Other Questions You Might Have about Katana Legality
Still have nagging questions in your mind that we haven’t clarified? Check these out.
Can I travel abroad with my katana?
It’s possible to travel across international borders with a katana, but that would be incredibly complicated.
First, most airlines prohibit swords in carry-on luggage (they do allow them as checked baggage, provided you declared them properly).
Second, your country might demand an export permit, and your country of destination might require an import permit. It simply isn’t worth the hassle for most people.
Do display katanas have different legal status?
Sometimes, jurisdictions observe different rules for display katanas. However, it’s best not to assume that a blunt blade automatically exempts you from ALL laws. After all, many jurisdictions still regulate swords regardless of sharpness. For instance, the UK outlaws ALL curved blades exceeding 50 centimeters (whether sharp or not).
What if I inherit a katana?
Even if you inherit a katana, it will still fall under sword ownership laws. If you have an antique piece and you can prove its provenance and age, it’s possible your sword will be legally exempted. Otherwise, the same rules will apply as if you bought the katana.
Can minors own katanas?
Everything depends on how you define a “minor.” What’s worth pointing out is that most countries limit katana purchases to individuals at least 18. Hence, a minor (<18 years) training at a dojo cannot legally own a katana.
What happens if the police find my katana during a traffic stop?
Be respectful and explain that you’re transporting your katana to and from a legitimate activity. You’ll want to show dojo membership, purchase receipts, event details, and other documentation. You should be fine if your katana is properly stored and you have a valid or legitimate purpose. Please note that being uncooperative or getting defensive can worsen your case.
The Bottom Line on Katana Ownership
Katana legality varies dramatically by location. Although most countries allow their citizens to own a katana (provided they’re at least 18), ALL jurisdictions put restrictions on public carry. Hence, your legitimate purpose for carrying a katana in public matters immensely.
So be diligent in your research before hitting the Buy Now button. You’ll want to understand your local “weapons” laws, too. Moreover, always document your legitimate reasons for ownership while ensuring you’re responsible for its proper storage and transportation.
Being a responsible katana owner requires understanding the laws that govern such items (and respecting them, too!).
With that out of the way, you should be ready to buy your dream katana legally and safely. Enjoy your sword responsibly, too!
