Pointy Sticks

[denny]

It looks like I might be getting one of these from my sister this Xmas... which is quite fun  :)

I've decided I want a rapier too, although I haven't seen one that's quite right yet.  I suspect I'll have to go see them in person rather than just poking around websites, as I want something I can actually practise with, so it needs a decent balance etc.  I don't see the point in owning a sword if I can't flourish it from time to time  :)  (in the relative safety of my own house/garden, I assure you!)

Irritatingly, the closest thing I've seen so far to the shape of blade I'm looking for is this US Marine Sword, which I resent on the general grounds that it's American.

Ideally I'd like something a little more 'three musketeers' than that anyway, although I'm not keen on bell guards so I'm not really sure what it is I'm looking for.  I suspect I'll know when I see it, and probably not before...

Comments

[dennyd.livejournal.com]

I would imagine so, yes.  It's even illegal to carry a penknife around with you these days, unless you've got a good reason for doing so ("I thought it might come in handy" isn't a good enough reason).

I like it anyway  :)

[reddragdiva]

A Leatherman is illegal?!

[dennyd.livejournal.com]

Hrm. Only if the blade is longer than 3 inches, apparently.: http://www.bkcg.co.uk/guide/law.html

Basically the law here got a bit silly about knives a few years back, after some kid in a London school stabbed the headmaster (fatally if I recall correctly). That was when the knives act was passed (http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/acts/acts1997/1997021.htm) and when the police held a 'knife amnesty' etc...

[zotz]

OK. An offensive weapon for the purposes of section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, as defined under Statutory Instrument 1988 No. 2019. IANAL, but from my reading of the Act, possession in private isn't illegal, but more or less anything else is.

If you import one, you can get up to six months, with or without a fine. If they sell you one within the UK, they're guilty and can be done for the same. This is, of course, assuming that the things are sharp - it doesn't specifically say so, although I assume they'll certainly hold an edge if you give them one. It also assumes that it's not an antique (100+ years old - a safe assumption in this case, I think).

One thing : if you're even thinking about doing something illegal, mentioning it can put other people in a difficult position.

And it's not illegal to carry a penknife. The CJA '88 excepts folding pocket-knives with a cutting blade of 3" or less.

[valkyriekaren.livejournal.com]

there are also exceptions for swords and other blades worn for ceremonial purposes (military dress uniform for example) and as part of a religious or national costume (so the Sikh can have his kris, and the Scotsman his dirk).
I'm not sure you can get away with arguing that goth is a religion though!
I also don't know how these things are arranged for battle re-enactments - I suppose because re-enactment swords aren't sharp, they don't count. Also, re-enactments usually take place on private property.