Legislation against selling, making, hiring or importing samurai swords in England and Wales has come into force.
Those breaking the law face six months in jail and a £5,000 fine. Carrying a sword in public is already illegal.
Exemptions will cover swords which are used for re-enactments or antique weapons kept on display by collectors.
Eight years ago a councillor was killed by a man wielding a samurai sword in the office of Cheltenham Liberal Democrat MP Nigel Jones.
Anyone found guilty of importing samurai swords will face up to seven years in prison and an unlimited fine.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7331099.stm
Next on the agenda: butterknife and long fingernail control.
