Parcelforce ban swords for fencing, reenactment, movies and antiques on 7 May

**Due to the terrible incident of 30 April, I feel it is important to here share my huge condolences and empathy for the grieving, injured and affected of that attack. I cannot imagine the terrible loss that is being felt right now. It is horrific.
The item used was an apparently illegal (since 2008) cheap replica samurai sword - an item already banned in the UK for the last 16 years.
Unfortunately, this highlights that banning something does not insure safety. The majority of stabbings are committed with kitchen knives and swords are statistically very rarely used by criminals.
The police showed great courage in dealing with this attacker, as they did in the Tower Bridge knife attack of 2017, and I would like to offer my support (as I have previously assisted the police) if it is of use.**
[e-mail] or [e-mail]
Department for Culture, Media and Sport - [e-mail]
Home Office - [e-mail]
LETTER 1
This affects sports, museums, antiques, TV/movies, heritage events, the military and much more.
I have also included my MP.
Yesterday we became aware of the intention by Parcelforce to totally prohibit the transport of all swords, including antiques, museum items, theatrical props and fencing equipment, within the UK and internationally. Without exception. This cripples a huge number of cultural, historical and sporting businesses.
A number of us heard about Royal Mail's intention to do this some time ago and speaking to our account managers at Parcelforce we were assured by them that Parcelforce services for account holders would remain unchanged in this regard, for account holders. Now we are being told that a U-turn has been made on that decision, coming into force very quickly, on 7 May.
This impacts a huge number of people and businesses, including the antiques trade, TV/movie industry, theatres, schools, universities, fencing clubs, historical reenactment societies, museums and makers. Yet kitchen knives, which were estimated by Kent Police as used in over 70% of stabbings, are still being taken by Royal Mail and Parcelforce. We cannot make sense of this policy decision, or what possible gains it offers.
We feel incredibly disappointed and betrayed by Royal Mail and Parcelforce, with whom many of us have had business accounts for decades. We have complied with all laws and regulations, carried out age checks and used age verification services. Many of us have customers worldwide and are renowned for our products. Our antique, movie/theatre, heritage/museum and fencing trades are world famous and we trade with the world.
We therefore request a meeting with your management to discuss the reasoning for this decision, and the options going forwards, as soon as possible. There must be some alternative arrangement possible.
You have a specific firearms shipping team, and options for transporting antique and modern firearms, as well as ammunition and explosives. It seems reasonable and completely viable therefore that a special service can be tagged onto this for swords and similar items.
Surely we cannot be in a situation whereby it is easier to post live ammunition and firearms than a blunt fencing foil to a school or a prop for a TV production.
With Parcelforce an item now featured on the Antiques Roadshow and sold in auction cannot be shipped anywhere, even overseas. Our Olympic fencers cannot import equipment. Museums cannot transfer historical swords to other museums. Families of serving military officers cannot send them their parade dress swords.
There must be a reasonable solution. We look forward to your constructive thinking on this problem.
For LETTER 2 see pinned comment.

[@scholagladiatoria]

LETTER 2 To Department for Culture, Media and Sport - [e-mail] Dear Lucy Frazer, I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to seek your urgent assistance in addressing a matter of grave concern that affects multiple industries across the United Kingdoms, and even international markets. Recently, Royal Mail and ParcelForce have implemented an excessively broad ban on the posting of "bladed items/products" through their courier services. While I acknowledge the importance of private commercial entities contributing to national security efforts, this blanket ban has far exceeded the boundaries set forth by Parliament itself in the Offensive Weapons Act 2019. It is evident that this private policy has been implemented hastily, resulting in severe repercussions for countless lawful businesses and individuals across the country. This ban will have devastating repercussions across various sectors, including but not limited to: *JOBS & the ECONOMY:* Industries spanning sporting, military, entertainment, antiquities, martial arts, sports fencing, re-enactment, auction houses, collectors, and restoration markets, among others, have been left in a state of uncertainty, unable to conduct their operations economically. Livelihoods are hanging in the balance. *HERITAGE, CULTURE & RELIGION:* Traditional craftsmen, who already operate within a challenging environment out of a deep-seated passion to preserve facets of our unique culture and heritage, are now facing further setbacks. Additionally, religious artifacts such as kirpans/swords, essential to the practices of communities like the Sikhs (which have received exemptions from Parliament), have been entirely disregarded. It is imperative that we find a balanced approach that prioritizes public safety while also taking into account the needs of businesses and individuals reliant on the transportation of such items for their livelihoods. Given your esteemed position and influence as our Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, I urgently request your unwavering support in advocating for the reconsideration of this ill-conceived ban. Your assistance in engaging with relevant stakeholders, raising awareness about the severe ramifications of this decision, and exploring alternative solutions would be invaluable. I am available to provide additional information or engage in further discussions at your earliest convenience. Your support in rectifying this situation would be a beacon of hope for the businesses and individuals adversely affected by this ban. Thank you for your immediate attention to this pressing issue, and I eagerly await your response.

[@El_Beardo]

Well damn! Didnt expect this. 😎

[@metagen77]

This is way too civilized, they know what they are doing. They are hesitant to fix the problem because that would mean actually working, also stepping on toes. Much easier is to pretend to ride against a non existent enemy. Cant fight back and cant complain. You will not reason them into action

[@Simon-Wolf]

@scholagladiatoria Matt, I do encourage an emphasis on the Press, not just politicians. The Press is the way to make this get notice. Contact the specific producers of the main BBC, ITV and Sky news TV and radio programs. You are articulate and have visuals. Liaise with Paul MacDonald who has the PR hook of the Scottish coronation sword. Politicians are not enough by themselves.

[@FiliiMartis]

This is the answer I got from them for my own query: "Royal Mail Group (including Parcelforce) has recently undertaken a thorough evaluation of bladed items that have been allowed through our age verification service. This evaluation was undertaken with a primary focus on mitigating the risk of bladed items falling into the wrong hands. Our commitment to public safety and that of our dedicated delivery personnel has led us to introduce changes to our restrictions on bladed items, as outlined in our prohibitions and restrictions list here: Account prohibitions and restrictions Parcelforce Worldwide. These changes will come into effect on the 7th May 2024. Please be aware that any shipments containing the newly prohibited items must cease by this date. While we acknowledge that these adjustments may present some inconvenience, we are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing public safety. Your cooperation in adhering to these new measures is greatly appreciated as we strive to positively contribute to the wellbeing of our communities." So you see they use "public safety" and "wellbeing of our communities" is declared by them as the reason. I have asked about religious exemptions in my original email. They could not bother to address that aspect. Among other things, I have now reiterated how my religious freedoms and my lawful use of bladed items are balanced by the need of "public safety" (which they took upon themselves to enforce) and how my lawful private use of blades impacts "public safety".

[@FiliiMartis]

This is the answer I got from them for my own query: Royal Mail Group (including Parcelforce) has recently undertaken a thorough evaluation of bladed items that have been allowed through our age verification service. This evaluation was undertaken with a primary focus on mitigating the risk of bladed items falling into the wrong hands. Our commitment to public safety and that of our dedicated delivery personnel has led us to introduce changes to our restrictions on bladed items, as outlined in our prohibitions and restrictions list here: Account prohibitions and restrictions Parcelforce Worldwide. These changes will come into effect on the 7th May 2024. Please be aware that any shipments containing the newly prohibited items must cease by this date. While we acknowledge that these adjustments may present some inconvenience, we are steadfast in our commitment to enhancing public safety. Your cooperation in adhering to these new measures is greatly appreciated as we strive to positively contribute to the wellbeing of our communities. So you see they use public safety and wellbeing of our communities is declared by them as the reason. I have asked about religious exemptions in my original email. They could not be bothered to address this aspect. Among other things, I have now reiterated how my religious freedoms and my lawful use of bladed items are balanced by the need of public safety (which they took upon themselves to enforce).

[@uncleheavy6819]

The ban on bladed items will also affect things like screwdrivers, planes, electric planers, circular saws, etc, etc. Absolutely stupid.

[@smokecrackhailsatan]

20 years from now it will be illegal to sell food in England that isn't pre-cut up into bite size pieces. Government gonna literally be regulating that people be fed like babies.

[@genustinca5565]

But why the ban in the first place? What reasons have they put forth?

[@longschlongjohnson6470]

​@@genustinca5565The average UK politician is a worthless degenerate that leeches off the public's wallet while justifying their existence by shadow-boxing any imagined foe they can make up. As for why they make stuff up instead of fighting real issues, doing so would require actually being connected with reality

[@danstotland6386]

It will also ban butterknives and other kitchen cutlery. Big Brother lives and reigns supreme in Britain. He will determine what Englishmen need and he will make sure that they will enjoy it whether they want, (or need it), or not.

[@peakeythebard1454]

Because it sounds nice to voters who don't underestand the realityof the situation around swords.​@@genustinca5565

[@uncleheavy6819]

If knives are banned, that could make eating your dinner an interesting experience.

[@SeaforgedArtifacts]

UK to become a canned soup capital of the world.

[@ireallylovegod]

Fork and spoon from now on , until forks are banned the it's just two spoons,

[@baoxidiaoyu]

Chopsticks ftw

[@CoffeeFiend1]

@@ireallylovegod I always carry a spoon with the concave side reversed so as to appear significantly less scoopy.

[@whyjay9959]

@@SeaforgedArtifacts Can lids are pretty sharp though.

[@normtrooper4392]

This is heinous. I hope the opposition is successful. Best of luck Matt and the UK sword community.

[@stonedog5547]

Labour is the Opposition...... Vote grubbing or what?

[@normtrooper4392]

@@stonedog5547 opposition to the UK sword ban specifically

[@ravinraven6913]

if UK bans swords, will they start dring on the right side of the road and not the left? since that has to do with swords and being able to draw your sword while on horseback?

[@codycarter7638]

Agreed 100%, sir.

[@stephengarrett8076]

This country's a joke 😟

[@tomhirons7475]

leave, i have a dual passport here and Norway.

[@cal2127]

​@@tomhirons7475 coward

[@tomhirons7475]

@@cal2127 how ?

[@stefthorman8548]

@@cal2127 it's call having an brain, and seeing when you can't change anything.

[@smokecrackhailsatan]

"England's ending, death's still pending, where's that money you spent? Work all week and work on weekends still can't pay my rent Times are tough I've had enough So if i want to f-in rush you you'll get rushed"

[@scholagladiatoria]

**Due to the terrible incident of 30 April, I feel it is important to here share my huge condolences and empathy for the grieving, injured and affected of that attack. I cannot imagine the terrible loss that is being felt right now. It is horrific. The item used was an apparently illegal (since 2008) cheap replica samurai sword - an item already banned in the UK for the last 16 years. Unfortunately, this highlights that banning something does not insure safety. The majority of stabbings are committed with kitchen knives and swords are statistically very rarely used by criminals. The police showed great courage in dealing with this attacker, as they did in the Tower Bridge knife attack of 2017, and I would like to offer my support (as I have previously assisted the police) if it is of use.**

[@stefanw6665]

Sadly this incident will make it much harder to oppose the ban on swords, the facts won't matter much. The worst of timing, foremost for the people injured and affected, but to all sword enthusiasts in the uk, too.

[@johncartwright8154]

@@stefanw6665 indeed, and even more so as a General Election looms! There will be a vote-garnering 'knee jer reaction' as there was with the 'Dangerous dogs' legislation of the 1990's

[@saberserpent1134]

Well said. No one is getting out their antique rapiers, arming swords, or nihonto to commit a criminal act. Punishing the many whom abide by the law, due to a handful that doesn't, is a tyranny in and of itself. Best of luck getting this nonsense repealed, Mr. Easton. 🙏🙏🙏

[@holgerrichter3078]

Even if there are no more blades and firearms anymore - the criminal mind will find other ways to kill innocent people. My deepest condolences and lots of strength to those who are affected by the dark side of humanity all over the world. But banning is just an easy way not to use your brain.

[@charlottesimonin2551]

The ban is outrageous!

[@PROVOCATEURSK]

Those germanic-french-nordic monarchs are hard on them.

[@baoxidiaoyu]

Yet all too predictable

[@ravinraven6913]

not like it will do anything, you can make swords at home with almost anything. Even real metal swords are easy to make...not easy to make well but easy to make. If you use a machete chances are you will take anything, even plastic. And a Machete isn't a sword, its more like a large dagger.

[@kevinc3751]

FIGHT AGAINST THIS TYRANNY! MAKE THIS A PUBLIC ISSUE FOR EVERYONE! It is literally IMPOSSIBLE the majority of Brits think this is a good idea.

[@robgrey6183]

The elites are running things, and the British have ALREADY been disarmed. Fight with what?

[@ravinraven6913]

I would have said the same thing about guns. But instead of fixing the problem they slap a bandaid on it....just curious where they think the guns and weapons in the UK come from already.....and it's super easy to make a sword at home with a home forge....not hard. specially in the UK where the cops raid a building thinking its a cannabis farm just to find out its a legal Bit coin farm.

[@russelltaylor7779]

I collect antique swords and have done for years! I ordered one from a dealer on the south coast, it never arrived. I phoned the dealer and he said it had been signed for. Found out it had been delivered to a shop over a mile away and the parcel force driver was working with the shop to steal parcels. I managed to get the sword off them and the driver was sacked. Police would not proceed with any crime! The Post Office , Police and Parcel Force are a joke, this country has reached an all time low.

[@dashcammer4322]

Police are too busy tracking down thought crime scofflaws.

[@mackash]

Its just another middle east country now. Its over. Absorbed.

[@spikemcnock8310]

I'm embarrassed to call myself British anymore, I really am.

[@rumdog117]

Just wait until the next big war breaks out and you have foreign soldiers on the ground. You all will have nothing bto protect yourselves with. And to be clear, while a group of citizens are not on par with a modern military, there are reasons that the US has not and been and is not worried about being invaded. One of the most notable besides location and supply lines, is that we can bring up civilian militias all across the country. The only country in Europe that is on par with that is Switzerland, and they haven't been invaded for much the same reasons. Disarming the public does not get rid of crime, it gets rid of a person being able to defend themselves.

[@mackash]

@@rumdog117 USA has been invaded for at least two decades. Since early 00s. They are the worst of us all. They did nothing. They still do nothing. It was the frog in a pot thing. Its already absorbed. The only countries left that isn't completely absorbed in Australia and NZ. But its getting thick.

[@Thomas-mx1fh]

What does that even mean anymore with all the migrants?!

[@terrenceroll3848]

@@Thomas-mx1fh Don't you mean New British?

[@robertvondarth1730]

I can imagine there’s going to be a demand for extra long, complex hilt kitchen knives

[@cristianespinal9917]

Große Messer will see a resurgence of popularity.

[@TheAncientAstronomer]

So they essentially are destroying an entire industry just so they can virtual signal, hey we do something. Its actually useless but we do something. Pathetic at this point, being diplomatically as I can.

[@dungad24]

Ban the scary looking thing since you can’t effectively get rid of the thing used in the majority of crime.

[@MarktheRude]

Well they had no problems destroying an entire nation just so they could virtue signal.

[@ducthman4737]

They are destroying all industries plus Freedom. Welcome in 15min city UK.

[@oldcaptainjack]

As a sword owner, for a while now I have felt worried they are slowly closing the net on even responsible owners. What a waste of parliamentary time. They could be going after real criminals or sorting out bigger issues. They might as well just keep on banning potentially dangerous objects until everything in the UK is covered in bubble wrap or something. They need to focus on other issues.

[@thecocktailian2091]

That is what they are tying to do in most Western nations.

[@mackash]

Its all planned. Its going perfectly, maybe even easier now with internet. The sooner we realize this, the sooner we can sort it. This is a systematic eradication. Its been in process for thousands of years. We are at the very end of it. We either get this, or face complete extinction. Every single elected person in gov today are ALL in on this. Impossible to even have a voice in gov without taking the bribe.

[@robertvondarth1730]

They want you in rubber rooms.

[@oldcaptainjack]

I’ve just checked the news, and the top story on bbc today is a man with a sword attacking people. I’m sure they’ll spend the next few days talking about an outright ban for sure now

[@ravinraven6913]

There is a reason why we rebelled instead of asking for independence like Canada. No laws without representation. Just think how deadly it is for Switzerland to have all those gun owners, and how every ones trained with guns. How dangerous is it? Not really at all? Maybe the UK government needs to stop being snowflakes and grow a pair. World War 2 ended a long time ago, why is it the UK still feels like its living in war era UK where Germany is bombing them and all the food products look like they are rations and not actual sizes. There seems to be a lot of snow flake cowards there or a bunch of insane people who can't take it anymore

[@takedashingen2834]

I nearly took a friend's eye out with a packet of Polo mints once. For God's sake, don't tell Parliament. Please!!!!

[@drzander3378]

Ban Polo mints now!

[@stonedog5547]

My MP is Liz Truss......... We're Doomed!!

[@tomhirons7475]

yes

[@dashcammer4322]

Fizzy Lizzy.

[@zednotzee7]

Daggers is your MP ? You have my sympathy.

[@drzander3378]

@stonedog5547, Count yourself lucky. My MP voted for the continued terrorism of Hamas.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Though funnily enough, she did actually make some good points about liberty, rights and freedom in some speeches....so she may actually listen. Please do write to her.

[@rasnac]

I said it once, I will say it again; instead of wasting time with banning swords, knifes, hammers, sticks etc., U.K. lawmakers should just aim for the root of this problem and ban hands.

[@XerrolAvengerII]

I had no idea UK privatized their post. Handing a virtual monopoly to crappy companies is a death kneel for freedom.

[@meferswift]

from honesy monopoly to worse, dishonest monopoly

[@cmur078]

Yeah, they privatised everything. The private water isn't going very well, so now they're talking about re-nationalising it, paying off its debts, and then privatising it again...

[@kennethg9277]

​@@cmur078well people keep tolerating- or even enthusiastically voting for- a revolving sequence of identical neoliberals/neoconservatives. I have little sympathy for any of you frankly. 😂

[@ItsDeffoChris]

If I recall, it was sold off so cheaply but the new shareholders had to pinky promise they wouldn't do a firesale, and they did. They shut postie opposition up by offering them scraps of the deal.

[@Ghooste1]

So big government=more freedom? Got it. 😘

[@lopt99]

Thank you Mr Easton for your work on this matter. You are fighting for us all, sportsmen, collectors, historians and artisans.

[@jimrutherford2773]

This is disturbing. As an outsider I see the people in the UK, Australia and New Zealand losing their freedoms. Bans always start off small. Then they become total. Ask Australians about the selling and trading of WW2 German edged weapons.

[@aiglonducal314]

Freedom has sailed a long time ago for the people of the UK, Australia, New Zealand or Canada (and obviously other places too).

[@jimrutherford2773]

@@aiglonducal314 it's reversible if people take a stand.

[@LordBurgerofFriesland]

Not just edged weapons, I'm pretty sure it's all WW2 German memorabilia at this point.

[@jimrutherford2773]

@@LordBurgerofFriesland you're correct all German WW2 militaria. I only mentioned edged weapons because this is an edged weapon channel.

[@mackash]

@@LordBurgerofFriesland And who are the ONLY ones still affected by that stuff? There is the root. They are doing this to us. We are paying the price for joining the wrong team.

[@unclebubba5584]

😂😂😂 So 900 years after Magna Carta, the english have allowed themselves to once again become no better than serfs to their Lords.

[@jeannebecucomtessedubarry659]

Absolute madness that one had more freedoms in the "dark ages" than in this totally enlightened modern society. At least the acid spray bottles are not banned duh

[@scholagladiatoria]

The English have always been serfs. Those that left are Americans.

[@chrisplatten2293]

Magna Carta was about the barons vs the king. Any benefit accrued to serfs was coincidental.

[@unclebubba5584]

@@chrisplatten2293 as an American of Scots and Irish heritage, I may see it a bit differently. But I am always willing to learn more.

[@vasttimes]

We should all oppose bans on blades and words. I'm talking to you UK and Australia.

[@mackash]

We keep letting in Thrd wrld. They are the problem/solution that the gov needs to pass their laws.

[@UnbeltedSundew]

And Canada. You might as well include any Commonwealth country that didn't leave by rebelling.

[@ItsDeffoChris]

You don't oppose bans on free speech. You oppose bans on free speech for yourself. Currently people are actually being cancelled and arrested for opposing a nuclear power carpet bombing an impoverished neighbour. I haven't seen any of the free speech brigade piping up about it.

[@M.M.83-U]

The UK is very dedicated to 1) prove that privatization of public services is bad and 2) validate USA view on the right to bear arms.

[@nixusthefurry]

All the Americans have to do is look. Point. Laugh. And make sure no silly lil political bastard ever thinks of something so ridiculous

[@NDOhioan]

As a bisexual man from America, the past decade or so has shown me plenty of reasons to support the Second Amendment. Given the baseless conspiracy theories currently being peddled about LGBTQ+ people, I want to make sure I can defend myself if some fascist lunatic starts committing hate crimes.

[@daag1851]

As non brit: Commenting for algorithm, take care, good luck

[@taylorlibby7642]

I wonder what excuse they're going to use to ban the next thing, whatever that happens to be.

[@Mortablunt]

I was younger I used to joke about sword control, being next after gun control, but as it turned out, I was right.

[@mackash]

Immigrants. That is the only thing they need. Like planting thistles in a flower garden.

[@EckCop]

Interesting timing, almost like they knew it was going to happen...

[@geraltofrivia8529]

Parcelforce are awful, I used to work for them, until they were privatized... I had a completely non sword related delivery from them the other day. Text told me I was out, CCTV told me parcelforce didnt attend.

[@simonspoke]

The exact same thing happened to me yesterday with CCTV proof! They are a joke!

[@joemurphy1189]

Privatising postal systems/healthcare/prison services/education etc never ends well. Instead of ‘efficiency’ you get slapdash service aimed at maximising profit for shareholders, with workers getting paid very little and not caring about their job.

[@stevenpremmel4116]

Infuriating. I feel like I'm being treated like a criminal for having a perfectly legitimate hobby.

[@zolikoff]

That's exactly what all such laws are. They treat the possession of a weapon as proof that there is intent to use it to commit a crime, just because it's physically possible to do so. This breaks the presumption of innocence. The law considers having the capability to commit crime as sufficient evidence that there is criminal intent. All such laws are immoral and need to be abolished. The legal system should do its job and investigate and punish actual criminals for committing actual crimes.

[@ducthman4737]

Never think you live in a Free country. For those in power (not those in puppet government) you are less than a slave just a number and numbers have no rights.

[@Matt-xc6sp]

First time? - American Gun Owner

[@ravinraven6913]

haven't you heard the saying, they ruined it for everyone? Thats why you say something and stop letting other people dictate things. If you sit back and say and do nothing, you will just lose your rights. Thats why having a written constitution is paramount. You guys have one....its just not legit until its penned to paper

[@Ezyasnos]

Isn't it law the postal services have to deliver anything legal despite their point of view? Perhaps time to sue the directorate who decided this?

[@ravinraven6913]

supposed to but they are corrupt and pocket money. I sent something almost 5,000 miles through the post and they refused to deliver it the last stretch until we shelled out $60 more. 60 miles from covington to great yeldham or 4,745 miles back. I spent over $100 to send a box and they were going to spend over $100 shipping it back unless I paid them $60 cash......they are insane and break the law. They are greedy bast...ards

[@robo5013]

Fight the good fight!

[@robgrey6183]

Yeah, with plastic spoons!

[@CoolAdam247]

Sticks and rocks to be banned next followed by shovels and rakes.

[@Youcannotfalter]

Sticks and stones are free if you want them and they are everywhere. They will ban breathing soon.

[@pyroblade4312]

This is outrageous, it's unfair! How can you ship a gun, but not a sword, via the same postal service

[@scholagladiatoria]

Politics.

[@terrenceroll3848]

Remember when they said we'd lose all of our freedoms if we lost the war?

[@mackash]

Hey, at least we aren't speaking German. Ha. What a joke. Germany was one of the most beautiful people/places on earth.

[@stonecoldscubasteveo4827]

This is what you get when you blame inanimate objects for the harms that criminals do, instead of blaming the criminals.

[@uncleheavy6819]

Use UPS or other carriers. I use UPS for my knife business.

[@morgansmith1930]

Ditto - my family also has good experience with UPS (we use it for our cabinet business).

[@scholagladiatoria]

I am trying set up a UPS account, but after a week they still haven't got back to me. Every other company has.

[@jamesayrey384]

@@scholagladiatoria I'm trying to import a longsword from SIGI Forge. Is it confirmed UPS bypass Royal Mail/Parcel Force?

[@josephlapietra4344]

​@@scholagladiatoria longtime viewer, firstime commenter! Have you had any resolution on this? I'm a small time knifemaker and have just started properly exporting my work to the UK. I've been told by my UK retailer that apparently shipments of slipjoint knives with blades under 3" sent via UPS have been denied by customs. It doesn't bode well for my little business. Love your content, best wishes for you going forward in this ridiculousness.

[@scholagladiatoria]

@@josephlapietra4344 hi. To be honest, that doesn't really make sense to me. Those aren't the sort of knives that are in any way prohibited or restricted from postage. It might simply be that they don't like or understand the description on the import documents and it needs rewording. They all ship kitchen and craft knives, after all.

[@Book-bz8ns]

Our unique culture and heritage is exactly what they're after. And have been for a long time.

[@codycarter7638]

That’s what it appears to us across the pond from y’all…no doubt about it.

[@justindunlap1235]

Im surprised they haven't baned sticks rocks and anything metallic, everything in the uk will be foam rubber.

[@Anonym-gg1gt]

Only if the rubber is vegan and composable.

[@UnbeltedSundew]

Also I should point out that most curtailing of freedom is done through bureaucratic restriction of services rather than through law, because it's easier and harder to fight.

[@riheg]

Freedom is shrinking across the board

[@palmer3977]

They want to British public unable to defend themselves for what is coming, IYKYK.

[@daveyboy6985]

Bring back smuggling on the Cornish coast😊

[@xandlhofer8029]

The honourable pirates of Penzance will be at your Service mylord...

[@rileyernst9086]

I'd say it's out of the blue. But it's not really surprising unfortunately. From Australia - best of luck to you Brits out there. Hope your country stops it's descent into madness and irrelevance. Hope my country stops it's descent into madness and irrelevance too!

[@codycarter7638]

It’s all over the place…the USA is losing its collective mind as well…

[@drzander3378]

This is outrageous! I just e-mailed the Home Secretary suggesting that either new legislation was needed or an amendment to existing legislation was required to prevent RM & PF from banning the delivery of swords (or indeed any legal object that’s safe for the carrier to handle).

[@PenumbranWolf]

Holy Hel. I had no idea things had gotten so bad that the UK sold their post office. Matt, get out of England and take as many of your swords with you as you can before they melt them down.

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

He needs to come to Canada.

[@ryanfosterthemagicegg1567]

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 More like America. Canada is hardly any better than the UK.

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

@@ryanfosterthemagicegg1567 We can still use swords.

[@mrglasses8953]

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 You government has just passed a law with life sentences for "hate speech" and 1 year in prison or 1 year under house arrest if the suspect you might commit a "hate crime."

[@ryanfosterthemagicegg1567]

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 For now...

[@cavemankezz]

The utter lunacy in what they plan to achieve with this is crazy! I have sent an email to all you mentioned using your template with my own flare. Thank you for all your efforts on this! 👍

[@EvelynNdenial]

the UK privatized their postal service? jeez that country is imploding.

[@vorynrosethorn903]

The government did it a decade ago, like when they sold off the gold reserves the insider trading was at the level where the motivation was pretty apparent.

[@olanordmann2743]

Basically all of Europe did

[@fatpad00]

Can you even call it Royal Mail at that point?

[@Castorcato]

Unfortunate timing there Mr Gladiatoria

[@aiglonducal314]

"We were trying to hide but also at the same time taking video of him attacking the police, and of the body on the floor, so, yeah, we were very scared and we didn't know what to do." 🤦🤦‍♂🤦‍♀

[@terrenceroll3848]

Imagine if someone had been carrying a 9mm

[@Silen7Force]

Man, UK really sucks regarding their bans on various objects. It really doesn't make sense. Do you guys have many violent crimes involving swords ? (I'm living in France/Korea)

[@joeojeda4651]

There are not allowed to talk about the peaceful people using machetes

[@vorynrosethorn903]

Katana's, and only a handful of cases, the vast majority of bladed weapon crimes are by the same people who commit them in France, new Europeans shall we say.

[@nevisysbryd7450]

Swords, no, knives, yes.

[@Kozak806]

UK is pretty draconian in general if you hadn't noticed. As opposed to here in the US where you can have all the guns and blades you want but are denied basic medical care and will send bounty hunters to track your wife down for getting medically necessary care.

[@jeannebecucomtessedubarry659]

@@joeojeda4651 I thought they upgraded to chemical weapons like bathroom cleaning agent

[@chrisinhotwater9896]

You Brits should have never gave up your arms (guns) As we all know freedoms die by a thousand cuts.

[@Guncriminal]

Your forgetting that we're ruled by idiots and peasants.

[@SpaceRa]

We'll just have to pivot our HEMA/fencing clubs to dueling with firearms

[@semadragun]

There's a more sinister side to this ban..some will know what I'm talking about but most wont.

[@jm9371]

I just ordered a 33 inch double edged 'kitchen knife' with a full tang and scabbard.... what's the problem?

[@thenaturalpeoplesbureau]

wow that is a very feudal situation.the gun ban is bad enough but the sword ban is really areiteration of feudal times where only the kings henchmen had swords. Make a secret stash and dig em in i say.

[@kaoskronostyche9939]

This is not feudal. This is Authoritarian Totalitarianism.

[@jeannebecucomtessedubarry659]

Depending on time and place, the subjects of feudal lords were required by law to own a certain amount of weaponry and armor, so this situation is way worse

[@dennisasper6742]

sorry your having to go through this.if it gets too bad over there ,consider packing up and moving to Kansas.would love to have you here!

[@jgo5300]

And today we have a sword attack in Hainault. There’s a ban coming down the line, I think.

[@WhichDoctor1]

As a more long term thing I would also suggest looking up the polling in your area and sending a letter to the candidate most likely to win in your constituency in the next election if they are different to your current one. We are going to have a general election in the next 10 months no matter what. And it’s likely that a lot of our existing MPs won’t be MPs afterwards. Also candidates have less on their plates than sitting MPs and are very keen to curry favour with potential voters. Get potential MPs thinking about this now and aware of the massive problems so it’s already in their minds should they win election.

[@I_Willenbrock_I]

The ban will not be lifted, becauss a mental person just killed a 13 year old boy and wounded several others with a katana... The one case in 10 years and it happens at the worst possible moment.

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

Maybe they payed him too do it, just a thought. I belive they are willing to do anything,it happens in the US.

[@I_Willenbrock_I]

@@bushcraft_in_the_north mate... That's tinfoil hat level...

[@bushcraft_in_the_north]

@@I_Willenbrock_I no it is critical thinking. It fits too good too be true. Just saying,who knows. The Government do things that is pure evil,very often. Things we the people would be executed for or put away for life.

[@slick_slicers]

Sadly, this morning’s news will mean noMP will raise their head above the parapet anytime soon. I expect that this isolated incident will be used to justify ever more draconian restrictions on law abiding citizens. Also, I note that the weapon used was an already banned Wakizashi.

[@Outlier777]

They'll be coming for our assault spoons next.

[@tiberiumfusion]

Government mandated parcel services that are owned & controlled by the exact opposite of the government? I don't know how much of the UK gov is controlled by lobbyists instead of representatives, but I can readily sympathize as a US resident. Best of luck to you Matt.

[@xmaxdamage]

derp I guess the yellow samurai thing that is happening now won't help the cause

[@therealblackspy6165]

The British government has obviously gone completely mad.

[@Sahfiel13]

Just wait until they learn about mainhand weapons like spears and their efficacy without any training! Pointed stick might at some point face its last day! The sheer nerve to go after the more level headed of the enthusiasts - if you were going out of your way to do damage, guns or learning about chemicals would surely be more effective.

[@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241]

I've found fencers to be very courteous and polite, level headed and nice. Unlike a lot of gun toting hot heads we find out here. It's a gentleman/woman's sport. So yeah, I am with you.

[@Havamal3]

@@sunstarsseekersanctuary4241 The people with guns are still your allies though, same with people just collecting pocketknives, you all have the same interest of being left alone by an inept goverment fighting symptoms but not the problem. And not only collectors folk but also every citizen that values rights and freedom over fake security.

[@jhanks2012]

that sucks, brother. where i'm from it's written into federal law that citizens can own ANY weapon up to and including nuclear warheads and more lol ..

[@stephencrompton4352]

This isn't even about owning swords (though I see it going that way). They're just making it deliberately difficult to even get one in the first place, even if we're legally allowed to have them.

[@CptSquirrel]

Dont worry about losing swords, you will get bugs.

[@jackrice2770]

And then, today, April 30th, a "sword-wielding" attacker killed a 14-year-old and attacked passers-by. Just what you needed, huh? Of course, had this nut-ball not been able to get his hands on a sword, he'd have simply used something else to wreak mayhem and tragedy on strangers. This type of crime was predicted by a S/F author Brunner in a book titled 'Stand on Zanzibar' which I encourage everyone to read. He called them "muckers". He also predicted supercomputers, AI, 24-hour news, thousands of video channels, and much more. It will give you some insight into the crazy people and the crazy laws they elicit.

[@eliwilson1146]

Man, Im Canadan, and this seems extreme even to me. It's odd that a sword isn't considered a cultural or heritage thing.

[@terrenceroll3848]

They are but the elites are hostile to culture and heritage, specifically of the european sort.

[@DoctyrEvil]

Privatize public infrastructure! what could go wrong?

[@shabashmaori]

"I read the news today, oh boy..." NOT a good news day.

[@jeffgoode9865]

As a resident of Japan, I can say that this law won't be the end of the world, but stuff like this is SO STUPID AND A WASTE OF TIME FOR POLITICIANS TO SUPPORT. Ridiculous. This does nothing to keep people safer, and distracts from more important issues.

[@aiglonducal314]

I don't see why the fact you're a resident of Japan is relevant here: do you imply that Japan has even more stringent regulations when it comes to sword transport or circulation? Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I heard that Japan was exemplary when it comes to protecting their traditions and heritage, including martial ones. And that for this reason, their laws were crafted in a way that preserves everything sword-related, for example: the right to make these, sell these, buy these, use these and I would imagine transport these (all this in accordance with the law, of course)...

[@jeffgoode9865]

@@aiglonducal314 I was referring to knife and blade laws in Japan. They're horribly stringent, to the point that even carrying a multi tool is ill-advised. And you better be able to prove your need for it. I feel the sword transportation regulations being proposed are coming as a branch from more general anxiety about knives and blades in the UK. So, my connection is that the strict laws in Japan have not actually made any difference in violent crimes and murders, though the japanese government tries to skew the numbers to look good. Similarly (I feel. Many may disagree with me) that new laws and regulations of blades in the UK stem from a desire to reduce potential violence, but the only thing it will likely do is just make life more of a hassle for those interested in blades as an enthusiast or scholar. I can see, however, how Japan not being as strict on transportation of swords as this potential UK regulation can call into question my making a connection where there is none. I don't actually know the specific laws on swords, here. Only knives and shorter blades. My statement is more about my issue with strict regulations which are meant to prevent violence, but don't actually do much.

[@xandlhofer8029]

Still hurtful the post war Ban on Samurai swords - followed by a sacking and confiscation - that led to the loss of countless most precious artifacts and weapons - only to become cheap souvenirs or beeing destroyed....

[@rameybartels6291]

Well done Mr. Easton. Keep it up

[@turinturambar1159]

Wishing you guys the best from this side of the pond. I'd come help, but I'm neither a citizen nor a politician. As a martial artist and as one fascinated in swords since a very young age, this is sad and concerning.

[@PwnstarUK]

If the other couriers don’t follow suit it should be ok

[@Guncriminal]

Makes you wonder who's leaning on them.

[@dgoodman1484]

As a Californian, I understand the frustration. Of course no logical person thought for a second that they would stop at handguns. First thing to do is find out who your government sold out to and why? I’m guessing when they privatized the postal service nobody got a tax refund

[@xandlhofer8029]

California is great, though if I was living in the US I'd propably move to texas.

[@leonardo.1024]

And then you have that guy go and attack people with a sword today. Not likely to tone down the regulation.

[@FiliiMartis]

I'm glad you found out what was used: "The item used was an apparently illegal (since 2008) cheap replica samurai sword - an item already banned in the UK for the last 16 years." Reading on the internet, I saw the usual terrorist references and blaming the knife crime on the other political side (doesn't matter which side, it's the other side, always the other side; even if one party is indeed trying to build a platform on the idea of banning all swords). I'm afraid that people are not willing to listen to reason, so the fight to restore shipping and to safeguard our hobbies and livelihoods will not be easy. 😐

[@dorkangel1076]

Parcelfarce have always been crap. Several years ago I ordered some air-soft equipment from Hong Kong. Two of the items were gas magazines for an airsoft pistol. These come empty and need gas put into them to be used. They were posted by the Hong Kong Postal Service and arrived in the UK two days later. I got an email from Parcelfarce telling me there was duty to pay and paid it whereupon I was advised to collect my parcel at their warehouse in NI. I drove up to collect it but the local staff couldn't find it. After numerous emails and calls it was eventually found in the corner of a warehouse still back in England. I was then advised they couldn't send it to NI as gas magazines couldn't be put on a plane. Strange that as I doubt it had been sent from Hong Kong to the UK by speedboat. I ended up getting them to deliver it to my sister in England who reposted it by Royal Mail who delivered it fine. Hong Kong to UK - 2 days. England to Northern Ireland - 2 flipping months...

[@LordPhoenix140]

Sounds like a warning about the dangers of privatizing government infrastructure.

[@aiglonducal314]

But the government are the ones coming up with these idiotic laws in the first place (even if in this case the carriers have expected the expectations...)!

[@j-uw8gx]

The correct way to oppose this is from the top of a roof.

[@Rokolith]

This is a horrible turn of events. I wish you the best of luck in affecting change

[@JoelOkuda-ms3gy]

That is going to be a very big problem for hundreds of thousands of people and not just in the UK but for people around the world.

[@Gideon_Judges6]

It would seem the swords should've been put to use a while back if this is what tptb have come to. And by tptb, I mean juice.

[@Briver64]

As much as people rag on and joke about UK weapon regulations, the idea of just completely blocking all swords is so absurd. Another action that will screw over a huge amount of regular, law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to help safety.

[@sheldonbrown4855]

Y'all think to small. You need to be fighting to get your gun rights back

[@HistoryLover4]

Some people have whole companies about selling bladed weapons and make a living doing it what will happen to them.We also have people like me who are militaria collectors and we cant now get our Swords Bayonets Daggers etc

[@WessexBladesHandMadeKnives]

Here we go again 🙄

[@konstantin3374]

Truly patience of english citizens is limitless.

[@JS-fs9eh]

Patience or blind compliance? Our general public couldn’t give two flying fucks about what the government ban, as long as they leave their football, beer and shit takeaway food alone. Bread and circuses.

[@nowhere474]

It maybe too late for the UK But the rest of the WORLD must choose FREEDOM OVER DEMOCRACY

[@cristianespinal9917]

Sorry for you guys. You are the perfect example showing that the slippery slope is no fallacy when it comes to gun control in the States. Britain isn't the end goal for our gun grabbers. There is no end goal. There's no line too far for hoplophobes to cross.

[@landesnorm]

Sorry, this is a bit off topic, but I would like to know your opinion/knowledge about Japanese shikomizue swords. Thank you in advance.

[@kleinjahr]

Hmm, if you can't ship a complete sword, perhaps they would ship one in kit form. After all it could be argued that it is not a sword just the parts.

[@rvpuk]

Gutted, only recently got into Hema and was getting ready to order my first feder and a sabre for use at my club. Looks like this will be a difficult process in the future.

[@fableblades]

In Australia all couriers refuse to touch blades of any type. Australia post is the only option remaining. It's mental

[@messylaura]

Matt Easton Postal service...........think i found you another side line

[@thegreatother25]

I recently purchased a blade in the UK which was delivered by Parcelforce just last week, surprised at this! let's fight these stupid regulations that will not address the root causes of knife crime, fight poverty, not people ✊️

[@terrenceroll3848]

It's not poverty, it's something else.

[@Anonym-gg1gt]

Its strange, I tried to send a albion sword from switzerland to germany. FedEx and DHL won't tranport any swords. I never thougt, that it would be so difficult to send a sword to a other country, wehre this item is legal.

[@danielnewman8242]

Love to see you and American 2a KZbin Colion Noir have a chat...

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

Just saw footage from the recent Hainault stabbings - I don't think it is going to help this cause unfortunately.

[@inregionecaecorum]

I think the only way out in the end will be for those affected to set up your own delivery company. I have a knife on order from Tod at the moment, hope that isn't caught up.

[@gothwarrior1]

Are there alternative shipping options available? As someone who works shipping in the US, I know we have multiple competitors here, I don't know what it's like there