UK Banned Offensive Weapons: note *Antiques Exempt*: Response to

ThatGearGuy put up a good video about UK banned weapons ( • Arrested! Weapons Bann... ), but it's very important to clarify the exemptions and defences.

[@deadhorse1391]

They destroy those valuable pieces by the police putting them in their cars and driving home with them

[@gilesleonard6876]

During the gun amenities after Dunblane it was common to see off duty coppers sneaking into gun shops with a carrier bag of flintlocks to sell

[@Nerobyrne]

​@@gilesleonard6876I mean I can't say I blame them, would be a shame to destroy pieces of history

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

@@Nerobyrne Do you really think they did this out of respect for history?

[@bharnden7759]

This is how NY city, and Chicago cops, get their throwaway guns.

[@jacqueslandry2319]

Pretty much

[@TheWirksworthGunroom]

Possessing a firearm that was an "antique held as a curiosity or ornament" was legal for many years and then they redefined "antique" as only applying to certain calibres and cartridges. Around the same time they banned toy guns if you weren't a member of a toy gun club.

[@DisdainusMaximus]

The 2006 violent crime reduction act; there was a lot of pushback by airsofters and reenactors at that time and they managed to get it at least somewhat workable.

[@TheHorzabora]

Scotland is both better and worse for toy guns. I mean, if you’re going to ban firearms (which I don’t agree with) and require strict licensing, I don’t mind replica ones being controlled as long as the system is sensible. The ‘you must be a member of a club’ rule is dumb. A license system would be better, as long as it was a ‘will issue’ system, not a ‘may issue’ system. There should be no requirement for you to have a reason to own a harmless toy that looks like a harmful weapon. Any distress and danger caused to the public is your own fault. Also, as an aside, while it’s never been challenged in court afaik, being a LARPer is accepted by local police forces as ‘reenactment’ - I can attest that a few years ago at a Firefly LARP we were given the usual reference number to hand to police if stopped on the way there, then on the Sunday of the event (the last day) the police turned up and we all went a little pale. Turns out that they were running a training event for police dogs and forensics people which they wanted to setup early, the site organisers had gone ‘oh, the LARPers will be done by two o’clock, go wild’ and they just wanted to let us know *not* to freak out if we saw people hauling bodies (fake ones, but… they were really quite lifelike at any distance) around. And they didn’t even bat an eye at the RIFs, except one chap who thought Firefly was cool.

[@IronHorse1854]

It's similar in Australia. Only firearms which do not fire cased ammunition AND are 100+ years old can be owned and used without a license, so basically only muskets of most types; caplocks, flintlocks, matchlocks, wheellocks, etc etc. Interestingly, cap and ball revolvers also fall under this. You still need a license to be able to shoot in any place where shooting is allowed anyway I'm pretty sure, though I'm not sure about shooting on property that you own and which meets the specifications for being allowed to operate firearms on. I have a license and my main area of interest is muzzleloaders and functioning historical replicas, I'm in a club and yet I've never seen anyone make use of this law before, and outside of museums I've never seen a firearm which meets this definition here either. I can only assume genuine examples in firing condition are very rare (and expensive) here.

[@MrBottlecapBill]

@@IronHorse1854 Licensing and regulation is the direct route to banning and taxation. Once you give them any reasonable consideration they use it to violate your rights. Never accept licensing. Either something is safe and legal to own or not.

[@IronHorse1854]

​@@MrBottlecapBill I wasn't necessarily sharing any of my personal thoughts on regulation of firearms in Australia in my original comment, simply stating how it is, or at least how I know it to be. I have a license because I grew up rural, and I spent time shooting with family. Firearms and associated sports are a hobby of mine, and the simple fact of the matter is that if I want to partake in that hobby in my country I must have a license. Whether I like it or not isn't really relevant right now. I either have no license and don't shoot, or I have a license and I do, option C is to have no license and shoot anyway, in which case I inevitably go to prison for upwards of 20 years, face thousands in fines and fees, get dragged through court, and I don't particularly feel like going to prison and in the process being forced to abandon my family for my hobby. That's just how it currently is. That's never gonna change until the majority of Australians change their attitude toward shooting sports, but the majority of Australians live in the cities, the only guns most of them have ever seen with their own eyes have been on the hips of cops (and they don't even like those). They view us rural Australians as backwards hicks, and those of us who shoot (or god forbid, hunt) as psychopathic barbarians. Most shooters are rural Australians, and rural Australians make up the minority at the polls, we don't have many politicians who feel it's worth anything to represent us and the ones that do represent us don't know how to win people over and just preach to the choir, which only hurts our image even more. Sorry for my long novel, but I suppose you asked indirectly what my thoughts must be on licensing, and so that's really all I have. I think we need to just enjoy our sport while we still have it, sadly.

[@lurkingedge]

My friends and I have similar reactions to gun buy backs in the United States. It is horrible. Some weapons are saved by individual police officers buying them or citizens looking to buy some good pieces, but so much is destroyed. One police department refused to accept a weapon one old lady brought in. It was a very good condition German STG-44. After passing it around and taking turns drooling over it, they returned it to the lady, informed her that they could not in good conscience give her $200 dollars for her heirloom, let alone see such a rare piece of history destroyed, and that it was probably worth between $20,000 and $35,000, possibly more. God bless 'um.

[@kacperwoch4368]

The sight of an old lady entering a police station with STG-44 must have been hilarious.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Um, unless it was Amnesty registered, with paperwork, it is/was illegal. If they knew what they were looking at and knew the laws, they would have confiscated and informed the atf.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

@@alericc1889 no not according to the NFA. No machine guns. Rifles, hand guns, swords, knives, also try this on for size, gold or more money than you could have made during your enlistment. Only officers could send more back home than their normal pay. Yes weird, but since FDR took everybody's gold and silver he didn't want simple soldiers raiding foreign banks, armories and museums. All highly documented. So a mp 44 would definitely not be legal to hang onto, especially of it didn't get registered in 1968 during the amnesty.

[@jamielondon6436]

All of the weapons I own are part of my religion as a Mandalorian.

[@playedout148]

Become a Satanist. Gotta have those sacrificial daggers.

[@primafacie5029]

This is the way

[@mooncat7009]

the fact that nobody tries to solve the root of the problems in terms of knife crime and instead draw the line at dangerous looking objects is so stupid.

[@2bingtim]

Indeed. Most criminals who would use these items never surrender their weapons, just peaceful law abiding folk who'd never let them fall into the wrong hands. Severe sentences swiftly applied to those using them in violent attacks is what is needed.

[@kwanarchive]

What's crazy is that we've now lived through a time that straddled across when WWI was not antique, to now being antique.

[@willek1335]

It was going to happen sooner or later.

[@silverjohn6037]

Speak for yourself. I was alive when the American Civil War weapons became antiques;).

[@battleb0ng420]

i was alive when weapons of the Roman Republic became artifacts

[@mooncat7009]

i remember when bronze weapons came in and we all thought this will never catch on

[@IronHorse1854]

@@mooncat7009 I remember when my mate Dave figured out throwing rocks at people would kill them pretty quick, we all thought he'd gone a bit too far with that one. Then we started walking upright and used the rocks to sharpen sticks and things just spiralled out of hand rapidly from that point.

[@UnreasonableOpinions]

Anyone relying on police discretion to understand a single thing about antique weapons rather than just toss anything they don't like in a sack is mad.

[@tommyfred6180]

no police constabulary should be doing anything based on discretion. when it is them that control the discretion.

[@etherealhawk]

Discretion is only whether to pursue something or not. If they did and it got to court it'd be tossed

[@fanert1]

you need to edit that post, "Anyone relying on police discretion to understand a single thing is mad." is what it should say

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I was confused by the most recent changes in deactivation requirements for firearms. I was worried that although deactivated, our family's heirloom WWI guns were no longer deactivated enough, as my understanding is that rather than just stopping up the barrel and removing firing pins, newer legislation now requires moving parts to be welded together to make reactivation impossible. I then spoke to a veteran in an exhibition tent at armed forces day who was exhibiting such deactivated firearms to ask him if they needed to be further deactivated. He reassured me that they didn't. That was a comfort to me as I will eventually come into possession of them and don't want to further disable them unnecessarily. It's interesting and of historical importance to observe the action, and you can't do that if it's all welded together into an immobile metal blob.

[@connorperrett9559]

British politicians are so scared of their own slave-cattle that they are even forcing them to destroy family weapons from WWI that have been obsolete for a century?

[@Willy_Tepes]

I had a similar case in court. The police wanted them MORE deactivated, but the judge said no. There is talk of registration, but then they will end up hidden away because such legislation indicates that I might have to reactivate them some day.

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

@@Willy_Tepes @willytepes27 Good to know. I literally just spoke to a solicitor to check. They wanted me to pay them £750 to answer this simple yes/no question. That telephone conversation ended abruptly without pleasantries. I'll stick with your Judge's and the Army veteran's advice. Perhaps you made case law!

[@Willy_Tepes]

It was already current law but the police are trying to set a legal precedent for stealing stuff from civilians on the basis of "it looks scary". They will get nothing but stress and ulcers from me. The entire ordeal made me decide to run for Parliament. This madness and tyranny cannot continue.@@nathanaelsmith3553

[@frontenac5083]

*7:28** Oh, please, government, give me a break with the religious exemptions! To be clear, I'm all for the Sikh being able to carry a knife or ride a moped without a helmet. The only thing is: everybody should be allowed to do those two things.*

[@aiglonducal314]

Amen to that!

[@connorperrett9559]

@@marcogenovesi8570 Norse pagans are advised by Odin in the Hovamal to always carry a weapon. I can guarantee the Britbong government would not allow a Norse pagan to carry a weapon though, even if they were able to pint that passage out.

[@kylethedalek]

@@connorperrett9559Was just about to say that, and they do there are people here who do. They need to have them on them at all times or near by to hold if they pass away as they believe they need battle steel to be allowed into heaven. Also Christ said to sell your cloak and buy a sword.

[@Candlemancer]

Lets all start calling ourselves Mandalorian

[@kylethedalek]

@@marcogenovesi8570 No way, they can’t discriminate.

[@bandit6272]

We muricans kept saying that there is no end goal for anti-weapon governments beyond total disarmament. It isn't about safety, it's about control.

[@thedamnyankee1]

Mass 4420 as an example.

[@titanscerw]

End game is genocide and wiping out of native history ...

[@TimRHillard]

the only comment I've read so far that is actually with merit.

[@MrLeonidas0001]

Should never have given up the guns but here we are.

[@ItIsYouAreNotYour]

Should have banned blunt objects. And forced everyone to wear a helmet who walks outside.

[@inktea256]

Guns make sense to limit since they are specifically designed to kill as many people in the shortest amount of time. One crazy far-Rightest who just murdered 3 black people at a convenience store in Minnesota and wrote a manifesto had bought every gun and magazine he had brought with him legally. Blades are another matter altogether because, as Skallagrim demonstrated, it’s easy for criminals to create makeshift weapons that are just as deadly. The way I see it, blades are practical for self defense and honorable commonfolk, but guns are for the crazies.

[@MrLeonidas0001]

@@ItIsYouAreNotYour Well see the Brit’s would eventually do all that too 🤦🏻‍♂️😂🇬🇧

[@ItIsYouAreNotYour]

@@MrLeonidas0001 They aren't aware of the snowball effect haha.

[@MrLeonidas0001]

@@ItIsYouAreNotYour Apparently not 🤦🏻‍♂️😂

[@thatgearguy]

Thanks for the mention bud! I should have been clearer in my video. I did provide the legislation in the description and mentioned a couple of times about collectors but your right. I should have stated it very clearly at the beginning so it couldnt be missed. People should also bare in mind that despite there are legal defences one shouldn't expect the Police to know them!! Be prepared to get nicked then prove your innocence with your solicitor in interview. The likely outcome is a grumpy NFA (no further action) letter several months later! Again thanks for the clarification. Next video I will be clearer and drop you a mention as well!! Have a great day!!

[@scholagladiatoria]

@thatgearguy great to see you here and thanks for the response. Agreed on the likely police response. My experience is that, unfortunately, they often don't know the details of the law and let the solicitors worry about that. I can't fully blame them, as the law has been made needlessly complicated and they keep updating it, while providing inadequate resources and training time to the police.

[@cp1cupcake]

I think most iconic things I saw as an illegal weapon in the UK in a picture of confiscated items were a potato peeler and a butter knife.

[@ericdpeerik3928]

You would understand if you were a buttery baked potato 🥔

[@DJRockford83]

A guy in Scotland was sent to prison for carrying a potato peeler

[@willpeony5534]

Never bring a butter knife to a potato peeler fight.

[@Master...deBater]

This is precisely why we in the states appear so "unreasonable" to some of our continental friends...when you give them a millimeter...they take the whole nine yards!!!

[@happykharl]

this is so pathetic we have to grovel to the government and defend our hobbies and history this is disgusting

[@S6WLUKAS]

I was given a traditional shamshir as a wedding gift from my wife - but customs confiscated it upon entry into the UK, despite it being perfectly legal under their list of exemptions. They decided that they were not 100% sure, so they were keeping it just in case. welcome to England. The land where the law doesnt know the law.

[@SuperAKJR]

Are landless samurai brutalitising the yeomanry of the east Anglia? Ludicrous.

[@Candlemancer]

​@@SuperAKJRyes, they just call themselves "police" now

[@cympimpin20]

They were not easily moved They were icy, willing to wait

[@NoMoneyHubby]

Its even sadder we have to grovel with our governments to protect ourselves and property

[@Drowronin]

You get the government you tolerate.

[@mbryson2899]

You're stuck with the government the ignorant, frightened masses will tolerate. Knowledgeable people are too frequently simply outvoted.

[@Drowronin]

Sadly, I have to agree@@mbryson2899

[@ThomasAllen90]

Much like the firearm amnesty here in Australia, the amount of history that was destroyed is insane, you can hardly find weapons from our settlement anymore.

[@emptyemptiness8372]

That is not true, all antique and historical firearms where turn over to state museums in the Australian amnesty

[@peterplotts1238]

I don't understand how Australians permitted it to happen. This is intended as empathy for friends and not to blame. However, I would be glad to hose the appropriate fool with blame if you want to give me some names. The most brutal ridicule is available upon request.

[@hulking_presence]

@@emptyemptiness8372 Go back to sleep, the government is in control.

[@memeboi6017]

Like seriously what are you gonna do with an 18th Century Musket?

[@davidpnewton]

​@@emptyemptiness8372liar. What you say literally cannot be true. You know or should know that so you are a liar.

[@thomaswilkinson3241]

Constable "What is that you are carrying, Sir?" Man "A Sword, Constable." Constable "Is it an offensive Weapon?" Sword "Up yours, Copper!" Man 😅

[@xntumrfo9ivrnwf]

You guys are gonna be psyched to learn I found a never-before-seen, fully automatic M4 rifle with a 1923 date stamp buried in my cellar. Crazy I know, given the conventional knowledge is that the M4 is way younger, but I guess we need to re-write firearms history!

[@scholagladiatoria]

This law does not apply to firearms. There are separate firearms laws.

[@xntumrfo9ivrnwf]

@@scholagladiatoria :( foiled again :(

[@raakawiz]

@@xntumrfo9ivrnwf Maybe slap a bayonet on it and argue that it's a spear :D

[@dogmaticpyrrhonist543]

22 years until we can have antique nukes. Sorry for making people feel old

[@Estus__Flask]

They're gonna need a bigger amnesty bin

[@Quincy_Morris]

This is the argument of tyrants Nukes are quite different

[@frontenac5083]

*You have to be a very special kind of numskull to suddenly destroy or surrender your own property just because some random and clueless pen-pusher has made it illegal. (Especially if the thing in question is not even illegal to start with, of course!)* 🤦🤦‍♂🤦‍♀

[@kylethedalek]

Why do you need those sorts of items?

[@kevinc3751]

@@kylethedalekare you serious? Why does the UK government need to be involved with personal rights, property, and self-defense? Your logic is on par with, “I have no issue with it so no one else should either.” That’s giving up your personal rights to a government (any government) to then be abused or forced into compliance.

[@kylethedalek]

@@kevinc3751 You sound like a sovereign citizen. I can use say a gun for hunting and target shooting. What can I do with a knuckle duster? It’s designed to just hurt people. There is no other function. (So a gun has more practical uses.) Oh if you leave it lying around it’s now a display piece or paper weight? So that it’s 99% of items in general. But why have items like that easy to get to and that can hurt others?

[@Erideah]

@@kylethedalek I mean, when I was younger, I needed multiple things that I could not get due to laws, just for research to make my fantasy novels realistic. Most of the time things I wouldn't grab over a kitchen knife for self defense. But that gets into politics, for any bladed weapon a ban tends to have more to do with things seeming "cool" to kids (at least, that's what I suspect the justification boils down to)

[@nevisysbryd7450]

​@@kylethedalekWeapons do not hurt others. People hurt others using them. Hurting others, while categorically unpreferable in a vacuum, is often not up to the peaceful actor to choose but the aggressive one; where someone is intent on violence, you can choose not if someone is hurt but who. A tool's primary or exclusive purpose being to harm is irrelevant to its legitimacy as there are contexts that justify and necessitate harming others. The vast majority of civilian firearms usage is in self-defense. Second is criminal gang activity, which comprises already-lawbreakers who will, at most, use other weapons available that are more reliant on personal ability and thus favor the criminal more often. Firearms designed for hunting are designed very differently than ones intended for use in interpersonal conflict; human weapons are crap for hunting and vice-versa.

[@Berengier817]

I love that punch dagger at the beginning. Beautiful weapon.

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

I met a guy in Edinburg last week. He’d found old sgian dubh while diggin in his garden. He was going on a national flight to visit friends and have it appraised by a museum and it was confiscated and probably destroyed - or indeed lifted by the security person to keep or flog for themselves … go figure …

[@kylethedalek]

Edinburgh.

[@emel60]

If he tried getting it into an airplane, he is short of being an idiot. He could have put on a kilt and tuck it in a sock and display it without a problem as it is a part of national attire, but to have it in the backpack while boarding...

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

@@kylethedalek Yeah youre right. Odd thing I put the “h” there first but then somehow convinced myself it was too much of a German vibe or something and deleted after posting. Anyways …

[@whynottalklikeapirat]

@@emel60 I think he forgot he had it in one bag or something. I told him he should have gone for the national/religious attire argument as well and maybe at least they would have just put it in the hold or whatever … but you’re right. I think it was just accidental.

[@kylethedalek]

@@emel60 There was a time when people went on airplanes with knives and even guns and there was no issues?

[@polydactylproductions6787]

The lack of civil liberties in the UK continues to horrify me.

[@lightningandodinify]

seems like a pretty rubbish country

[@charlottesimonin2551]

English common law was taught as part Introduction to Criminal law In American Universities. One of the key points was: Weapons were Prohibited on the person for the purpose of Going Armed. The problem then and now has always been a matter of interpretation. In the U.S every state has its own way of applying the rule. In Texas a loaded gun carried over the shoulder or pistol in a visible holster is not always regarded as "going armed"

[@chrisplatten2293]

The sporting purposes defence is why winter mountaineering equipment such as crampons are OK even though there is an offensive weapon category for spiked items designed to be attached to footwear. Ice axes on a leash and some ice screws could have been caught in other categories if the definition is stretched a bit. I should probably update my comment about these on ThatGearGuys video.

[@Quincy_Morris]

Any people that cannot have weapons is not free

[@stephenbarrett8861]

No one is free.

[@TimPays]

I've seen some really nice stuff come out of those bins I've even been tempted to sit outside a police station with a sign say knives for cash during an amnesty so nothing good gets destroyed

[@ncross1857]

Then an officer comes out and charges you with 20 counts of being in possession of offensive weapons.😁

[@connorperrett9559]

@@ncross1857 Not if you stab him first.

[@cp1cupcake]

The stuff I remember seeing pictures of included a potato peeler and a butter knife.

[@Seelenschmiede]

Oi mate, do you have a loicense for that sign?

[@asraarradon4115]

@@Seelenschmiede *soign

[@williamhall3043]

4.2 The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2008 added swords with a curved blade of 50 centimetres or over in length to the 1988 Order. The Government accepted that there are certain legitimate uses of such swords and so the instrument provided for certain defences to the offences under section 141 and section 50 mentioned above. 4.3 One of these defences was for genuine swords made in Japan. Collectors have made representations that this defence does not account for non-Japanese swords of cultural and historical significance. Makers of high value curved swords in England and Wales, hand-made according to traditional methods, have also made representations that the ban unfairly impacts on their business. The Government is moving quickly to address these concerns to ensure legitimate business is safeguarded. This instrument accordingly changes the defence to remove the references to Japan, and applies the defence to any curved swords made before 1954 and any curved swords hand-made at any other time according to traditional methods. The last lines are the fun ones‘handmade at any other time by traditional methods’ That means that all curved swords are therefore fully legal with the exception of sword like objects And I would know because I had a collection of them that I did have seized (because I was an idiot with them) but the judge gave them all back

[@scholagladiatoria]

More info on my page here: www.matt-easton.co.uk/uk-curved-sword-law

[@edi9892]

Reminds me of my relatives: they threw away antiques and fossils, because to them it was just worthless junk... As long as they can't sell it easily it's junk to them.

[@ycplum7062]

Maybe someone should do an "Antique Road Show" for weapons with historical weapons specialists/dealers and lawyers. I think it might even make a decent TV show. LOL

[@shootingGBS]

I love your knowledge on this stuff! The Home Office and The Rt Hon Chris Philp MP Published the following on the 30 August 2023: 'Under a new definition included in these measures, a zombie-style knife is any bladed weapon over eight inches in length with a plain cutting edge and sharp pointed end that also has either a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade, or multiple sharp points like spikes' So, for those that possess 'hunting' or 'survival/bushcraft' knives like the Glock Sawback, Gerber Clearpath, KA-BAR Utility 1095 and sawback Rambo movie franchise memorabilia collectors knives - they are also now banned? - is there an amnesty time period as well?

[@shootingGBS]

It's not clear when this is going to be enacted and if there will be any amnesty instructions or advice. The article just says 'The measures will be legislated when Parliament allows'

[@thecreweofthefancy]

-not a lawyer- We also have reenactment exemptions with some of our laws in the US. I remember there was a big freak out after New York passed a law the other year without fully writing out the law and even the governor had to step in and make a statement. They ignored the existing black powder exemptions and forgot to mention that NYC had a ton of state, city, and even federally sanctioned events. I can say from experience that as long as you are actually doing stuff related to history in a sanctioned setting a lot of the rules are exempt.

[@PDZ1122]

One thing about the legalized theft and destruction of semi automatic rifles after the Hungerford thing that made me very happy, is how few of the rifles actually ended up with the police. Most just vanished. "I threw it in the ocean!".

[@jeffreybrunken556]

My Dad served for 4 years in North Africa & Italy in an American fighter squadron assigned to support Montgomery’s army. My daughter lived in London for 2 years where she taught Math. I’ll be a devoted Anglophile till the end of my days. But I’ll never resolve how the nation that gave birth to the Magna Carta could become so beset by these mindless, purposeless attacks on liberty.

[@LadyMngwa]

I live in Czech Republic where the weapon ownership laws are very balanced and fair and I keep just shaking my head over UK weapon ban insanity. How exactly does banning everything that resembles a weapon contribute to my safety when I can defend myself probably only with plastic bins or chairs? Because criminals will just obtain the weapons no matter how many stupid weapon regulations some woke politician emits.

[@implodingllama2092]

Same country, different group in power is how we are now (unfortunately) undermining the Magna Carta

[@Andy152R]

People in the UK always ask me why I am so vehemently protecting the 2nd Amendment in the United States. It is a slippery slope. Restrictions lead to registration. That leads to confiscation. That leads to going after other things. That leads to antiques and others eventually. Humans get very creative with weapons, but when you live in a country which you have to be 18 to purchase a butter knife that you could easily make, I made my point.

[@petrimakela5978]

Did they ban charcoal and hammers too? Just made a fighting knife in my back yard..

[@scholagladiatoria]

The ban is on ownership, so if you make one (eg. knuckleduster), then you have broken the law.

[@petrimakela5978]

@@scholagladiatoria That's really going to prevent criminals from making edged weapons... You can make a punch dagger in a day with a backyard bbq pit, slab of railway rail, hammer and a car coil spring...

[@leonardchurch7675]

@@petrimakela5978 That's like I watched a guy from Croatia make a working AK-47 weapon from spare parts in a shed and a couple trips to a local hardware store. If someone has a will they will make a way regardless of laws ethics or societal mores.

[@petrimakela5978]

@@leonardchurch7675 I could make a submachine gun in a couple of days if I wanted. But as I live in Finland I can actually legally own semi automatic guns without any problems 🤷

[@leonardchurch7675]

@@petrimakela5978 Finland is mostly what the US used to be. Sigh

[@exploatores]

I kind of think anything in a aminysty bin should be past to a weapons expert to sort it out.

[@skorzalonsdale4426]

Little bit off topic, but it think it fits in a discussion of UK weapon laws. I’m a collector of antique weapons (and some of the better modern reproductions) as well as a practicing lawyer and thought some of the audience might appreciate this. UK “self defence” laws are a bit of a mess. Not a lot of them make sense and a lot of people don’t understand what they can and can’t do in their own home. I have a shotgun certificate but wouldn’t dream of getting a gun out if I heard a bump in the night except in an extreme circumstance. You’d 100% lose the certificate (wrongly) and likely would face criminal charges. I’ve gone through the wording of UK legislation and relevant case laws and have come up with what I think is the best and safest way to protect your family in the UK Legal system. I want to preface this with that this is just my informed opinion and not true advice. But I’m confident that if I acted in the way described I believe I would be free from criminal/civil liability, but that may not apply to everything one, especially if they get to “excited”. The key is making every action responsive, not aggressive. The way my house is constructed means that there is only one way to go from the ground floor to the first, and that stairway is fairly confined. What I’ve done is leave a medium length spear (about 7ft) outside my bedrooms door and near the top of the stairs (put it in some kind of “display” so your wife doesn’t mind it being there). If someone breaks in during the night my dog would wake me up with plenty of time, I run out to the landing, grab the spear and control the stairs. While my wife calls 999 I can shout down and make it clear that I’m armed (as far as you can be in the UK really) and that if anyone tries to come up I’ll reasonably consider this a threat to mine and my families lives. Best case scenario they fuck off there and then when they know the police are on the way, 2nd best they take the time to steal stuff from downstairs (all of which is insured and/or replaceable) and worst case someone with a knife tries to come up stairs and gets “poked” for his troubles. In that situation there’s no chance he’s making it up stairs, I’ve not been aggressive in anyway and not a jury in the land would convict you for reacting defensively to protect your family. I’m sure there’ll be some “rambos” who call me out for not running down and chasing them away, but “stuff” just isn’t worth losing your life or liberty over. Also, if they have a gun and want to hurt people I’m finished in any event. Currently I’m happy with my “home defence spear” and think it should be a more commonly discussed option. I’m physically and legally safer controlling the stairs with a spear than actively hunting people down with a baseball bat. Edit: I notice I’ve used “UK law” and “UK legislation”, I actually mean English (and welsh) law and legislation, I can’t speak at all for Scotland)

[@charliedurnford3277]

I wonder how we would go about trying to reverse these sorts of foolish restrictions of our liberty. I wouldn't really know where to start. But I know that power concedes nothing without a demand. Any ideas?

[@cympimpin20]

Plenty of ideas, but not many that can be discussed openly. Use your imagination.

[@Mitch93]

We can't do anything when the vast majority of British people have been brainwashed to be scared of weapons.

[@Detson404]

I suspect a law passed democratically could, and stay with me here, be reversed democratically.

[@batteredwarrior]

Thatgearguy is great! Subscribed about 4 weeks ago. Definitely a channel worth watching.

[@toolthoughts]

antique clauses are pure elitism a collector/hobbyist who can only afford replicas is somehow more dangerous?

[@davidioanhedges]

A good quality modern replica can cost more than the original ... and it's well made and new enough that it could be used ...

[@toolthoughts]

@@davidioanhedges can, but not necessarily. also, these laws will drive up prices of antiques further

[@yamiyomizuki]

antiques have historical significance, modern replicas don't. it's not that a modern replicas are more dangerous but rather that Antiques are worth preserving.

[@toolthoughts]

@@yamiyomizuki not everyone runs a museum. there is much to be learned from using a reproduction. if the issue isn't danger, there is no justification for banning.

[@yamiyomizuki]

@@toolthoughts while I don't especially support the UK offensive weapons laws, there's absolutely reasons to ban certain weapons and there's absolutely reasons why Antiques should be treated differently.

[@edgarburlyman738]

Good for business for you Matt because people who actually want self defense weapons will enter the antiques market.

[@user-oo6ty1yq2l]

The UK has gone to Hell. The government overreach is shocking.

[@asa-punkatsouthvinland7145]

I live in Georgia in the USA. The laws regarding knives are as follows: A "knife" is defined as any blade 12" or less in length, designed for offence & attached to a handle (that handle part I'm puzzled by as I cant think of many blades one would carrry that wouldnt have a handle) The exception to this rule is for schools & government buildings that consider any blade over 2 inches to be a no no. O.C.G.A. § 16-11-136 (2012) Restrictions on possession, manufacture, sale, or transfer of knives: Except for restrictions in courthouses and government buildings, no county, municipality, or consolidated government shall, by rule or ordinance, constrain the possession, manufacture, sale, or transfer of a knife more restrictively than the provisions of this part. List Of Knives Legal to Own in Georgia -Balisong knives or butterfly knives are legal. -Bowie knives, switchblades, and all other large knives are legal. -Throwing stars and throwing knives are legal. -Disguised knives such as penknives, comb knives, and lipstick knives are legal. -Automatic knives, stilettos, switchblades, dirks, and daggers are legal. -Spring-powered automatic knives and ballistic knives are legal. -Non-metal knives (undetectable with a metal detector) are legal. In Georgia, there are no limits on the possession of knives. You can own any knife you want. There are only limits on carrying knives. The revised law of 2012 increased the maximum blade-length limit for carry knives from 5 inches to 12 inches. So, now, it is LEGAL to open carry any knife with a blade 12 inches or less in length. *Knives with blades longer than 12 inches require a weapon carry license. In 2022 "constitutional carry" laws were passed in Georgia meaning you can open or concealed carry a "short gun" (pistols with under a 12" barrel iirc) without a permit. Given a carry permit used to cover "short gun" & "knife" yet now instate one doesn't need a permit for "short guns"... Well I honestly dont know if one still needs a permit for blades over 12". Logically it seems not. But the law makers were sloppy in revising the laws & basically blacked out sections but never directly addressed "knives". Permits are still issued so golks leaving Georgia & traveling to states that dont have "constitutional carry" laws butvdo recognize a Ga permit can be covered. Ive asked police a lawyer & the clerk at the courthouse who issues carry permits & no one is quite sure 😂 But as a carry permit definitely covers nlades over 12" I plan to kerpy permit as last I checked most of my swords have blades over 12". Do I carry a sword everywhere? No, legally I can carry anywhere except government buildings, schools, hospitals & a private business that posts no weapons allowed. But I do carry swords to Waffle House; the waitresses generally expect me to at this point 😂

[@marting1056]

Great, the land of the free Total Gun Death 2019 US 37.038, (10,89/100.000pop) UK 162 (0.24/100.000pop)

[@Oblivisci........]

​@@marting1056Many people here would rather have a slightly violent society to keep it a free society. When I see people in the UK being arrested for telling a joke or posting a crude comment online, I tend to agree with them.

[@marting1056]

@@Oblivisci........ LOL. have you ever been in UK? no "trespassers will be shooted" here! slightly violent society? ok, there where more Gun Death in Brasil, but the us is second here! But you will do better i promise! caus the recipe against school massacres is according to Mr Trump spreading firearms in the schools. Great Idea for every classroom: stop shouting - start shooting! in the vietnam war from 1955 to 1975 58,220 U.S. service members were killed. in less than two years the number is equalized by the free society in "peacetime". You know what the most common feature of all these 37.038 is? not beeing black or poor or criminal. No, most of them own a gun!

[@tuseroni6085]

@@marting1056 worth noting, most of those gun deaths are suicides which would have happened either way just with a different method, the number of gun homicides is 14k which comes to around 0.43/100000pop still around double the numbers but it is also important to note that around 83% of those homicides were black on black, absent those the numbers would be 2306 or about 0.07/100000pop but, while blacks make up most of the murders, and murderers in the country they ARE americans the same as anyone else and so they do count, we have a lot of cities that are being run horribly, the policing in urban areas is abysmal and there is a culture of lawlessness that is pervasive in these areas. policies to address these problems tend to focus on the symptoms and often only serve to make the problem worse. but the key thing is, the problem isn't the guns, the problems are socioeconomic and cultural, if these weren't gun homicides they would be knife homicides or beatings.

[@leofedorov1030]

@@marting1056​​⁠Why are you only taking guns into account? Epic fail on your part. The overall homicides per capita rate in UK is 1/3 of the US. Sure, it is significantly lower, but nowhere near the degree you are trying to showcase.

[@Bryan-jm4uc]

Place is a fucking dystopia

[@S6WLUKAS]

And its just getting warmed up!

[@Bryan-jm4uc]

@@S6WLUKAS I live in Canada, we aren't far off

[@kylethedalek]

Great reset soon! Own nothing and be happy.

[@kylethedalek]

Well would you want everyone to run around with weapons? Weird how Europe has hardly any mass killing or violent attacks compared to the US.

[@Bryan-jm4uc]

@@kylethedalek Canada doesn't have that problem lol

[@althesmith]

Not to mention any traditionally made shinsakuto katana is perfectly legal, as it is traditionally made by definition whether it was made 50 years ago or last week.

[@conradswadling8495]

the establishment follow the route of banning things, instead of dealing with criminals. we need reform.

[@luthmhor]

So basically if you have money can own this stuff. Antique weapons or ones that have historical significance won’t be cheap.

[@Goshin65]

"The place where Great Britain used to be", my friend says. :(

[@robertpatter5509]

1977 The Duelists has a Smallsword/Sabre in it. That's historically important because A) Napoleonic Era B) Historically accurate for it's time C) Napoleon is mentioned D) It is a famous movie E) We see fencing and dueling. F) Weapon of the Courtier and Gentlemen Code of Honor G) Religion ( Dueling was highly Transcendental and religious) Jeronimo de Carranza has a treatise about this on Christian Defense.

[@bandit6272]

They'll come for your antiqued eventually. All it'll take is one person using one unsafely, or hurting someone with one (even in self defense) and they'll use that as an excuse to confiscate them too. Bet on it. There is no firm limiting principle for hoplophobes.

[@ethanblinkhorn8396]

One thing I always worry about when shipping blades to the uk is if customs will let them through or not.

[@texasbeast239]

They think them illegal 'Cause their minds are smol

[@DerrillGuilbert]

If nothing else changes, mall ninja shit will be antique by like 2100....

[@0rimus]

Really glad to see the Osborn Gunby in the background of a video again. Been awhile it seems!

[@jeremywhite9667]

The UK has become an absolute joke.

[@FOETRAIN]

The law as correctly stated on the official UK Government website is... The defences that already exist under section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 also apply to their simple possession. This includes that the weapon in question is: of historical importance to be used for historical re-enactments to be used for sporting activities for use in film and theatre possessed on behalf of a museum or gallery, or lent or hired by a museum or gallery for cultural, artistic or educational purposes possessed for religious reasons Antique weapons, over 100 years old, are exempted from section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988[footnote 18]. This exemption now also applies to the offence of possessing such antique weapons. There is also an exemption for swords with curved blades of 50cm or longer made before 1954 or those made at any time by traditional methods by hand. A shame that the UK Police and the Crown Prosecution Service seem incapable of reading this :(

[@EmilReiko]

Is the “made by traditional methods by hand” only for curved swords

[@FOETRAIN]

Yes, but only the curved blades over a certain length were on the prohibited weapons list in the first place.@@EmilReiko

[@bharnden7759]

If uncle adolf had spent his money on a paratrooper attack, instead of paris guns, and v2 rockets, england would have fallen.

[@JamesThomas-gg6il]

Mr. Easton, i have a question, just what is an OFFENSIVE weapon? I cannot seem to make a distinction between offensive and defensive. Wouldnt the use of anything that CAN be used for offense or defence be the exact same thing?

[@Halbared]

I love film props. I fancied a skullcrusher ever since Boardwalk Empire had a beautiful example. I've always wanted Rambo 3's knife and the Atlantean sword.

[@eliteteutonicknight1]

Rather than just Banning things left and right, the UK government should just start making its citizens happy instead. That will reduce crime a lot more effectively, as well as reverse a few of these dumb laws

[@Seelenschmiede]

Whaaaaat? But laws and capitalism!

[@TheManOWrath]

We'll not be having this discussion in America.

[@raphlvlogs271]

historical weapons can often last much longer than modern produced 1s due to the way they were produced and maintained when unused

[@ObsoleteVodkaYT]

Kudos to Matt for not antagonizing the law and authorities like many other channels unfortunately do, which only stigmatizes enthusiasts and collectors even more.

[@DJRockford83]

We just want to be left alone but the government won't do that

[@bobsmoot2392]

So sorry that you have to say, "Note: Antique Exemption", in your country, for fear of punishment. We had to fight that same government to win our freedom.

[@M.M.83-U]

The only genuinely good thing of those laws is the 100 years old rule, as opposed to a fixed date in use in some other countries like Italy. Broad and "soft" laws exist only to allow the judges to let the rich and famous, and/or theyr friend, go free and, at the same time, punish people they, or other powerfull people, do not like.

[@Leftyotism]

Okay lads, you know what to do. It's time to get creative with those defensive weapon designs!

[@wompa70]

Ban the tools even though the vast majority are used responsibly. Or, in the case of swords, hung on the wall. 😂

[@2bingtim]

We don't ban cars & many more are killed & injured every year by cars.

[@kevinriffey9970]

Didn't know the Magna Carta had a expiration date.

[@gwtpictgwtpict4214]

It didn't but large parts of it have been repealed over history.

[@kevinriffey9970]

@@gwtpictgwtpict4214 Yeah but it was not the "people" that repealed it. Kings just wiped their ass with it over the years and the people just let it happen.

[@sathoon5973]

When you import curved swords, what point are you meant to produce evidence, if it is needed? How much evidence is necessary? I'm inporting a curved kriegsmesser in a few months for HEMA and re-enactment, and I have visions of a police officer barging into my home, squawking about me potentially committing an offence and how naughty I am. As the defences are technically supposed to be made in response to an accusation.

[@ziggydog5091]

I live in the states, in a place where people routinely go around armed. I am safe when I go to the store, I am safe in my home. I feel so sorry for people in the UK. Free people are able to travel, own property, and carry arms.

[@fraserihle4847]

You’re safe when you go to the store but your children aren’t at school 😂 I feel bad for people in the US whose children have to go through metal detectors.

[@anguswilliam2141]

@@fraserihle4847 Just a matter of time before one of your friendly visitors wanders off the narrative again.

[@fraserihle4847]

@@anguswilliam2141 makes absolutely no sense buddy wtf

[@nevisysbryd7450]

​@@fraserihle4847School shootings are a statistical anomaly blown away out of proportion by the lying media. Children are more likely to be hit by an automobile or sexually molested by their schoolteacher than to be shot.

[@ziggydog5091]

@@fraserihle4847 I feel bad for children in the UK who are knifed to death in the streets by gangs, I feel bad for elderly people in the UK who have their homes broken into by strong armed robbers, mostly I feel bad for people in the UK who no longer live in freedom because of the increasingly totalitarian nature of the government there. You have the sympathy of a free man. God bless.

[@Master-AGN]

Thank Beezelbub for torts laws.

[@ickster23]

The list of what isn't banned could fit on a single page.

[@EpherosAldor]

As an aside - though I'm an American and not familiar with UK law - it would be good to tell people that should they have antique or historically significant weapons, how they can get them authenticated if they don't already have certificates proving it and how maintain to any associated paperwork with the Home Office if those processes exist. Not a detailed explanation but at least in the case someone finds they have something in their possession, such as an inheritance or through some blind auction (think storage wars).

[@daveollerhead7521]

Thank you for clearing that up Matt.

[@dribrom]

All tools can be used as an offensive weapon, even a screw driver.

[@jm9371]

How do you ban a sharp metal object? I live in Canada and we are in the process of banning assault rifles... of which I own a few. I see a stark contrast on our two Government policies and priorities.

[@2bingtim]

Whatever is banned, criminals will either still be able to get hold of them or find an alternative. A well resourced police force that prosecutes crime promptly deters most of this. Here in the UK this is what we get instead of a properly funded police force & many crimes just get let go.

[@juhajuntunen7866]

Sword into lake, lady become busy...

[@peterplotts1238]

I hate to hear these stories of the destruction of valuable, historic, wonderfully engineered, and sometimes beautiful objects. The mania for destroying and seizing personal weapons from law-abiding people is an abomination and just plain stupid. If you want a nanny who can shoot or cast you into prison instead of a democratic government, it's just fantastic.

[@nevisysbryd7450]

Democratic governments can also shoot and/or imprison you.

[@MarcRitzMD]

Jedis are allowed to have lightsabers? There were more Jedis in the UK than Sikhs. 390k or 0.8% in 2001. Now, just 1,600.

[@DenshaOtoko2]

It may have been used in Ghandi from 1980.

[@christophernaisbitt6038]

FFS! I’ve just received a notification from UPS that the traditional Finnish Puukko I bought is being “held by a government agency”! Does anyone have any experience of this? Any ideas how long this government agency plans to hold my Puukko for?

[@dr.ryttmastarecctm6595]

Hmm, so my Finnish Lahti L39 20 mm anti-tank rifle isn't an antique, but is historically significant?

[@Arkantos117]

Hopefully we can one day just get the law to where it should be; no carrying around weapons in public without good reason (reenactment, sports, filming etc) but you can own whatever you want within your own home. Sadly though, this country doesn't look like it's goin to be sorting itself out at any point in the near future, maybe not even within my lifetime.

[@SovereignRose]

Come join us across the pond in the U.S. we still allow offensive weapons

[@SwordFighterPKN]

The cops and courts do and will take whatever they want and what are you going to do about it. I'm sure British LE, like American LE, is not required to know the laws they enforce.

[@leonardchurch7675]

As a former LEO, when I was in training and working, we were required to know the statutes we were enforcing. If we thought that something May be illegal, unless we could document the law paragraph and/or subsection we couldn't do anything. Which made it the responsibility of those wanting a warrant or service executed really do the research before getting a judge to set pen to paper as they say. Apparently all that changed after I left which was about 28 years ago now.

[@SwordFighterPKN]

@@leonardchurch7675 - What you used to have to do is how it should be.

[@gungriffen]

Out of curiosity do you know who watches your channel more Americans or British, or even Americans or Europeans?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes, the biggest number of viewers are in the USA, then the UK. After that are countries such as Germany, Sweden, Canada, Australia, Poland.

[@Halbared]

Wish I still had my original Megatron.

[@martinbuckley6400]

I emailed the Home Office for clarification and got the following response. Legislation/law in this field is beyond jerky and the ease at which someone could accidentally break the law and get into some serious trouble shows how much we need clarification and clear guidance on the issue. Thank vou for your e-mail of 29 August about importing a sword into the UK. We cannot comment on specific items. The final decision on whether the import is allowed lies with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) who will make a decision on a case-by-case basis when they have an opportunity to see the item. Any person intending to import an offensive weapon can seek independent legal advice if they are concerned they may break the law, as they will be able to advise you on particular circumstances. However, you may find it useful if we outline the right legislation on importing specified knives/weapons. It is an offence under section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1998 to manufacture, sell or hire, offer for sale or hire, expose or have in your possession for the purpose of sale or hire of or lending or giving to any other person certain specified knives/weapons. Importation of such specified weapons is prohibited. Breach of this prohibition is an offence under the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979. The list of prohibited weapons is available on the Government website at: www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives. However, there are exceptions to the import restrictions. These are that the specified knives or weapons are being imported only for the purposes of: functions carried out on behalf of the Crown or a visiting force; making the weapon available to a museum or a gallery in certain circumstances; theatrical performances and rehearsals of such performances; production of certain films; production of certain television programmes. You should note that the import of flick and gravity knives is prohibited and no exceptions apply.

[@hvymax]

I couldn't live anywhere that I can't have a Beltfed!!!

[@dracoorian3029]

USA now all blades are legal 100 years or younger UK laws are messed up when it comes to blades.

[@ducthman4737]

Would Tod's Trebuchet be an Offensive Weapon ?

[@DerekSVNLD]

Depends which side of the siege lines it sits on

[@Seelenschmiede]

With his bad luck hitting anything besides his field floor... I guess not

[@alfredfrome9455]

I wonder where we stand legally in owning a Kukri (not an antique) ?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Kukri are not in any way prohibited at the moment.

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

I'm getting a bit concerned about my sword/knife collection....

[@vyr01]

people in power who want you disarmed are doing/going to do something that you will not like to you

[@magnuslundstedt2659]

Does it make any difference in what context the item is kept? In my mind it would be a very big difference if I keep a dagger (of historical value but maybe not antique) in my cabinet or as an ornament on my walk at home versus if I carry it on my person when I go out to the pub. I have an Polish cavalry saber at home on my wall. It's from the 1920s and it's not sharp, but also we have different regulations in Sweden. I can have almost any knife or blade at home, or in a context where it makes sense, but if I have a knife or even a sharp screwdriver on me out and about? It can be illegal. And by a context where it makes sense is any context I have a reasonable explanation to why I carry the knife. Like if I am on my way out hiking, a handyman in working clotes on the way home or something reasonable.

[@geoffberry5260]

So before I drop nearly £1000 on a Royal Armouries replica longsword, am I going to have the 'Bill' at my door for hanging it on the wall?

[@scholagladiatoria]

Straight swords are not at all prohibited.

[@KingMoogoe]

Amazingly stupid law, how is this tolerated.

[@Blindy_Sama]

I feel like destroying an adamant object like weapons especially antique weapons it's just as bad as burning books if not worse... Mind you obviously there be some exceptions here or they should go to a museum or something instead if they are those exceptions..

[@Justice-ian]

The whole legal concept of an "affirmative defense" would be absurd, if the resulting uncertainty weren't intentional.

[@Znirp123789]

god i hate stupid bannings so much it's unreal