I need a BIG favour.

[YANOULI]

Do any American or Canadian Members on here own, or have access to, angle grinders or cutting torches, due to their work or hobbies (mechanic, builder, plumber etc. ) or know anyone who does?

I bought a cheap replica of Connor Macleod's Katana on Ebay but it has been seized by UK customs because of some new laws that were brought in at the beginning of April.
Apparently it is now illegal to import curved bladed swords over 50cm in length, unless you have a special dispensation ( which i don't ).

As i was planning to display it in the scabbard anyway i have no problem with cutting the blade to the legal length. Unfortunately, the seller does not have the equipment to do it.

Would one of my fellow members be able to shorten the blade for me if i had the sword shipped to them and then ship it on to me? I will of course pay for the work and extra shipping

If you think you can help, please pm me.

Thanks,
Ian.

[megocrazy]

Can't help with the cutting, but it may be easier to find a knife/sword dealer in the UK that can receive it and see if he'll be a middle man for a small fee. That way you don't have to damage the sword. There has to be a dealer somewhere that has clearance to get something like this.

[YANOULI]

The same thing applies to buying stuff from stores.
I'd seen a really nice Macleod katana in a UK shop which was around £200 but again you have to supply proof of dispensation to buy it.

This is all because of 4 incidents of violence involving Samurai swords. As usual it's the honest law abiding people who get penalised.

[SUP-Ronin]

That sucks. I can go into town and buy my pick of assault rifles on the spot and take it home today, SKS, AR-15, Ak47, Berrett 50Cal, and you can't bring in a replica sword? The world is messed up.

[toys2cool]

That sucks. I can go into town and buy my pick of assault rifles on the spot and take it home today, SKS, AR-15, Ak47, Berrett 50Cal, and you can't bring in a replica sword? The world is messed up.

that's exactly what i was thinking

[Action Burt]

Hope someone can be of help to you.

[Seeker]

I agree with Megocrazy. Your best bet is to find someone who can import it in for you. It would be a shame to destroy the blade.


Its that easy to get Pre Ban guns in Wyoming?

[misterdroid]

What length is the current weapon if 50cm is the limit? As it is a cheap replica, I'd imagine it doesn't have a full tang, only a small push tang (most cheap swords do). If someone was to knock the handle off with a light upward blow from a rubber mallet and then say, push a rubber bicycle grip or fabricate a grip from cord (like many martial arts swords have) down over the bare tang/blade it would "technically" shorten the sword by at least 7/10 cm, more if you had a cord grip made. You could then reglue the seperately shipped handle and restore the katana to its full length. If it has to be radically shorter, different methods may apply.
But thats just my initial thought... I'm sneaky.
In the worst case, I own a couple of different grinders if you can't find anyone to help, drop me line.

[misterdroid]

Apparently it is now illegal to import curved bladed swords over 50cm in length, unless you have special dispensation ( i don't ).

And also, as a sincere question, can you buy a STRAIGHT bladed sword over 50cm?

[johnmiic]

You have very interesting problems. I bet you live the life that we can only dream of living.

[YANOULI]

And also, as a sincere question, can you buy a STRAIGHT bladed sword over 50cm?

As far as i know, i can still purchase a double edged broadsword over 50cm.

I did try to get clarification from customs and the home office before i got the sword shipped, customs didn't know anything and the home office never returned my calls.

[YANOULI]

What length is the current weapon if 50cm is the limit? As it is a cheap replica, I'd imagine it doesn't have a full tang, only a small push tang (most cheap swords do). If someone was to knock the handle off with a light upward blow from a rubber mallet and then say, push a rubber bicycle grip or fabricate a grip from cord (like many martial arts swords have) down over the bare tang/blade it would "technically" shorten the sword by at least 7/10 cm, more if you had a cord grip made. You could then reglue the seperately shipped handle and restore the katana to its full length. If it has to be radically shorter, different methods may apply.
But thats just my initial thought... I'm sneaky.
In the worst case, I own a couple of different grinders if you can't find anyone to help, drop me line.

it is 42", but i'm not sure if that is the whole sword or just the blade.

[raider5gt]

Yanouli see if Battle Orders can help you out?They sell martial art weapons and repro film armour and weapons.

http://www.battleorders.co.uk

[Mikey]

If it's a straight blade, cant you just have it shipped in one of those big heavy poster tudes, and not mention it's a sword on the customs label ?

[SUP-Ronin]

Yeah, Somehow use a name other than sword, but that isn't a lie, like farming implements or tools, or a machete, or a kitchen knife, or reenactment equipment, or movie memorabilia, or something besides a sword. Maybe it'll slip on thru.