With a recent and surprising decision, the EU Directive 135/52/EC, people within the European Union are from the beginning of this month forbidden to carry swords or swordlike objects outside of their homes without specific license to do so. The number of licenses will be limited nationally in order to keep control over the number of swords in circulation.
This new directive was originally an initiative from the Swedish EU diplomats who sought to extend and implement the country’s national laws regarding the carrying of sharp instruments in public, a law that forbids the carrying of swords, knives, screwdrivers and any pointy or sharp instrument that can be used to commit violent crimes, to the whole union. This law even extends into carrying such instruments in one’s car.
The direct consequence for the European HEMA community is that we from now on will be forced to apply for a license, a process that is said to take up to a year to handle. Meanwhile, the alternative solution is to return to practice and fight with modified shinai or synthetic or wooden wasters only. An undesired, but as it appears necessary step back for us all.
Reportedly, the US government is following this closely and similar laws are being prepared in the States as well. This is said to be near its completion and will likely be implemented shortly.
A number of national and European HEMA federations will of course officially protest against this new directive and several protest lists are being prepared at the time of writing this.
EDIT: My apologies to those that I caused emotional trauma with this prank on April Fool’s Day. No protest lists are needed as I was just messing with you. All other days of the year I promise to stay dead serious. 😉
Related reading:
Liechtenauer a Swede
On the Alber Tag
That is a serious blow to the growth of the community in so many ways, wishing you guys luck from Australia.
Might it be a good idea to prepare a compromise proposal too while you’re at it–perhaps a grandfather clause that allows members of registered martial art groups to get expedited licences for their existing weapons? After all, legitimate martial art organisations could prove to be useful auxilliary assets to the police in maintaining law and order — or at least that’s what I see here in Indonesia, where the police often asks for volunteers from local martial art schools (and provides some training on the legal aspects of the use of nonlethal force) when they have to set up security details for major public events and the like.
(Tell me when to stop giggling. My jaws are aching already.)
Might be better to check the date 😉
This law is unjust and stupid and a big problem for those who practice HEMA in the EU, we must mobilize immediately to respond to this garbage bill.
Sorry to hear about such unenlightened legislation. In the US, swords and other “obsolete” weapons are considered “antique weapons”. This category currently covers black powder weapons as well. I need to do some research to see where and by whom such bills are being introduced in the US.
How is the traditional fencing community reacting to this? It might be good to join forces. How would this affect other folks who use cutlery in their work: chefs, butchers, carpenters, etc? Trying to license everyone with a screwdriver in their car sounds pretty unrealistic. Is it me, or do lawmakers refuse to think about the spread of effects from silly “protect us from ourselves” laws?
Jamie Madison
NC, USA
Well all this also ties in to the traditional Alber Tag which is on the first of this month. The law comes into effect on this very day.
However, in Sweden you are actually forbidden to carry sharp or pointy instruments on your person or in your car if you plan to commit crime with them. This means that the cops can confiscate your stuff if they suspect you of planning a crime. However, you have the right to have them returned to you later if no proof of that can be given.
hahaha, had me there, nice one.. 🙂 I’d say: more reasons to buy the Indes in the near future, once it gets out.. 😉
Roger, Is this concerened only swords? Or weapon like Hutton saber, Italian rapier and daggers will be covered with this new issu as well?
Igor. This directive is called the Prima Aprilis Directive and concerns all sharp and pointy instruments that can be used to commit violent crime.
Roger, I was explained at Facebook that it is a jock. Just the day has almost passed and I was too seriuos to believe it. 🙂