Opinion

In a move that shows just how far removed the United Kingdom has drifted from the basic concept of individual liberty, the British government has officially announced a new ban on “ninja swords” — a category of bladed tools now deemed illegal to own, sell, import, or even make.

Beginning August 1st, UK citizens caught with one could face up to six months in prison, with that penalty increasing to two years under the pending Crime and Policing Bill.

The ban comes in response to a heartbreaking case from 2022 when 16-year-old Ronan Kanda was stabbed and killed in a tragic case of mistaken identity. Two teenage attackers had purchased a ninja sword and machete online and used the weapons in a premeditated assault, believing Ronan was someone else. The killers, now serving life sentences, were condemned by the judge as “cowardly,” and their actions were described as part of a “trivial dispute.”

Ronan’s mother, who campaigned tirelessly for change, succeeded in getting “Ronan’s Law” passed — outlawing the possession of these blades entirely. The government is also encouraging citizens to participate in a nationwide “surrender scheme” in July, where these tools can be dropped off at police stations with no legal penalty.

Tools, Not Trophies

To be clear, Ronan’s death was senseless. No family should ever have to bury a child, especially because of violent crime. But as tragic as it is, using his death to justify banning a type of tool misses the real issue — criminal intent. A sword didn’t kill Ronan. Two people who made a deliberate, violent choice did.

In America, we recognize that tools — whether a gun, a knife, or yes, even a ninja sword — are not inherently evil. The right to bear arms is enshrined in our Constitution because our founders understood that disarming the public doesn’t stop evil people from doing evil things. It only ensures the innocent are less able to protect themselves.

Knives Are Arms, Too

Legal scholars like David Kopel and Clayton Cramer have long pointed out that knives, swords, and other bladed weapons are protected by the Second Amendment. In fact, a detailed legal analysis published by the University of Michigan argued that restrictions on knives violate constitutional protections, especially when such knives are commonly owned and used by law-abiding citizens.

After all, no one suggests banning kitchen knives every time one is used in a crime. But when it comes to something that looks “scary” or “exotic,” the reaction from governments like the UK is swift and severe — criminalizing ownership and turning collectors, martial artists, and history buffs into outlaws overnight.

A Cautionary Tale for the U.S.

Let this serve as a warning: this is what happens when emotion drives policy instead of logic and principle. In the name of “safety,” British citizens are now being told they can no longer own a piece of steel with one sharpened edge.

No due process. No consideration of legitimate use. No freedom.

Thankfully, here in the United States, the Second Amendment still stands between us and that level of disarmament. But make no mistake — the same mindset that bans swords in Britain exists here, too. It’s the same mindset that pushes red flag laws, magazine bans, and universal registration. It’s the belief that the government, not the individual, should decide what tools are “safe” for you to own.

Another Loss of Freedom

The UK’s ninja sword ban is being celebrated as progress — but it’s really just more proof of how easily freedom slips away when people let fear guide the law. Americans would do well to watch this story closely, not just with sympathy but with vigilance.

Here, we still have a Bill of Rights. Let’s not lose it.

Knives & the Second Amendment, a Scholarly Analysis

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