Ninja sword surrender and compensation scheme

Details of surrender and compensation arrangements under the ninja sword surrender scheme.

Since 1 August 2025, it has been illegal to own a ninja sword unless a specific legal defence applies.

The ninja sword surrender and compensation scheme operated at the same time as the extended knife surrender arrangements.

Compensating lawful owners is a legal requirement, and the owner must be offered compensation when handing in their items in compliance with the law and guidance. An analysis of the scheme is set out below:

  • total weapons surrendered: 3,942 (including 142 weapons where compensation was not claimed)
  • overall total claimed in compensation: £6,526.84

Only two retailers submitted compensation claims, compared to 25 retailers who submitted claims during the zombie-style knives and machetes surrender and compensation scheme in 2024.

(Source: Home Office, 3 November 2025 (originally published 25 March 2025))