Teen wants to buy massive sword with Birthday Money...

[Notsurewhatodohere]

My 13 year old got some Birthday Money from friends and relatives and wants to buy a 1 metre long Japanese Kantata sword with the cash to display in his bedroom... They say they would put it away when friends visit and that they can legally buy it but I'm not very comfortable with the idea. DS is generally sensible and very interested in sword fighting. Generally I'm ok with him spending his own money as he wants but would it be irresponsible not to block this? Thanks!

You absolutely should not allow this. This is akin to kids having access to guns for sport or whatever because they are 'responsible'. You would be allowing access to a dangerous weapon. Buy him a picture to display.

A 13 year old interested in sword fighting + a 1 metre long sword? I don’t think so, do you?

I have just looked at them. Are you serious??

Absolutely not. A 14 year old almost killed a 16 year old with one of those 'ornamental' swords near here less than a month ago.
Weapons are unnecessary.

No.

Is this a slow night? In what alternate universe is this a good idea?

This is an easy one to say no too. I would not be having weapons in my home. Regardless of if it was for decorations.

Support him in taking up fencing instead.

Have a look at the offensive weapons act, it’s recently changed and includes more stipulation around weapons that cannot be kept in the home.
I agree with the above posters but if you’re looking for a “reason” if you like rather than just having to say no, then this may help

Oh give over op

I would consider letting mine as an ornament. He has a small knife already. It just... sits there....

NOOOooooooooooooooooooo

It's something he can look forward to doing when he's an adult.

It’s katana, not Kantata - and of course you don’t buy one for a child. But good try.

Ah yes. DS wanted a katana for his 13th birthday too. We got him a wooden version instead, with the promise he could have a real one when he got his black belt.

By the time he got his black belt at age 19 (kofukan karate) he'd lost interest in ornaments for his room.

Thank you for the helpful comments, some good thoughts and possible solutions here. I was thinking along the lines of suggesting a Japanese print featuring a Katana rather than the real thing, a wooden one could be an option too.

Thank you for the info on the offensive weapons act also Chunkybuttfunky that is useful to have. To those who would never consider the idea of a metal Katana how would you feel if your child was visiting a friend who had a wooden Katana as a display piece, would that concern you?
Thanks!