Banned Zombie Knives Still Available for Online Purchase, BBC Investigation Reveals

Online availability of zombie knives and machetes persists, with some priced below £20, over a month following their prohibition in England and Wales. BBC News successfully acquired four knives from internet retailers operating UK-based websites; two of these items originated from abroad. Upon reviewing these discoveries, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) indicated that future legislative measures might require additional strengthening. The Home Office stated its initiation of a “rapid review” concerning the online sale of bladed articles. The prohibition of “zombie-style knives” and “zombie-style machetes” took effect in England and Wales in September, establishing the ownership, manufacture, transportation, or sale of numerous “statement” knives, often preferred by criminal organizations, as an imprisonable offense. Nevertheless, the inquiry indicates that these items continue to reach Britain’s streets, as certain retailers are violating—either intentionally or unintentionally—the most recent regulations on their advertisement and sale. Orders were submitted through the UK-based websites of four internet vendors. Confirming these purchases required only a few clicks—in one instance, merely two—as part of a typical online transaction. While one vendor canceled an order, three others processed them, and delivery services subsequently brought the knives within days, without requiring a signature. Hunting&Knives supplied two serrated machetes, each measuring 18 inches (45cm) in length; one was priced at £19.99, and the other at £30.83. HuntingCrossbows provided a “Defender Xtreme Hunting Combat knife” featuring a 10-inch blade and a serrated edge, costing £34.99. This knife seemingly originated from the USA, despite no prior notification of its importation. Concurrently, NineFit sold a “Fantasy Master Skull Crusher” sword for £60, described as possessing a 20-inch (50cm) blade, which also seemed to have been dispatched from abroad. The official definition of zombie-style knives includes a blade exceeding eight inches (20.32cm) in length, featuring a sharp point and a plain cutting edge, in addition to either a serrated edge, multiple holes in the blade, spikes, or more than two sharp points. Of the five experts consulted, four concurred that the acquired weapons seemingly fulfilled the legal criteria for a prohibited knife. Anthony Orchard KC, a criminal barrister with extensive experience prosecuting stabbings and knife offenses, stated: “They all look like offensive weapons under the Act.” He further commented: “Over the last eight to 10 years, these knives have become more and more common in the sort of murder cases that unfortunately we are prosecuting across the country.” However, one expert raised doubts regarding whether the two purchased machetes conformed to the definition of possessing a “sharp pointed end”—a criterion yet to be examined in court. Commander Stephen Clayman, who leads the NPCC’s efforts against knife crime, views the recent prohibition as progress but emphasizes the necessity for further measures. He is currently undertaking an assessment of online knife availability, particularly on social media platforms. He informed the BBC: “This ban will have an impact, how much of an impact is difficult to say but we do know some of the large UK retailers will no longer be selling these knives and that’s got to be a good thing.” He added: “Is it enough? Time will tell. Will we have to change the law again, quite possibly.” NineFit UK/Handelnine Global Limited did not respond to a request for comment, unlike the other two companies from which the knives were acquired. Hunting&Knives stated that it had been examining and taking down “articles that did not comply with the new law,” further asserting: “It is not our intention to make prohibited articles available to the end customer.” HuntingCrossbows responded to inquiries regarding the legality of the weapon it sold and other knives offered on its website by claiming: “these are cosplay or display knives for decoration use only.” The company also stated: “These knives and manchettes (sic) can not damage any person unless modified,” a declaration that Mr Orchard described as “astonishing”. Over 50,000 knife crime incidents were documented in 2023-2024, representing a 4% rise from the preceding year, based on the most recent ONS data. The government has prioritized the reduction of knife crime, aiming to halve offenses by 2034. Border Force holds the responsibility for inspecting international mail believed to contain drugs, firearms, knives, counterfeit articles, or items with outstanding customs fees; however, not all packages undergo scrutiny. The Home Office commented: “When we receive information like this, it is very important Border Force can investigate potential illegal activity.” It further stated that it had “launched a rapid review into the online sale of knives” and cautioned social media executives about potential liability for advertising knives on their services. Additionally, a consultation regarding the prohibition of “ninja swords” was disclosed this week. Dr Olumide Wole-Madariola, whose 17-year-old son Malcolm was fatally stabbed in November 2018 while intervening in an assault on an unknown individual, asserts that further action is necessary. Regarding the assault on his son near Clapham South underground station in South London, Mr Olumide recounted: “It was a zombie knife, a serrated zombie knife.” He continued: “A very cheap knife as well, it cost £19.99. That was the cost of the life of my son.” Having advocated for a ban on zombie knives, he consented to view images of the acquired blades. He expressed: “It scares me when I see this.” He added: “It scares me because lives are being lost daily.” He concluded: “The government needs to do more. Each time a knife is used on someone, lives are shattered forever, homes are destroyed forever, futures are destroyed forever.”