It is legal to own certain types of swords in the United Kingdom. However, UK law restricts the possession, sale, and importation of certain types of bladed weapons.
According to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) (Amendment) Order 2008, there is a specific restriction on swords with a curved blade of 50cm or more in length. The law does provide some exceptions for these types of swords, including those:
This means that if you are in the UK and wish to own a traditionally made samurai sword or similar weapon, you would typically be allowed to do so.
However, it's illegal to carry a knife or sword in public without a good reason, unless it has a folding blade with a cutting edge 3 inches long or less.
Keep in mind that laws can change and may have changed since my last update in September 2021. It's always best to consult the most recent legal guidelines or a legal professional for advice.