Sales of knives, swords closely monitored, say shop owners

Shops specialising in the sale of knives, swords and machetes take greater care regarding whom they sell to than do general stores where knives may be purchased, the managers of a number of such speciality shops said over the weekend.

Natasha Leonard, assistant manager of Auld Pine, an alternative therapy shop in the Georges Street Arcade in Dublin, told The Irish Times anyone hoping to purchase one of the swords on sale must produce identification. "They must have ID showing they are over 21 and they have to sign our disclaimer form." Swords and knives are available at the store, with blades ranging in length from 14 inches to 29 inches.

The disclaimer says all swords are decorative and ornamental. "It is not intended that any of the items sold should be used in any form of armed combat or for any violent purpose," it adds.

Ms Leonard took a number of swords from the display and showed they were blunt. "They are made of aluminium so if anyone tried to sharpen them they would just break."

Similarly at Mullen's Sports on Mary Street, which specialises in martial arts supplies, manager Ray Lakes said he was "very careful" about whom he sold swords to. "I really am. I was the victim of a stabbing a few years ago. I was stabbed four times and my friend died at the scene, so I take selling these items very seriously.

"Anyone who wanted to buy one we would make sure they were genuinely into martial arts and knew what they were doing."

In camping shops in the area Swiss army knives were available, ranging from about €15 for a small simple one to about €70. John Wood, co-owner of Capel camping said he would not sell a knife to someone "if they look a bit ropey". "People are mainly buying them as gifts or if they are going away back-packing. These are too dear really for anyone who just wants a knife to hurt someone."