Being a edged weapon collector and enthusiast, if this new legislation is put into effect, fellow practioners and enthusiasts has my sympathy.
I specialise and lean more towards the studies of Japanese-styled and Japanese swords, and i can already feel a part of me "die". It is these uneducated youngsters or even adults (in this case), that keeps pressuring the law to be stricter.
In my personal opinion, Mr. Chris James (as mentioned on the BBC website), is a tad selfish. With him being a qualified collector, he probably did not think about this thoroughly. As this law not only effects "youths getting hold of cheap reproductions", but will change the community as a whole. Has he even considered about the martial artists? Or even younger collecters/beginners such as I?
Hearing about this sends chills down my spine, as i can feel the restrictions and laws creeping up behind my back. As one of the younger members of the Sword Forums International (SFI), i will try and dig up more information regarding this topic and try and gain a better understanding.
But for now, i just pray Australia won't follow the same footsteps. And once again, I terribly feel sorry for those who are actually RESPONSIBLE and take a serious approach to this wonderful hobby. Yes, it's unfair. Best of luck! (
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