A UK man gets jail time for wielding a replica Zelda sword in public- the legal woes and safety concerns of carrying iconic gamer gear.
Man Sentenced for Carrying Replica Zelda Sword in Public
Ah, the Master Sword, the legendary blade wielded by Link to defeat all things evil and magical. Any Zelda fan worth their rupees knows this sword’s iconic blue and yellow hilt. But as it turns out, carrying this piece of gamer glory in real life can land you in a bit of hot water.
Anthony Bray, a 48-year-old Zelda fan from Nuneaton, decided to take his replica Master Sword for a stroll. CCTV spotted him, and the cops quickly nabbed him for having a six-inch blade out in the open. Bray tried to explain it was just a “fidget” toy, but the law was not amused by his gamer gear.
Despite his creative defense, Bray was handed a four-month prison sentence and fined $196. UK laws don’t mess around with bladed articles in public, even if they look like they belong in Hyrule rather than your local high street.
Public Safety and Bladed Articles in the UK
Knife crime is a serious issue in the UK, with over 50,000 offenses involving sharp objects recorded in the year ending March 2023. These numbers show why the authorities are sharp-eyed (pun intended) about anything resembling a weapon in public.
In the UK, the rules about carrying knives are stricter than an Octorok’s aim. Unless you’ve got a folding pocketknife with a blade shorter than three inches, you better have a very good reason to be carrying it around.
Sgt. Fern Spellman, clearly not a fan of impromptu cosplay, emphasized a zero-tolerance policy for bladed articles in public. She pointed out that Bray’s escapade could have been avoided with a bit more common sense and a lot less sharp objects.
The Sword in Pop Culture
The Master Sword, or the Blade of Evil’s Bane, has a rich history in The Legend of Zelda franchise. First making its appearance in “A Link to the Past,” this mythical blade has become the ultimate weapon against the forces of darkness.
Over the years, it has seen various iterations, from its pixelated origins to the high-definition glory in “Breath of the Wild.” Each game adds new layers to its lore, making it as legendary as the hero who wields it.
For those who can’t get enough of Hyrule’s legendary blade, the market is flooded with Master Sword merchandise. From full-sized replicas to keychains and wall art, fans can own a piece of Zelda history. These collectibles are not just for show; they represent a tangible connection to the epic adventures and timeless stories that have captivated generations of gamers.
1:1 Replica, 24” Metal Broken & 40” Restored Master Sword for Adult
Fan Culture and Replica Weapons
For many fans, owning a piece of their favorite game is a dream come true. Replica weapons are prized possessions, symbols of their dedication and love for the franchise.
However, the line between collector’s pride and public menace can be thin. While you can display your sword on your wall, walking around town with it is another story entirely. Knowing the legal ins and outs is crucial to keeping your fandom fun and law-abiding.
Lessons Learned
Anthony Bray’s tale is a cautionary one for all fans and collectors. Understand the laws before flaunting your favorite game memorabilia in public, no matter how harmless it seems.
This incident highlights the need for awareness and education on public safety laws, especially for items that, while beloved by fans, can be misconstrued as threats.
What do you think of this incident with the Master Sword from Zelda?
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
