Are Spears and Polearms Legal? Ownership, Carry, Import, and Use Explained

A hand-forged spear or polearm is one of the oldest tools used for hunting, outdoor work, and traditional combat. At Everest Forge, our handmade spears are forged in Kathmandu from 5160 high-carbon spring steel for bushcraft, training, collection, and survival use. Modern laws, however, regulate spears differently in every country, so it is worth understanding the rules before you buy or import one.

This guide is not legal advice. Weapon regulations change often, and you should always check the most current laws in your own region before purchasing, carrying, or importing.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged in Nepal

Looking to buy a real hand-forged spear?

Every Everest Forge spear is forged from full-tang 5160 spring steel, sharpened, and shipped worldwide with tracking. Browse the full range, or jump to a popular style below.

Shop All Hand-Forged Spears → Request a Custom Spear →

Shop Hand-Forged Spears by Type

Once you have checked that spears are legal to own where you live, here are the most popular hand-forged styles we make. Every one is full-tang 5160 spring steel, hand-forged to order, and fully customisable in blade length, finish, and scabbard colour.

Boar & Hunting Spears

Broad, strong hunting heads built for the field. See the Boar Spear, the light Ranger Spear, and the clip-point Hunter Spear.

Tactical & Piercing Spears

Modern, hard-use designs. See the Sentinel Spear with striking pommel and the Pike Spear piercing blade.

Throwing & Short Spears

Compact and balanced. See the Javelin Spear, the Scout Spear, and the turquoise-accented Mesa Spear.

Survival & Bushcraft Spears

Big, rugged, and ready for the outdoors. See the large Survival Spear and the raw-finish Primal Spear.

Historical & War Spears

Greek, Roman, and Norse forms. See the Achilles Spear, the Sword Spear, the Viking Spear, and the broad Warden Spear.

Fantasy & Collector Spears

Skeletonized and ornate showpieces. See the Shadow Spear, the Phantom Spear, and the winged Valkyrie Spear.

See the complete spear collection →

General Global Rules for Spears & Polearms

In most countries, spears are treated similarly to large fixed-blade knives or swords. Home ownership is usually allowed, but carrying or importing one may be restricted.

Home Ownership: Usually legal for adults.

Public Carry: Commonly restricted unless for training, reenactment, or event transport.

Import Rules: Some countries require customs permits for bladed weapons.

Self-Defence: Carrying a spear for self-defence is illegal in many jurisdictions.

United States

The U.S. does not federally ban spears, but every state sets its own weapon laws. Most states classify spears as long fixed-blade knives or swords.

Home Ownership: Legal in most states.

Public Carry: State-dependent. Some states allow open carry; others classify spears as dangerous weapons.

Official links: American Knife & Tool Institute — State Laws · Texas HB 1935 — Long Blade Carry Law

United Kingdom

The UK allows ownership of spears at home, but public carry is heavily regulated under offensive-weapon laws.

Home Ownership: Legal.

Public Carry: Illegal unless transporting for a lawful purpose such as martial arts or reenactment.

Official links: UK Offensive Weapons Act Guidance · Offensive Weapons Act 2019

Canada

Canada does not prohibit spears, but carrying one for a dangerous purpose is a criminal offence under Section 88 of the Criminal Code.

Home Ownership: Legal.

Public Carry: Illegal if intended for self-defence or harm.

Official links: Canadian Criminal Code · SOR/98-462 — Prohibited and Restricted Weapons

Australia

Australia has strict weapon laws. In some states, spears may be considered prohibited weapons and require exemptions or police permits, especially for import.

Home Ownership: Varies by state.

Public Carry: Mostly illegal without a lawful excuse.

Importing: Often requires a B709 police authorization form.

Official links: Australian Border Force — Weapons Import Rules · Victoria Police — Prohibited Weapons List

Germany

Germany allows adults to own spears, but carrying them in public is restricted under the Weapons Act (WaffG).

Home Ownership: Allowed.

Public Carry: Only legal when transported in a locked case directly to an event.

Official link: German Weapons Act (WaffG)

France

France classifies spears under Category D, which allows adult ownership but restricts public carry without a legitimate reason.

Home Ownership: Legal for adults.

Public Carry: Restricted; violations may result in fines or imprisonment.

Official link: French Weapons Classification

Japan

Japan has extremely strict controls on all bladed weapons. Spears require registration and are treated similarly to swords.

Home Ownership: Allowed only with registration.

Public Carry: Almost entirely prohibited.

Official link: Firearms & Swords Control Law — Japan

New Zealand

New Zealand allows spear ownership but restricts public carry and may require import permits.

Home Ownership: Legal.

Public Carry: Illegal unless for a legitimate purpose.

Import: Some spears may be classified as offensive weapons.

Official links: NZ Offensive Weapons Import Order · NZ Customs — Restricted Imports

Buying & Importing a Spear from Everest Forge

If spears are legal to own where you live, ordering a hand-forged spear from us is straightforward. Every spear is forged to order in Kathmandu and shipped worldwide via DHL Express or FedEx with full tracking. International orders may be subject to customs duties or import rules in your country, so for restricted regions such as Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, please check your local permits before ordering.

Not sure which style suits you? Start with a broad Boar Spear for hunting, a Javelin Spear for throwing practice, or browse the full hand-forged spear collection. For something unique, you can also request a custom spear built to your specification.

Everest Forge — Hand-Forged in Nepal Since 2012

Browse Real Hand-Forged Spears

Full-tang 5160 spring steel, sharpened and shipped worldwide with tracking. Hunting, throwing, tactical, historical, and fantasy spears, all fully customisable.

Shop All Spears → Request a Custom Spear → Ask a Question →

Frequently Asked Questions

Are spears legal to own?

Yes. In most countries, spear ownership is legal for adults at home. The restrictions usually apply to carrying a spear in public or importing one, rather than to owning it. Always check your local laws first.

Can I carry a spear in public?

Usually not. Most countries ban or restrict carrying a spear in public unless you have a lawful purpose such as training, reenactment, or transporting it to an event in a suitable case.

Do I need a permit to import a spear?

In some countries, yes. Australia, New Zealand, and Japan in particular may require import permits or registration. Many other countries allow import for personal ownership, though customs duties can still apply.

Is a spear legal for self-defence?

No. Carrying or keeping a spear specifically for self-defence is illegal in nearly all jurisdictions. Spears are treated as tools for hunting, training, reenactment, collection, and display.

Can I hunt with a spear?

It depends on where you are. Some U.S. states allow spear hunting under specific rules, but most countries prohibit it. Check your regional hunting regulations before using a spear for hunting.

Where can I buy a real hand-forged spear?

Everest Forge hand-forges spears in Kathmandu, Nepal from 5160 spring steel and ships worldwide with tracking. You can browse the full range on our hand-forged spear collection page, choose from hunting, throwing, tactical, historical, and fantasy styles, or request a custom spear built to your own specification.