In britain the law says one can use "reasonable force" thats about it, on a like for like basis. if someone has a knife then I assumethat I could use a similar knife for defence, if I were to bump into a gun toting mugger, I assume I would be justified in gunning him down where he stood. I would however be breaking the law just haveing the aforesaid gun in my possesion.

Lets not get into an argument about the rights and wrongs of guns etc. My point was and still is a sword is not appropriate for carrying around for self defence or what ever reason. what next towing a cannon behind our cars i case were the victim of road rage?

Oh by the way Japans greatest swordsman was defeated by a man with a stick.