Samurai in the MRT?

[nakatago]

I remember reading something that you are allowed as long as it's justifiable that you have a knife with you. Maybe the chef didn't say that he was one?

I remember going to the Police headquarters and their metal detectors found my pocket knife (I forgot it was in my bag). They just had me sign a slip and told me to come back for it on my way out.

well, those were the days, where there was Law and Order in Singapore .. where after 12 Midnight, the Robo Cops come out to patrol every nook and corner of BQ/CQ .. and tough they were ..

he was dressed in his Chef overalls .. when picked up

It was last year. Anyway, your friend's case is extreme and I'm guessing there's more than meets the eye: how can you transport knives you just bought or if the knife was lent/returned?

[ecureilx]

Haha, there were some funny posts on that incident on FB and Instagram. But most of my friends were like it's Asia and you see people dressed up all the time on the MRT. But I don't know how I would have reacted if I was actually on the train...

a month or so ago, around Little India (yes .. ) I saw a guy with a Samurai Knife in his back .. and he was dressed in Ninja kit, including a black mask covering his face ..

I was trying hard not to laugh as his shoes were pretty broken and he was like the most skinniest Ninja .. and the Samurai Sword - was one of those umbrellas with the Sword like handle .. well, Halloween ..

[taxico]

...I remember reading something that you are allowed as long as it's justifiable that you have a knife with you. Maybe the chef didn't say that he was one?

I remember going to the Police headquarters and their metal detectors found my pocket knife (I forgot it was in my bag). They just had me sign a slip and told me to come back for it on my way out.

you cannot carry a dedicated offensive weapon in singapore.

further, you are not allowed to carry defensive weapons/knives in singapore as there is no "stand your ground" law in singapore.

besides the arms and explosive act, the offensive weapons act also comes into play (and probably a whole host of other acts we don't know about).

the law is ambiguous on items that serve other purposes besides being useful for bashing someone's head in - i was stopped and questioned when found with a golf club at an altercation but the police couldn't detain me as i had yet to wield it in an offensive manner.

FYI... the ceremonial swords singapore officers are given when they receive their commission or warrant comes with a black cloth bag that MUST be used when transporting the sword, not to be wily nily hung off hip jeans in public.

[ecureilx]

...I remember reading something that you are allowed as long as it's justifiable that you have a knife with you. Maybe the chef didn't say that he was one?

I remember going to the Police headquarters and their metal detectors found my pocket knife (I forgot it was in my bag). They just had me sign a slip and told me to come back for it on my way out.

you cannot carry a dedicated offensive weapon in singapore.

further, you are not allowed to carry defensive weapons/knives in singapore as there is no "stand your ground" law in singapore.

besides the arms and explosive act, the offensive weapons act also comes into play (and probably a whole host of other acts we don't know about).

the law is ambiguous on items that serve other purposes besides being useful for bashing someone's head in - i was stopped and questioned when found with a golf club at an altercation but the police couldn't detain me as i had yet to wield it in an offensive manner.

FYI... the ceremonial swords singapore officers are given when they receive their commission or warrant comes with a black cloth bag that MUST be used when transporting the sword, not to be wily nily hung off hip jeans in public.

+1, once I saw a caucasian arrested in the Budget Terminal, for having a Sword even though he was in Transit, and insisted her wanted to safe-keep and pick it on his way out ..

And .. a police friend here was gifted a Samuari Sword, from his trainer in Japan, and when he received the gift, he was duly informed and given option 1) get the blade blunted before receiving, or 2) have it destroyed

he chose option 1, and whenever we go to his house, I do admire the rest of the workmanship on the sword, ignoring the Blunted edge.

Nakatago: in Malaysia, many natives carry a hockey stick in their cars, as a weapon, and claim they play hockey .. not in SG.

When they come here, they have to leave their sticks behind

heck, even baton like sticks are forbidden here, forget about knifes

[nakatago]

...I remember reading something that you are allowed as long as it's justifiable that you have a knife with you. Maybe the chef didn't say that he was one?

I remember going to the Police headquarters and their metal detectors found my pocket knife (I forgot it was in my bag). They just had me sign a slip and told me to come back for it on my way out.

you cannot carry a dedicated offensive weapon in singapore.

further, you are not allowed to carry defensive weapons/knives in singapore as there is no "stand your ground" law in singapore.

besides the arms and explosive act, the offensive weapons act also comes into play (and probably a whole host of other acts we don't know about).

the law is ambiguous on items that serve other purposes besides being useful for bashing someone's head in - i was stopped and questioned when found with a golf club at an altercation but the police couldn't detain me as i had yet to wield it in an offensive manner.

FYI... the ceremonial swords singapore officers are given when they receive their commission or warrant comes with a black cloth bag that MUST be used when transporting the sword, not to be wily nily hung off hip jeans in public.

Talking about a pocket knife (e.g. victorinox swiss army knife) and the said kitchen knife.

I'm all too familiar with the weapons thing. I once bought a wooden staff and an accompanying bag for it and the sales staff was wrapping the thing in newspaper. I asked her what's the point since I have a bag for it and if I truly wanted to hit someone, the newspaper's useless. She insisted it's required and I just let her be.

Moreover, one of my instructors in martial arts went to the police to ask about what paperwork we needed so we could train with real shuriken and kunais. It was so complicated and convoluted, he just gave up.

On a personal note, I prefer training with sticks as it's easier to pick up a stick-like object on the street that a sword-like object, as cool as a sword would be.

@ecureilx: I don't know about hockey sticks but I was able to bring in my arnis sticks and a folding utility knife to Singapore, no dramas. A friend, I think, was able to bring in a collapsible baton from the US. Another, was able to bring fake pistols for training. All in check-in, not concealed. I didn't declare my sticks (my bag was x-rayed as well) but I don't know about the others.

[nakatago]

Now, a PSA: if you want to always have a "weapon" with you, always bring keys or a pen* and learn how to wield them in combat.

Useless (the combat) in Singapore of course but quite handy elsewhere.

*or a Nokia phone; especially the 3310 if you're old school.

[Akimbo]

you cannot carry a dedicated offensive weapon in singapore.

further, you are not allowed to carry defensive weapons/knives in singapore as there is no "stand your ground" law in singapore.

besides the arms and explosive act, the offensive weapons act also comes into play (and probably a whole host of other acts we don't know about).

the law is ambiguous on items that serve other purposes besides being useful for bashing someone's head in - i was stopped and questioned when found with a golf club at an altercation but the police couldn't detain me as i had yet to wield it in an offensive manner.

FYI... the ceremonial swords singapore officers are given when they receive their commission or warrant comes with a black cloth bag that MUST be used when transporting the sword, not to be wily nily hung off hip jeans in public.

Talking about a pocket knife (e.g. victorinox swiss army knife) and the said kitchen knife.

I'm all too familiar with the weapons thing. I once bought a wooden staff and an accompanying bag for it and the sales staff was wrapping the thing in newspaper. I asked her what's the point since I have a bag for it and if I truly wanted to hit someone, the newspaper's useless. She insisted it's required and I just let her be.

Moreover, one of my instructors in martial arts went to the police to ask about what paperwork we needed so we could train with real shuriken and kunais. It was so complicated and convoluted, he just gave up.

On a personal note, I prefer training with sticks as it's easier to pick up a stick-like object on the street that a sword-like object, as cool as a sword would be.

@ecureilx: I don't know about hockey sticks but I was able to bring in my arnis sticks and a folding utility knife to Singapore, no dramas. A friend, I think, was able to bring in a collapsible baton from the US. Another, was able to bring fake pistols for training. All in check-in, not concealed. I didn't declare my sticks (my bag was x-rayed as well) but I don't know about the others.

I trained Kendo back home in Indonesia. After 2 years here, I finally get the courage to bring over both my shinai and bokken over, and thankfully no stopping by the customs officer.

I usually just trained at home, but nearing the end of the year, I have now started suburi training (Just swinging the sword) during my lunch time.

Colleagues already knew about it, but they just jokingly laughed it off with a slight hint of fear that I am supposedly trained with a sword (even though it's not a cutting blade)

Anywho, I always carry my shinai when I go to work during the beginning of the week and at the end of the week, but always in a shinai bag, but also always in the manner of carrying a sword at your side...

That shouldn't be a problem, would it?

And about the swiss army knife...so you cannot EVER bring one in your pocket, even the smallest one, ever without a valid excuse?

[Akimbo]

Now, a PSA: if you want to always have a "weapon" with you, always bring keys or a pen* and learn how to wield them in combat.

Useless (the combat) in Singapore of course but quite handy elsewhere.

*or a Nokia phone; especially the 3310 if you're old school.

I thought about that, but would it even help if the guy had a katana, a small axe, or even worse, a gun?

[nakatago]

Now, a PSA: if you want to always have a "weapon" with you, always bring keys or a pen* and learn how to wield them in combat.

Useless (the combat) in Singapore of course but quite handy elsewhere.

*or a Nokia phone; especially the 3310 if you're old school.

I thought about that, but would it even help if the guy had a katana, a small axe, or even worse, a gun?

Non-projectile weapons, yes, if you know what you're doing.

However, what are the chances of you running into a crazed katana wielder? That guy in the MRT was a one-off. Besides, if you're unlucky, you're unlucky.

Gun, only in close quarters.

About martial arts weapons, I think most governments are relatively lenient with wooden ones, except for nun-chuks. Maybe because most of them pose no bigger perceived threat than walking sticks, umbrellas, oars/paddles, sporting gear, or cleaning implements, as long as they're in proper cases when not used in training.

[Akimbo]

Well, a shinai is a bamboo sword, it can give you a slight bruise if the guy wielding it knows what he's doing, but could very likely take a life just like a pen would if the guy knows the technique...

A bokken is a slightly different story, as it can break your bones or give a guy some internal bleeding without having much experience on it...

What are the chances? "Low crime doesn't mean no crime" Nak Like this one-off. I'd rather be prepared.

Btw, you're not training at Kali Majapahit by any chance?

[nakatago]

Well, a shinai is a bamboo sword, it can give you a slight bruise if the guy wielding it knows what he's doing, but could very likely take a life just like a pen would if the guy knows the technique...

A bokken is a slightly different story, as it can break your bones or give a guy some internal bleeding without having much experience on it...

What are the chances? "Low crime doesn't mean no crime" Nak Like this one-off. I'd rather be prepared.

Btw, you're not training at Kali Majapahit by any chance?

I'm familiar with kendo gear; I've trained with bokken as well but I'm partial to hanbo and escrima sticks, if armed. I train more in unarmed techniques though.

If you really want to be prepared, train for cases when you don't have your weapons with you. That, or go through the paperwork for a permit to carry. You gotta do proper risk assessment! For Singapore, unarmed more than suffices in most cases. If you suddenly find yourself against someone with a non-projectile weapon, run. Or plead for dear life. You don't want to be a cowboy. Training for cardio does wonders for you as well.

Nope; I don't train with Kali Majapahit.

[ecureilx]

@ecureilx: I don't know about hockey sticks but I was able to bring in my arnis sticks and a folding utility knife to Singapore, no dramas. A friend, I think, was able to bring in a collapsible baton from the US. Another, was able to bring fake pistols for training. All in check-in, not concealed. I didn't declare my sticks (my bag was x-rayed as well) but I don't know about the others.

Ah, Fake Pistol ? it shouldn't look like the original .. half size maybe, or extra large size .. but the plastic Glock I got for my nephew in Philippines ? not allowed in SG ..

Some more info from SPF:

1. Can I apply for a licence to possess an antique gun in Singapore?

In Singapore, we do not allow anyone to possess an antique gun other than a musket gun. No licence is required for a musket gun if the barrel is sealed and the firing mechanism deactivated.

2.

Can I possess a Stun Gun or Pepper spray for self-protection in Singapore?

The stun gun and pepper spray are prohibited in Singapore because they are dangerous items and if fallen on wrong hands, can lead to serious consequences. Hence, no one is allowed to possess them.

3.
Do I need a licence to import toy guns into Singapore?
All importation of toy guns requires the approval of the Licensing Officer. Any toy gun that resembles a real gun will not be approved. No licence is issued for toy guns. For unapproved toy guns, A&E will either advise the owner to surrender those toy guns for disposal, or to re-export out of Singapore.

4.
I would like to import a Samurai Sword. How can I go about importing it?
You can import a Samurai sword through a forwarding agent, who should declare it through the Tradenet system. For more details, please log on to https://www.tradexchange.gov.sg. You may be required to bring the sword to a police station for inspection before an import licence can be issued. If it is hand carried, you should declare it to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority at the point of entry. The sword may be impounded for inspection and you can claim it from the Police Station which has jurisdiction over the entry point. Please note that if you are allowed to possess the sword, it must be kept in a dwelling house and not to be carried in any public place without any lawful purpose.

5.
Am I allowed to possess an airsoft gun, which discharges only plastic pellets?
An airsoft gun resembles a real gun and it discharges pellets at high velocity. Besides being dangerous, it can lead to serious consequences, if fallen on wrong hands. Hence, its possession by an individual is prohibited in Singapore.

http://www.spf.gov.sg/licence/AE/FAQ/AE.html

[nakatago]

@ecureilx: I don't know about hockey sticks but I was able to bring in my arnis sticks and a folding utility knife to Singapore, no dramas. A friend, I think, was able to bring in a collapsible baton from the US. Another, was able to bring fake pistols for training. All in check-in, not concealed. I didn't declare my sticks (my bag was x-rayed as well) but I don't know about the others.

Ah, Fake Pistol ? it shouldn't look like the original .. half size maybe, or extra large size .. but the plastic Glock I got for my nephew in Philippines ? not allowed in SG ..

Black, probably as heavy. With a trigger that makes a loud clicking noise. Matte black plastic with the requisite orange tip.

Plastic glock? Get the boy a Nerf.

[ecureilx]

PS. the Samurai Guy now faces caning (though Yahoo says Flogging .. )

Sword-wielding 'subway samurai' faces flogging in Singapore

A subway commuter in Singapore is facing the prospect of five years in jail plus flogging for wielding a sword on board a train while dressed in samurai attire.

Metro operator SMRT said police were called in Monday after a man wielding a samurai sword jumped a fare gate at a suburban station and boarded a train headed towards the city.

A police spokeswoman said he was detained for possession of a weapon, an offence which is punishable by up to five years in jail and a mandatory minimum of six strokes of a cane.

She did not respond to queries about his nationality or age.

Photographs posted on social media by other passengers on the train showed the man wielding the sword while dressed in a white T-shirt and Japanese "hakama" pants usually worn by martial arts practitioners.

The images posted on Facebook and various blogs showed police officers and passengers keeping a wide berth as the man brandished the unsheathed sword on board the train.

He was apprehended by police who tailed him after he alighted at City Hall station at the heart of Singapore's civic district.

And then .. same news says ..


Congestion on the 150 kilometre-long (93-mile) metro network has fed resentment among Singaporeans in recent years.

[ecureilx]

Black, probably as heavy. With a trigger that makes a loud clicking noise. Matte black plastic with the requisite orange tip.

Plastic glock? Get the boy a Nerf.

Matter of fact, near their place is the so-called NPA central .. and Toy Guns / Replicas are so easily available you don't know if a guy is holding the real thing or not ..

BTW, I rest my case: See, none of them even remotely look like a gun ..



PS: our company had a mafia themed DnD last year and they had some people play acting, with an M16 (50% Scaled down of course) and a HK 45 (50% scaled down) .. I was struggling not to laugh when they were trying to scare me .. with the Mafia looks ..