Knife Wholesaler Surrenders 35,000 `Zombie` Blades

A knife wholesaler linked to multiple fatal attacks has surrendered over 35,000 "zombie" knives and machetes as part of a government knife surrender scheme. These dangerous weapons, designed specifically to "kill and maim," have no practical use beyond violence, according to Bedfordshire Police. The knives will be shredded, with their metal recycled. Luton-based Sporting Wholesale, which imported and sold these knives under the brand Anglo Arms, will receive £10 in compensation for each knife surrendered. The company, which has faced criticism for its association with gang violence, declined to comment.

Zombie knives were first banned in 2016, but a new law expanding the definition of such blades will take effect on 24 September in England and Wales. The updated ban will make it illegal to own knives with sharpened blades longer than 8 inches if they also feature additional dangerous design elements, such as serrated edges, multiple holes, or spikes. Supt Alex House, Bedfordshire Police’s lead on knife crime, said, “There’s no other practical use for them. If you look at the design, the purpose is to kill and maim.” He described the 35,000 knives handed over as a "horrific amount," and emphasized that their destruction will save lives.

Sporting Wholesale, which has been in business for over 20 years, also owns the online retailer DNA Leisure. Both companies have announced they will cease selling knives after their current stock is sold, a move prompted by increasing scrutiny over the rising knife crime rates in the UK. DNA Leisure surrendered an additional 1,542 knives. The retailer has faced controversy after it was revealed that a 16-year-old boy used a family member's ID to purchase 79 knives and machetes, including the blade used in the murder of Omar Khan in Luton. The knives were delivered through an age-verified courier service, but the company maintains the boy committed "fraud" to make the purchases. The surrender scheme, which runs until 23 September, follows growing pressure for tougher knife crime legislation. Labour, now in government, held a summit at Downing Street earlier this month to address the issue. While there is broad support for the expanded zombie knife ban, critics argue that it doesn’t go far enough. The government is also considering bans on additional weapons, like ninja swords, and measures to prevent dangerous weapons from being sold online. Knife crime prevention advocates, such as youth worker Si Philbert of Wingman Mentors, welcomed the ban but called it "overdue" and "not enough." He emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of violence, saying young people often carry knives out of fear. "If zombie knives didn’t exist," Philbert said, "we’d still have a problem with knife crime." ⚡ Image Credit: GettyImages