I have an antique sword – a collector’s item – that I would dearly love to bring into Taiwan. However, it’s been suggested to me that I wouldn’t be able to get it past customs.
It is a replica sword – essentially a functional weapon – but is for collection and display only. I know it’s possible to purchase genuine collectors’ swords in Taiwan – several of the local hobbyshops carry them. But does anyone have any experience or suggestions for either hand-carrying or shipping it into Taiwan?
I would think not, but I’m not sure. What type of sword is it? I have a few back in the States.
Hand carry? A sword? I should hope not! You’d probably (hopefully) be detained by customs before you’ve even boarded …
Why on earth would you want to bring a sword to Taiwan?
An antique replica? Uh, OK… 
[quote=“wolf_reinhold”]Why on earth would you want to bring a sword to Taiwan?
An antique replica? Uh, OK… [/quote]
Essentially, yes. It’s a replica of a French sword presented by LaFayette to an ancestor of mine during the Revolutionary War. This replica was commissioned by one of his descendents in the 1870s, and the original sword was subsequently lost. But I obtained the replica about 20 years ago.
Hand carry? A sword? I should hope not! You’d probably (hopefully) be detained by customs before you’ve even boarded …[/quote]
Actually, most people go through customs after the DEboard 
. However, I have carried it across international borders once before – transporting it to a family gathering in Saskachewan. It was checked at the ticket counter, then picked up at baggage claim when I arrived. Only took a couple of minutes to get it through customs, but then that IS the “world’s friendliest border”.
You can BUY swords anywhere in Taiwan, from chinzy night market fare to expense Japanese katakana blades, so they would certainly appear to have some legal status. I’m trying to determine what that status is.
If it is a family heirloom, then I would recommend not bringing it to Taiwan. Not sure why, but my little voice tells me it is not a good idea.
I hear you on that, and have considered it. However, swords require proper care, and there doesn’t appear to be anyone back home who has the knowledge or desire to do so.
I was talking about the start of your journey, of course … Somehow I wouldn’t feel real comfortable if I were to sit next to a looney with a big sword on a transatlantic-flight, or any flight for that matter. If you check it in as on your previous cross-border flight that’s another thing, sure. Sounds like this thing is quite valuable and/or very dear to you, I’d leave it at home and look after it on occasional visits - how much expert care can a piece of metal require, really?? Obviously I’ve no idea about swords …
Reminds me of the days you could walk into the knife shop and buy a compound crossbow or a really long blow pipe…
Hey, just 'cause I drool occasionally doesn’t make me a looney. 
You’re right, however, that I wouldn’t be allowed to board with the thing – particularly in these paranoid times.
You’d be surprised, actually. Most modern swords are made from low-alloy steels (stainless steel is too brittle) which are highly susceptible to rust and corrosion. Older swords are often made from iron alloys, which are even more susceptible to oxidation. The best way to protect them is to apply camillia and clove oil or wax to seal the blade from moisture and oxygen. As my home in the States tends toward high humidity, I used to oil my swords monthly.
But swords aren’t all metal. Hilt wrappings are generally leather, as are many scabbards. Some scabbards are made of wood or other organic materials, and my sword also has wood inlays around the hilt and tang. I used to treat the leather with neatsfoot oil every two to three weeks, and the wood with a heavy rubbing of of linseed oil six to eight times a year.