So far, 231 machetes, 139 swords and 115 other dangerous weapons – including ninja stars – have been handed in to South Australian police stations since new knife laws came into effect two weeks ago.

Swords and machete have been declared prohibited weapons under the new laws, which also ban people under the age of 18 from buying sharp knives.

Penalties of up to $20,000, or two years in jail, now apply for possession of a prohibited sword or machete.

South Australians have been given three months to anonymously surrender any prohibited weapons to their local police stations, provided the stations are not located within the Adelaide CBD.

There are some exemptions to the sword and machete ban, and people can check if their weapons fall into this category.

Figures collated by SAPOL have shown that between 29 June and 11 July, a total of 139 swords, 231 machetes and 115 other dangerous weapons – including bayonets, daggers and ninja stars - have been surrendered to police.

SAPOL’s Acting Assistant Commissioner Operational Support Service Scott Fitzgerald said 485 dangerous weapons were now "safely out of our homes, streets, and communities".

"Police welcome the community response, with so many people surrendering swords, machetes and other knives in a safe manner," Acting Assistant Commissioner Fitzgerald said.