'Very violent': Woman accused of attacking housemate with samurai knife

A woman who allegedly swung a samurai knife at her temporary housemate and then stole her car has been denied bail in the ACT Magistrates Court.

The court heard Samantha Jane Schubert, 41, had known the alleged victim and her family for some time, and had been staying at her home for about a month.

Ms Schubert is accused of striking the woman with a samurai knife at her home in Gordon, in Canberra's south, on Saturday.

The court heard the woman put her arm above her head to protect herself, and was cut on the left ring finger.

She told the court she then retreated and called Triple Zero (000) and while she was still talking to them, alleged Ms Schubert stole her car.

Ms Schubert was arrested at approximately 2:30am on Sunday in Gordon.

Police located the car about half an hour later, also in Gordon.

Ms Schubert has been charged with committing an act endangering life, recklessly inflicting actual bodily harm, taking a motor vehicle without consent, and three counts of breaching a good behaviour order.

Special Magistrate Lucinda Wilson described the incident as "extremely serious" and "very violent".

She told the court Ms Schubert had a "lengthy criminal history" including a lot of dishonesty and driving offences.

Special Magistrate Wilson said the risks were too great to grant bail, citing previous failures to appear in court.

"I don't think you will comply with the bail conditions," the special magistrate told Ms Schubert.

Ms Schubert is due back in court next month.