UK Knife Law Explained for the Outdoors Locking folding knives, fixed blade knives, and knives longer than 3 inches (7.62 cm) are illegal to carry in a public place without a further defense. It is the duty of the person carrying the knife to know and understand the law – ignorance is not a defense.
UK knife law allows you to carry non-locking pocket knives with a blade length up to 3 inches (7.62 cm) without any need for a valid reason. You are allowed to carry a knife which exceeds these guidelines in public, but please remember: you will do need a good reason to carry it.
Basic laws on knives and weapons
It's illegal to use any knife or weapon in a threatening way. There are different rules for shotguns and firearms. It's also illegal to: carry most knives or any weapons in public without a 'good reason'
Various knife types are prohibited, including flick knives, butterfly knives, disguised knives, gravity knives, sword-sticks, samurai swords (with exceptions), hand or foot-claws, and more. For a comprehensive list of knife laws UK, refer to the UK government's guidelines.
In 2021 the legislation changed and it is now an offence to possess certain items such as knuckledusters, throwing stars, zombie knives, even in your own home. There is also updated definition of flick knives to reflect changes in weapon designs, and the banning of private possession of flick knives and gravity knives.
Nearly 50,000 serious knife crimes were recorded in England from July 2023 to June 2024. London has the highest rate of serious knife crimes, at 17.89 offences per 10,000 people. Cleveland, in the North East, ranks second with 14.02 offences per 10,000 people.
Kirpans in the UK and police service
The legislation reaffirms the right of the Sikh community to possess and supply kirpans.
It's illegal to carry scissors in a public place without a legitimate reason as they can be considered an offensive weapon.
Verifying your age to buy kitchen knives
To buy a kitchen knife on our website or app, you'll need to confirm you're over 18 at both checkout and delivery. More information on how it works. If buying in-store, we'll ask to see your valid UK driving licence or passport.
In general, carrying weapons in the UK is illegal. You are permitted to carry a knife with a non locking blade of less than three inches, but using it or threatening to use it as a weapon would still be illegal. It is also legal to carry a rape alarm; these can be purchased from some police stations and supermarkets.
Whether it is a useful tool for work, you're planning a beach clean and might need to cut rope/nets or you are a top class stick whittler going wild camping. The current UK law states: 'It is illegal carry any knife in public without good reason, unless it has a manual folding blade less than 3 inches long. '
Criminal Justice Act 1988. The Criminal Justice Act 1988 mainly relates to carrying knives in public places, Section 139 being the most important: (1) Subject to subsections (4) and (5) below, any person who has an article to which this section applies with them in a public place shall be guilty of an offence.
Yes! Carrying a pocket knife is worth it because of its many uses. It's a small, easily accessible, lightweight, and durable tool.
The legal blade length in the UK, usually 3 inches or less for knives carried in public without a valid reason, is a crucial factor. Blades exceeding this length or possessing locking mechanisms might be considered illegal for everyday carry without a legitimate purpose.
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It is crucial to adhere to the regulations of the UK government, the TSA and your respective airline regarding the transportation of knives. In accordance with these guidelines, it is mandatory to declare all knives in checked luggage.
Essential Points Summary. Before diving into the details, here are the key points you need to know about UK knife laws as of October 2024: You can legally carry a folding pocket knife in most public places if its blade is shorter than 3 inches (7.62 cm) and doesn't lock. Any other knife requires a good reason to carry.
Threatening with a weapon: the mandatory minimum sentence for threatening offences is 6 months' custody; the maximum sentence is four years' custody. Find out more about the different types of sentence the courts can impose.
A stringent 2-step system will be mandated for all retailers selling knives online requiring customers to submit photo ID at point of sale and again on delivery. In addition, delivery companies will only be able to deliver a bladed article to the same person who purchased it.
Offensive weapons which are designed to kill or inflict serious injury and do not have a legitimate use are banned or restricted from being imported into the UK. It is an offence to import certain specified weapons including knives, swords and other blades.
You can own any kind of knife. There is a short list of types of knives that are illegal to buy, sell, lend, give or bring into the country, like butterfly knives or flick knives, but these are all basically the types of knives that are clearly for stabbing people and not for spreading butter or installing carpets.
The rule states that any person under section 4 of the Arms Act, 1956 read with rules in Arms Rule, 1962 should not by any way acquire, possess, sale and use any arm or firearm whereby such arm is sharp edged and deadly by its very nature such as swords (including sword sticks), Dagger, Bayonets, spears (including ...
No such verse. You may have seen someone you mistook for a Muslim carrying a kirpan. That person was not a Muslim, but a Sikh. Totally different religion, but they have often been assaulted by anti-Muslim types making the same error.
Butterfly knives, also known as balisong or fan knives, are considered switchblades under California Penal Code sections 21510 and 17235 PC. These knives have blades concealed inside handles that are secured by a latch and can be flicked open with one hand.