Are machetes now illegal in the UK?

To help reduce knife crime, it is now against the law to own zombie-style knives and machetes (as of 24 September 2024). These are bladed weapons with: A plain cutting edge.

Are all machetes banned in the UK?

From 24 September 2024, it became illegal to possess or sell zombie-style knives and machetes in England and Wales, as part of new measures to reduce knife crime. Figures reveal that crimes involving machetes, swords, and zombie knives have almost doubled in five years.

Is it legal to keep a machete in your house?

The government has announced that it is set to expand The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988, by the addition of “zombie-style knives and machetes” to the list of prohibited weapons. The changes to the Order will come into force on 24 September 2024.

Are machetes legal for gardening in the UK?

Can I buy a machete in the UK? Machetes are legal to buy and own in the UK as long as the purchaser is over 18 and age verification is carried out before the item is dispatched and at the door. Whether or not you can carry one depends on the reason you are carrying it.

Is machete an offensive weapon?

Zombie-style knife or Zombie-style machete

This is a prohibited offensive weapon set out in the Criminal Justice Act (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988.

New Proposed UK Machete & Large Knife Law (Ban) - Your Action Needed!

What weapons can I legally carry in the UK?

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.

Can you use a machete for hunting?

Enter the Woodman's Pal, the best machete for hunters looking to simplify their prep and maximize success. In this article, we'll show you how this legendary tool can handle everything from clearing shooting lanes to managing trails, making it a must-have in your arsenal of hunting preparation tools.

Can I bring a machete back to the UK?

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.

Can I keep a sword in my house in the UK?

Any swords bought must be held in your home, and are not allowed in public without a valid reason. You may carry a sword outside the home, for going to and from an engagement such as using the sword as a prop in a sport, re-enactment or stage combat/acting, as long as it is fully covered.

Are ninja swords banned in the UK?

From today (1 August 2025), it is illegal to possess, manufacture, import or sell ninja swords in England and Wales.

What is the sentence for possession of a machete?

Possessing a weapon: the maximum sentence for possession offences is four years' custody. If the offender has committed the same offence before or another relevant offence such as threatening with an offensive weapon in a public place, they will face a minimum sentence of at least six months' custody.

Can I take a machete camping in the UK?

What Should You Not Carry When Camping? Carrying items such as large knives, machetes, or other blades without a valid reason is strongly advised against. Weapons like butterfly knives, flick knives, and disguised blades are outright illegal in the UK.

What are the new knife laws in the UK 2025?

From today (Friday, August 1) it will be illegal to possess, manufacture, import or sell ninja swords in the UK. The ban is the final part of the so-called Ronan's Law to be introduced to tackle the national scourge of knife crime.

What can I use to defend myself in the UK?

Is it legal to carry a Swiss Army knife in the UK?

In the United Kingdom, it is legal to own a folding pocket knife with a blade shorter than 3 inches (7.62 cm) as long as it does not lock. This means that: A non-locking blade under 3 inches can be carried without a valid reason.

What is a kubotan?

Please help improve this article by introducing more precise citations. ( January 2024) (Learn how and when to remove this message) A Kubotan is a self-defense keychain weapon developed by Sōke Takayuki Kubota in the late 1960s.

Will machetes be banned in the UK?

From this week, zombie-style knives and machetes are now illegal to possess or sell as part of new measures introduced to halve knife crime in a decade.

Am I allowed a machete in my house?

A new offence of possessing an offensive weapon in private (e.g. your own home) has now been created and came into force on 14^th July 2021. It is a summary only offence, meaning it can only be dealt with in the Magistrates' Court, and carries a maximum of 6 months' imprisonment.

What qualifies as a machete?

A machete (/məˈʃɛti/; Spanish pronunciation: [maˈtʃete]) is a broad blade used either as an agricultural implement similar to an axe, or in combat like a long-bladed knife. The blade is typically 30 to 66 centimetres (12 to 26 in) long and usually under 3 millimetres (1⁄8 in) thick.

Are telescopic batons illegal in the UK?

The legality of carrying a baton in the UK is governed by the Offensive Weapons Act of 1996. According to this legislation, it's generally illegal for a civilian to carry a baton in public. The law views batons as offensive weapons due to their potential misuse.

What is Ronan's law?

Under Ronan's Law, jail terms for individuals who sell knives to under-18s will increase from six months to two years.

What weapons are banned in the UK?

Prohibited weapons

Automatic or burst-fire firearms. Semi-automatic or pump-action rifles other than those chambered for . 22 rimfire cartridges. Manually actuated release system rifles (MARS) and lever release rifles (not to be confused with lever action).

Are ninja swords legal in the UK?

From 1 August it will be illegal to own, sell, or import ninja swords in England and Wales. It comes after changes were made when the Crime and Policing Bill went through Parliament earlier this year following campaigning by the family of Ronan Kanda, who was killed in Wolverhampton in 2022.

Is it illegal to carry a 3 inch knife in the UK?

You can carry a knife in public if it has a folding blade that is 3 inches (7.62cm) or less in length. However if any knife is used to threaten or intimidate it is considered an offensive weapon. Please note, lock knives are not classed as folding knives and are illegal to carry in public.