Is carrying a Swiss Army knife illegal?

In the UK, carrying a standard Swiss Army knife is generally legal, provided the blade is non-locking and has a cutting edge of 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less. You do not need a "good reason" to carry a knife that meets these specific criteria in public.

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

Yes, Swiss Army knives are generally legal in the UK if they are non-locking folding pocket knives with a blade under 3 inches (7.62 cm), as these don't require a "good reason" to carry; however, any knife with a locking blade or a blade over 3 inches requires a legitimate purpose (like work or religious reasons) to carry in public, and threatening anyone with any knife is always illegal.

Are Swiss Army knives legal to carry around?

Legal Knives

Folding Knives – Pocket knives and Swiss Army knives are everyday examples. These are generally legal to carry, whether in your pocket or openly, as long as the blade isn't locked in the open position. Folding knives can be considered “dirks” or “daggers” if their blades are locked and exposed.

What knife can I legally carry in the UK?

In the UK, you can legally carry a folding pocket knife with a blade under 3 inches (7.62cm) and that does not lock, without needing a good reason; otherwise, you need a legitimate purpose (like for work, religious reasons, or cultural events) to carry any other knife, as lock knives, fixed blades, or longer folding knives are generally illegal in public without justification.

Can I have a Swiss Army knife in public?

Although there are no restrictions on possessing or carrying any type of knife or sword, it is not widely accepted or considered appropriate to carry a knife openly in public places such as streets or public buildings, stores, or restaurants.

The Law on carrying Swiss Army Knives - Do you need a “good reason”?

Can I legally carry around a pocket knife?

Concealed carry of a knife is generally legal unless it's a dangerous weapon like a switchblade, and intent to use it unlawfully can make possession illegal.

Can I carry a knife while hiking in the UK?

At a Glance: Survival knives are legal in the UK, but strict conditions apply. Carrying a knife in public without a valid reason is illegal, except for folding pocket knives with blades under 3 inches. For camping or outdoor activities, you must provide a legitimate purpose for possession.

What is the best UK legal pocket knife?

Best UK Friendly Folding Knives

• Acta Non Verba 4.
• Boker Plus 4.
• Byrd 1.
• CRKT Knives 1.
• Civivi 1.
• Heinnie Haynes 1.
• Kansept 1.
• Kershaw 2.

What knives will be banned in the UK?

In the UK, it is illegal to bring into the country, sell, possess, hire or give someone a banned knife. Banned knives include: butterfly knives, disguised knives, flick knives, and zombie knives.

Can I take a Swiss Army Knife on a plane in the UK?

No, you generally cannot take a typical Swiss Army Knife (SAK) in your carry-on bag on a flight from the UK due to restrictions on sharp objects, even if the blade is under 6cm, because SAKs often have other prohibited tools like scissors or pointy implements; it's best to pack them in your checked baggage or leave them at home, as airport security has discretion.
 

Is it good to have a Swiss Army Knife?

There may be no more useful object than a Swiss Army Knife. Keeping one in your pocket puts you in a position to tackle several everyday problems and tasks. It makes you self-sufficient and able to unplug. But it's always vital, from a quick nail file to cutting down cardboard for recycling.

Where can you not take a Swiss Army Knife?

Commercial air travel and government buildings/offices (schools, City Hall type places, courthouses, etc), where it's considered a prohibited item.

Is it legal to have a Swiss Army knife in your car?

Non-locking, folding and below 3" blade - legal to carry without any specific reason. My mother has a Swiss army knife on her keys, it meets this category. Fixed blade or locking knife - legal to carry with a specific and legitimate reason.

Can Sikhs carry knives in the UK?

Kirpans in the UK and police service

The legislation reaffirms the right of the Sikh community to possess and supply kirpans.

Do British Army soldiers carry knives?

The Sheffield British Army Knife has been used by generations of British soldiers; this useful tool has been carried onto the battlefield since the beginning of the last century.

What is the biggest knife you can legally carry in the UK?

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.

Can I keep a knife in my bedroom in the UK?

Yes, you can generally keep a knife in your bedroom in the UK, as it's legal to own most knives at home, but it's illegal to carry most knives in public without a "good reason," and certain prohibited offensive weapons (like flick knives, zombie knives, and disguised blades) are banned even in private residences due to laws like the Offensive Weapons Act 2019. The key is the distinction between private ownership and public carrying, and the type of knife you possess, with threats of use making any knife an offensive weapon.
 

Is camping a reasonable excuse to carry a knife?

It is illegal to carry a knife in public without a good reason. Folding knives with a blade under 3 inches (7.62 cm) are generally fine. Fixed-blade knives and locking knives require a "good reason" such as camping or bushcraft.

What weapons can I legally carry in the UK?

If carrying something is going to improve your peace of mind, the only legal self-defence item is a personal alarm. Whilst some self-defence sprays claim to be legal, they potentially haven't been subject to a legal test.

Is a knife clipped in your pocket concealed?

(A “pocket clip” carry of a knife is probably considered concealed, though the law is ambiguous.)

Can I legally carry a knife in my pocket?

In short, only small non-locking folding knives with blades under 3 inches can be carried without reason. Anything else requires a lawful justification or is completely banned.

Can I travel with my pocket knife?

In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage.