What is the zombie knife ban?

The UK implemented a comprehensive ban on "zombie knives" and machetes in September 2024, making it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture, or transport them, closing loopholes from earlier restrictions by defining them as bladed weapons over 8 inches with specific features like spikes, holes, or serrated edges, aiming to curb serious knife crime by removing these intimidating weapons with no legitimate purpose.

Why is the UK banning zombie knives?

It's worth noting that these knifes are advertised as being good for killing ``zombies''; that is, they can do massive damage to a human figure. It would appear that these blades were banned in England for their potential use as weapons.

What happens if you get caught with a zombie knife?

Prohibited Weapons in Private Places

The law does not offer a defence to a person who claims to be unaware of these amendments. The maximum sentence for possessing a prohibited weapon in a private place is six months. There are limited defences available such as showing the weapon has historical importance.

Is a 2 inch blade illegal?

Yes, in the UK, it's generally legal to carry a 2-inch knife in public if it's a non-locking folding pocket knife with a cutting edge of 3 inches (7.62cm) or less, as this falls under the exemption for everyday carry items, but you must not have a "good reason" to carry it if it's a fixed blade or a locking knife. A 2-inch blade easily fits within this limit, but the key is that it must be a simple fold, not a lock, and you're carrying it for everyday use, not as a weapon, as any knife can become an offensive weapon if used to threaten or intimidate. 

What knives are they trying to ban?

Possession of zombie-style knives and machetes has become a criminal offence in the UK. From today, Tuesday, September 24, 2024, zombie-style knives and machetes have been added to the list of dangerous prohibited items already banned, including zombie knives, butterfly knives, Samurai swords and push daggers.

‘Zombie’ knives and machetes banned in England and Wales

Why is it called a zombie knife?

A zombie knife (also known as a zombie killer knife or zombie slayer knife) is a type of ornate knife or bladed weapon inspired by zombie films and TV series.

How bad is knife crime in the UK in 2025?

The ONS publishes data on crimes recorded by police involving a knife or sharp instrument for a selection of serious violent offences. In the year ending March 2025, there were around 53,000 offences involving a sharp instrument in England and Wales. This was 1.2% lower than in 2023/24 and 3.8% lower than in 2019/20.

Is a lock knife illegal?

A lock knife is not a folding pocket knife and therefore it is an offence to carry around such a knife regardless of the length of the blade, if you do not have good reason.

What blade shape is strongest?

Drop Point: * Purpose: A very versatile blade shape, known for its strength and control. The convex curve of the spine towards the tip lowers the point, making it excellent for general tasks like hunting, skinning, and everyday carry.

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.

What can I legally carry for self-defense in the UK?

In the UK, the only universally legal self-defence item is a personal alarm, which creates a loud noise to deter attackers and attract help, with other items like self-defence sprays (even "legal" ones) and tactical pens carrying legal risks as they can be deemed "offensive weapons" if intended to cause harm, making their legality dependent on context and intent, so avoiding them is safest. You can also use reasonable force in your home, but carrying anything outside for defence is generally prohibited, with rape alarms being the primary exception.

Is knuckle duster illegal?

Knuckleduster. A metal weapon that is worn over the knuckles and is intended to increase the injuries caused when hitting a person. This is a prohibited offensive weapon set out in the Criminal Justice Act (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988.

Why are there holes in zombie knives?

Ever wonder why most cleaver knives have holes in them? The answer is actually quite straightforward. Cleaver holes serve four primary functions: safe hanging storage, enhanced leverage for stuck blade extraction, reduced friction during cutting, and improved weight distribution.

What's the point of a butterfly knife?

Traditional pocket knives are often viewed as versatile tools that are great for everyday tasks like cutting, opening packages, and doing outdoor activities. In contrast, butterfly knives are more commonly used for artistic performances, martial arts, and as items for collectors.

Can I legally 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.

What is a zk knife?

A zombie knife is a bladed weapon that has been increasingly associated with violent crimes and gang-related activities. Inspired by zombie films, these weapons typically feature one smooth blade and one serrated edge, designed for cutting and tearing.

What knife does CIA use?

The CIA uses various knives, with historical ties to the Fairbairn-Sykes fighting knife (OSS), and more modern operational choices including Cold Steel Tanto blades (like for Operation Jawbreaker), custom maker knives by artisans like Bob Terzuola, and even specialized gear like the Zytel Spike Knife; officers often select concealable, high-quality fixed or folding blades from brands like Spyderco or Emerson for their everyday carry (EDC).
 

What is the deadliest sword?

Deadliest swords in history

• The claymore, the longsword, and William Wallace.
• The katana and Masamune: Japan's greatest sword smith.
• Para 3: Saladin's singing scimitar.

What knife can cut through bone?

The meat cleaver is a large, rectangular knife that you'll often see butchers wielding, but it's quite different from a butcher knife. It's a heavy, thick blade that's not necessarily razor-sharp; it's meant more for cutting through bone than for slicing meat from bone.

Is a 2 inch blade legal?

Yes, in the UK, it's generally legal to carry a 2-inch knife in public if it's a non-locking folding pocket knife with a cutting edge of 3 inches (7.62cm) or less, as this falls under the exemption for everyday carry items, but you must not have a "good reason" to carry it if it's a fixed blade or a locking knife. A 2-inch blade easily fits within this limit, but the key is that it must be a simple fold, not a lock, and you're carrying it for everyday use, not as a weapon, as any knife can become an offensive weapon if used to threaten or intimidate. 

Is it illegal to carry a Stanley knife?

It is an offence to have a knife in public without a good reason or lawful authority. What amounts to a good reason is quite limited; for example, if you had just bought the knife from a shop and you were taking it straight home, or you needed it for work and you were going to or from your place of work.

What is the largest size knife you can carry?

The knife size you can carry is up to your state's laws. Usually, blade lengths must be 2.5 to 4 inches. Make sure to check your local laws to avoid trouble.

How many stabbings a day in London?

The capital sees 40 daily knife offences on average, including 3-4 requiring hospitalization.

Which age group has the highest crime rate?

One of the most robust relationships in criminology is between age and crime: criminal offending increases in adolescence, peaks in the late teens or early 20s, and then continually decreases.