What knife is legal to carry 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.

What knife can I legally carry in the UK?

There is an exemption in law for folding pocket knives. These must have cutting edges of less than three inches and do not lock. The law states that a folding pocket knife “must be foldable at all times”.

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 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.

Is a 2 inch blade legal?

Legal knives typically include non-locking folding knives with a blade length of 3 inches or less, pocket knives, multitools like Swiss Army knives (within size limits), and knives carried for specific purposes like work or hobbies.

Every Day Carry - What is Legal in the UK?

Are 3 inch blades legal in the UK?

UK Knife law states that you are allowed to carry a non-locking pocket knife with a blade length of up to 3 inches (7.62) without any need for a valid reason. This means that you are allowed to carry a knife in public that exceeds these guidelines. You do, however, need a valid reason for doing so.

Is it illegal to carry a Stanley knife in the UK?

Bladed articles

A bladed article is anything that has a blade or is sharply pointed, except a folding pocketknife with a cutting edge of less than 3 inches. This includes kitchen knives, Stanley knives, or work knives. It is an offence to have a knife in public without a good reason or lawful authority.

What can I carry to protect myself 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.

What is a good reason to carry a knife in the UK?

Good reasons for carrying a knife or weapon in public

If the knife or weapon is not banned, some examples of 'good reasons' include using it: for your work. for religious reasons, such as the kirpan some Sikhs carry. as part of any national costume.

How can you legally defend yourself in the UK?

You can use reasonable force to protect yourself or others if a crime is taking place inside your home. This means you can: protect yourself 'in the heat of the moment' - this includes using an object as a weapon. stop an intruder running off - for example by tackling them to the ground.

Can I carry a knife while hiking in the UK?

UK Knife Law Explained for the Outdoors

A knife with legal length can still be deemed an offensive weapon if perceived as such by someone else. 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.

Do British 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 a flick knife?

A switchblade (also known as switch knife, automatic knife, pushbutton knife, ejector knife, flick knife, gravity knife, flick blade, or spring knife) is a pocketknife with a sliding or pivoting blade contained in the handle which is extended automatically by a spring when a button, lever, or switch on the handle or ...

Are switchblades legal in the UK?

Some Knives which are illegal to own in the UK are: Flick Knives, Switchblades, Gravity Assisted Knives, Automatic Knives, Push Daggers, Belt Buckle Knives, Cane Swords, Bali-songs or 'Butterfly Knives', Disguised Knives, Knuckle Duster Knives, Throwing Stars, Stealth Knives 'Airport Knives'.

Does Amazon sell knives?

Amazon.com: Shop Knives - Shop Knives / Knives, Parts & Accessories: Tools & Home Improvement.

Can I have a knife in my car in the UK?

Your car or other vehicle is also classed as a public place while on the public highway, and the police now have search and seize powers without warrant with respect to knives and will use those powers with alacrity. The requirement for 'good reason' for carrying a knife may be fulfilled by the subject's occupation.

What is an UK friendly knife?

UK Friendly Knives can be defined as knives that are legally allowed to be carried in public without a valid reason. However, it must be a non-locking pocket knife that has a blade no longer than 7.62 cm (3 inches).

Who is most likely to carry a knife in the UK?

What is a gravity knife?

A gravity knife is designed with a blade contained within its handle and can be deployed using one hand through the force of gravity or a swift wrist motion.

What size knife is legal to 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.

What can bodyguards carry in the UK?

Security guards are trained to protect both people and businesses using a variety of techniques. While they cannot carry firearms or other weapons, they are authorised to use handcuffs to detain offenders when necessary. They are also trained to apply reasonable force in situations where it is justified.

How to defend yourself if someone attacks you?

 As a last resort, defend yourself by physically fighting back — Use your body “defenders” — your elbow, your heel, your fist, your voice, and your head. A wheelchair or a cane can also be used as a defender. To get away quickly, 1. Aim for a place on the attacker's body that will hurt a lot.

Is it illegal to drive in flip flops?

You can get behind the wheel of a vehicle barefoot or while wearing flip flops, provided you are able to operate the controls safely. If you do so with wet feet, for example, you might be putting yourself, your passengers and other road users at risk by not being able to drive the car safely. This is illegal.

What is a non-locking knife?

Slip Joint Knives: These knives lack a locking mechanism. Instead, they rely on pressure and tension to keep the blade open. Friction Folders: Similarly, friction folders do not have a locking mechanism. The blade is held in place by friction and the user's grip.

Can you carry secateurs in public?

The law is that you can't carry anything intended for a weapon, so you won't be arrested with a good defence, unless there's been a string of pruning shears murders in that forest, I think you'll be ok.