Knife Laws And Machetes: What's The Verdict?

Knife laws vary from country to country, and even within countries, but generally, they restrict the manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, possession, transport, or use of knives. In the US, machetes are classified as agricultural tools, while stabbing knives and swords are classified as weapons. In the UK, machetes and zombie-style knives with no practical use have been banned, and police have been given more powers to seize them.

Machetes vs knives: differences in design and use

Machetes and knives are both tools used for cutting objects. Knives are smaller, whereas machetes are bigger. Machetes are classified as agricultural tools by United States law, whereas stabbing knives and swords are classified as weapons.

The primary difference between a machete and a knife, other than size, is the edge. Machetes have a thinner bevel than swords, which are designed to take a beating and hit things other than flesh, like armour or bone. A machete's edge is designed to slash through things like vines, leaves, and small branches.

Another distinction is the metal used. Swords typically have a slightly softer metal in the middle and a harder metal for the edge. Machetes, on the other hand, are usually stamped out of a big sheet of metal and then ground down to the edge, not forged.

In terms of use, knives are typically used for slicing, drawing cuts, and repeated punctures. Machetes can be used for chopping, depending on their origin and design.

In some contexts, the distinction between knives and swords is not clear-cut. For example, daggers can be up to 50 centimetres in length, which is within the range of some swords. The way a blade is used also matters: in Filipino martial arts, knives are used for slicing and drawing cuts, whereas long swords are used for stabbing, slicing, and chopping.

In terms of legislation, there is ongoing consultation in the UK on legislative measures to provide the police with more tools to disrupt knife possession and tackle knife crime. The government has identified certain types of machetes and large outdoor knives that do not seem to have a practical use and appear to be designed to look menacing. These will be included in the list of prohibited offensive weapons.

In the United States, machetes are not subject to much regulation, and they are classified as agricultural tools. However, when travelling with a machete, it must be placed in checked luggage and cannot be carried on.

Knife laws by country

Knife laws vary from country to country, and even within countries, and are often dependent on the interpretation of the police officer or security personnel. In general, the carrying of knives in public is forbidden or restricted by law in many countries. However, exceptions may be made for hunting knives, pocket knives, and knives used for work-related purposes. The laws regarding the possession and carrying of knives differ in each country and region, and it is important to be aware of the specific regulations in the area you are visiting. Here is a brief overview of knife laws in some countries:

United States

Machetes are classified as agricultural tools by United States law and face very little regulation. They can be transported in checked luggage when travelling but cannot be carried on the plane.

United Kingdom

The UK has strict laws regarding knives, and it is illegal to carry any knife in public without a good reason, with a sentence of up to 4 years in prison. The government has also introduced specific measures to tackle the use of machetes and other bladed articles in crime.

Canada

In Canada, the possession of knives that open automatically, such as switchblades and butterfly knives, is criminalized. The maximum penalty for unauthorized possession is 5 years in jail and the weapon being seized.

France

In France, any knife with a fixed blade or a locking folding blade falls into an unregulated category of weapons. While individuals over 18 can legally purchase these knives, they cannot be carried on one's person unless there is a good reason, such as for work or leisure activities.

Germany

German knife law establishes three categories of knives: prohibited knives, cutting and thrusting weapons, and other knives. Cutting and thrusting weapons, such as daggers and stilettos, are restricted to possession and use on private property and may not be carried in public.

Switzerland

In Switzerland, knives with blades that can be extended with an automatic mechanism using one hand, daggers with symmetrical blades, and throwing knives are banned. Other knives, such as daggers with asymmetric blades, are considered "dangerous objects" and may be confiscated by the police if there is no good reason for carrying them.

Portugal

In Portugal, if the blade is under 10 cm long, it is legal to carry. However, balisongs, auto-openers, and throwing knives are considered illegal and cannot be possessed, even for collection.

Denmark

In Denmark, folding knives (pocket knives) and fixed-blade knives are legal to own if the blade is no longer than 12 cm. Blades over this length require a legitimate reason for ownership, such as using it for cooking, hunting, or as a tool. Carrying a knife in nightlife settings, sports events, or mass gatherings is considered aggravated illegal knife carrying and can result in fines or jail time.

Spain

Spain has stringent laws prohibiting the carrying of "fighting knives" in public places. Knives may be owned and kept at home for exclusive use in a collection, but they cannot be transported on public roads.

Bulgaria

Bulgarian law does not impose any restrictions on the possession or carrying of knives. However, it is not widely accepted or considered appropriate to carry a knife openly in public places, and doing so may result in police checks and hassles.

China

In certain regions of China, such as Hong Kong, certain knives are designated as 'prohibited weapons,' including knuckledusters, knives with blades exposed by a spring or other mechanical device, and push daggers.

Japan

After the 2008 Akihabara Knife Incident, Japan's knife laws were revised. All knives, regardless of blade length, are prohibited from being carried, except for specific lawful purposes such as duty, work, or outdoor activities.

New Zealand

Under New Zealand law, it is unacceptable to carry or possess a knife in public without a reasonable excuse. The penalty for possession can be up to 3 months in prison or a fine of up to $2000, while carrying a knife as an offensive weapon can result in up to 2 years in prison.

Russia

In Russia, only certain knives are considered "melee weapons" and regulated, while others are considered common tools and are entirely unregulated. However, using knives in a violent manner is considered an "improvised weapon" and can result in additional penalties.

Slovakia

In Slovakia, there is no explicit prohibition against carrying knives in public. However, the law states that carrying a "cold weapon," such as a knife or sabre, in public places is an offense against public safety if there is a reasonable belief that these weapons could be used for violence or threats.

Sweden

Swedish law prohibits carrying knives in public areas, including schools and vehicles, unless the carrier has a legitimate purpose, such as using the knife for work or a pocket knife for normal use.

It is important to note that these are just brief overviews of knife laws in each country, and the specific regulations may vary within each country and region. It is always advisable to check the local laws and regulations before travelling with knives or possessing them in public.

Machetes as agricultural tools

Machetes are classified as agricultural tools by United States law. They are traditionally used for agricultural practices such as cutting sugar canes, hacking/cutting through soft undergrowth in forest areas, and performing household tasks such as splitting coconuts and cutting large foodstuffs. Machetes are also used in countries with tropical and subtropical climates to cut through rainforest undergrowth and for agricultural purposes, such as cutting sugar cane.

In Latin America, machetes are commonly used for household tasks such as cutting large foodstuffs into pieces, much like a cleaver, or for performing crude cutting tasks such as making simple wooden handles for other tools. Machetes are also used for splitting open coconuts, yard work, removing small branches and plants, chopping animal food, and clearing bushes.

Machetes are often considered tools and are used by adults. However, in some cultures, babies are taught to use sharp tools, including machetes, before their first birthdays. Machetes are also used in various dances and martial arts practices.

Machetes are inexpensive and durable, lasting a long time if cared for properly. They are made from soft metals that enable regular sharpening of the blades when they become blunt. The handle, made from wood or plastic, makes carrying and lifting the machete easy.

Machete laws in the US

Machetes are classified as agricultural tools by United States law. They are usually only sharpened on one side of the blade, which distinguishes them from stabbing knives and swords, which are classified as weapons. Machetes are not heavily regulated, and they can be purchased at hardware, lawn and garden, or farming stores.

When sending a machete through the mail, ensure that any points are covered and that no movement is discernible. Using descriptions like "edge tools" or "hewing tools" can help prevent delays caused by inspections. The Harmonized Code for machetes is 8201.40.0000 for axes, bill hooks, and similar hewing tools, and they are duty-free when importing into the US. Non-wood handles are often less troublesome when clearing customs, as wood handles can harbor invasive species.

Sheaths are classified under Harmonized Code 4202.02.0000 and have duties into the US between 4.5% and 7%, depending on the material. It is advisable to ship the sheath as part of the machete ("machete and sheath") to save on tariffs.

When traveling with machetes, they must be placed in checked luggage and cannot be carried onto a plane. When traveling outside the United States, it is essential to check the local laws of your destination, as other countries may have different restrictions.

Machete laws in the UK

The UK government has introduced a ban on machetes and zombie-style knives that have no practical use and will give police more powers to seize knives. The new law, which came into effect in September 2024, makes it illegal to possess, sell, manufacture, or transport these weapons. The maximum penalty for the importation, manufacturing, possession, and sale of these weapons has been increased from six months to two years, and the police now have the power to seize and destroy knives found on private premises if they have reasonable grounds to believe the blade will be used in a serious crime.

Zombie knives are defined as any bladed weapon over eight inches in length with a plain cutting edge and a sharp pointed end that also has either a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade, or multiple sharp points like spikes. The term "zombie" in this context refers to knives with a combination of features that give them a menacing appearance, such as aggressive styling, garish colors, and non-functional design elements that weaken the blade.

The Impact of the Ban

The ban specifically targets "zombie-style" machetes and knives, not traditional machetes designed for agricultural or outdoor use. Genuine garden, camp, agricultural, and survival machetes are not covered by this ban. The government has also introduced specific exemptions for legitimate articles such as objects of historical importance and those that are handmade to avoid negative impacts on the antiques market and British-made industries.

Reducing Knife Crime

The ban is part of a broader package of measures introduced by the government to strengthen existing knife crime laws and address the root causes of knife crime. The government has invested in youth services and violence reduction units to prevent and divert young people away from violent crime. The police have also taken 120,000 knives off the streets through stop and search and other targeted actions since 2019, contributing to a 5% decrease in knife crime and a 25% reduction in hospital admissions for under-25s involved in stabbings.

Public Consultation on the Ban

The government opened a public consultation on the ban in April 2023, inviting views from individuals, manufacturers, retailers, and trade organizations that rely on bladed items. The consultation sought to understand the impact of the proposed ban and gather feedback on the effectiveness of addressing knife crime. The ban was supported by some stakeholders, while others raised concerns about the potential impact on legitimate activities and the need to address the root causes of knife crime.

The UK's machete laws aim to reduce knife crime by banning specific types of machetes and knives with aggressive styling and no practical use. The laws give the police more powers to seize knives and impose stricter penalties for related offenses. The ban targets zombie-style weapons while exempting traditional machetes used for legitimate purposes. The government has also invested in prevention and diversion programs to address the underlying causes of knife crime.

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