Anaya Nolan
Knife crime is a serious issue in the UK, with a 2019 survey revealing that 72% of parents worry their child could become a victim. In this context, it's important to understand UK knife laws. In England and Wales, the sale of most knives is legal, subject to age and usage restrictions. Carrying knives in public is restricted, with certain knives prohibited. The laws are complex, with many exceptions, and ignorance is not a defence.
Knife Laws in the UK
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Legal Knives | Non-locking folding knives with a blade length of 3 inches or less |
| Pocket knives | |
| Multitools like Swiss Army knives (within size limits) | |
| Knives carried for specific purposes like work or hobbies | |
| Illegal Knives | Knives with blades exceeding 3 inches or possessing locking mechanisms |
| Fixed blade knives in public without a valid reason | |
| Flick knives | |
| Butterfly knives | |
| Throwing knives | |
| Knives or blades that have the appearance of other objects (e.g. sword canes, belt buckle knives) | |
| Exemptions | Knives and weapons over 100 years old (except flick knives) |
| Certain professions or activities may have exemptions (e.g. chefs, tradespeople, farmers) | |
| Religious reasons | |
| Consequences | Up to 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both |
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What You'll Learn
What is the legal knife length to carry in the UK?
In the UK, it is illegal to carry knives in public without a valid reason. The legal blade length for carrying knives in public is typically 3 inches or 7.62 cm. Blades longer than this or possessing locking mechanisms might be considered illegal for everyday carry without a legitimate purpose.
Certain professions or activities may have exemptions from the general knife laws. Individuals in professions requiring knives as part of their job (e.g. chefs, farmers, or tradespeople) may carry larger knives if they can justify their necessity for work-related tasks. Carrying a knife with a good reason may also include recreational activities such as hunting or fishing.
It is important to note that the police and local jurisdictions have broad authority to prohibit the carrying or possession of knives, including folding knives without a locking blade, if the owner cannot establish a sufficient legal reason, especially in urban areas or at public events.
Additionally, there are specific types of knives that are prohibited by law, such as flick knives, butterfly knives, and throwing knives. It is also illegal to use any knife or weapon in a threatening manner, and doing so may result in a prison sentence of up to four years, an unlimited fine, or both.
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What knives are legal to buy in the UK?
In the UK, the sale of most knives is legal, subject to age restrictions and restrictions on use outside of a domestic setting. For example, machetes are legal to buy and own in the UK as long as the purchaser is over 18, and age verification is carried out. However, carrying a machete in public is generally illegal unless you have a valid reason, such as using it for work.
Non-locking folding knives with a blade length of 3 inches or less, pocket knives, and multitools like Swiss Army knives (within size limits) are generally legal to buy and carry. In addition, certain professions or activities may have exemptions from the general knife laws. For example, individuals in professions requiring knives as part of their job (e.g. chefs, farmers, etc.) may carry larger knives if they can justify their necessity for work-related tasks. Religious exemptions also exist.
It is important to note that carrying prohibited items such as flick knives, butterfly knives, or knives deemed offensive weapons is illegal. The police have broad authority to prohibit the carrying or possession of knives, even folding knives without a locking blade, if the owner cannot establish a sufficient legal reason for doing so.
If you are unsure about the legality of a particular knife, it is recommended to contact your local police or seek legal advice.
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Where is it illegal to carry a knife in the UK?
Carrying knives in public is forbidden or restricted by law in many countries. In the UK, a public place is defined as anywhere that the public has or is permitted access to, even if they have to pay to enter. This includes roads, highways, shops, pubs, schools, and even your car when it is on the highway. In Scotland, it is compulsory to have a local authority licence to sell knives, swords, and blades (other than those designed for domestic use).
In the UK, it is illegal to carry a knife without a valid reason. A "valid reason" may be shown by occupation, for example, a farmer carrying a machete while at work is unlikely to be committing an offence, but putting the machete in their car and driving into town would be illegal. Other valid reasons for carrying a knife include hunting and fishing, or when the knife serves as a tool in work activities such as gardening or cooking.
The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally in the UK is four years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. If convicted more than once, a prison sentence will be given. It is also illegal to use any knife or weapon in a threatening way, and this includes using a knife to threaten or intimidate someone, even if the knife is legal in other contexts.
The Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959 (amended 1961) prohibits the importation, sale, hire, lending, or gift of certain types of knives in England and Wales. In addition, the police have broad powers to prohibit the carrying or possession of a knife, even a folding knife without a locking blade, if the owner cannot establish a sufficient legal reason for doing so. Prohibited knives include flick knives, butterfly knives, throwing knives, and knives that have the appearance of other objects, such as sword canes or belt buckle knives.
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What are the consequences of carrying a knife in the UK?
Carrying a knife or any weapon in the UK is illegal and can have severe consequences. Even if you are carrying a knife for someone else, you could face serious penalties. The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is four years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. Repeat offenders are highly likely to receive a prison sentence.
It is important to note that using any knife or weapon in a threatening manner is strictly prohibited. Carrying a knife can increase the risk of injury to oneself and others. It can also cause distress and upset to family and friends.
There are exceptions to the ban on carrying knives in public. For example, it is permissible to carry a non-locking pocket knife or a folding pocket knife with a blade length of up to three inches (7.62 cm) without needing a valid reason. However, if you carry a knife that exceeds these guidelines, you must have a "good reason" for doing so. Examples of good reasons include using the knife for work, religious purposes, or as part of a national costume. Ultimately, it is up to the court to decide if you have a valid reason for carrying a knife.
In addition to the legal consequences, carrying a knife can have social and personal repercussions. It can lead to negative perceptions, such as being seen as threatening, and put oneself and one's loved ones in danger.
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What knives can you carry in a vehicle in the UK?
In the UK, carrying knives in a vehicle falls under the broader category of carrying knives in a public place. Your car or other vehicle is classed as a public place while on the highway, and the police have the power to search and seize knives without a warrant.
The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. A court will decide if you have a good reason to carry a knife if you are charged with carrying it illegally.
There are certain exemptions from the general knife laws for professions or activities that require knives as part of their job or lawful activity. For example, individuals such as chefs, farmers, or anglers may carry larger knives if they can justify their necessity for work-related tasks. Similarly, there are exemptions for knives carried as part of a national costume or for religious reasons.
When it comes to specific types of knives, machetes are legal to buy and own in the UK if the purchaser is over 18, but carrying one depends on the reason for doing so. Machetes are primarily used for agriculture, forestry, and garden work, so carrying one in a vehicle to a place of work such as a farm is unlikely to be an issue. However, putting a machete in your car and going into town is generally deemed illegal.
Whittling knives and pocket knives can be legal to carry in a vehicle if they adhere to the 3-inch blade length limit and lack a locking mechanism. Additionally, non-locking folding knives, multitools like Swiss Army knives (within size limits), and knives carried for specific purposes like work or hobbies are generally legal to carry with a valid reason. It is important to note that even a knife with a legal blade length can be deemed an offensive weapon if perceived as threatening by someone else.
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Frequently asked questions
In England and Wales, the sale of most knives is legal, subject to age restrictions and restrictions on use outside of a domestic setting. In Scotland, cutlery and kitchen knives can be sold to 16 and 17-year-olds.
In the UK, it is illegal to carry a knife without a good reason. Knives that are legal to carry include non-locking folding knives with a blade length of 3 inches or less, pocket knives, and multitools like Swiss Army knives (within size limits). Certain professions or activities may have exemptions from the general knife laws.
A "good reason" for carrying a knife may be shown by occupation, such as a farmer, estate manager, recreational stalker, game shooter, or angler. It may also be considered a good reason if an individual has reasonable grounds to expect that they will need a knife while pursuing a lawful activity.
The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally in the UK is either 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. A prison sentence is mandatory for those convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once.
