FAQ

 

Is my knife legal to carry in the UK?

In the UK, it is generally legal to carry a non-locking folding pocketknife with a blade length of 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less in public without a specific reason. There may be areas where you are not permitted to carry any knife at all, regardless of size or locking mechanism- this often is the case in football stadiums, bars, clubs, and other crowded places. It is always a good idea to only carry any knife of any length with any folding mechanism if you really need to.

 

What is the new UK knife law in 2024?

Although the law hasn't come into force yet, it is likely to ban the sale and possession of “zombie-style” knives, defined as “any bladed weapon over eight inches in length with a plain cutting edge and sharp pointed end that also has either a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade, or multiple sharp points like spikes”.

 

What types of knives are legal in the UK?

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. That being said, most knives are legal to carry with valid reason. If you work on a farm and carry a machete while going about your business, this is unlikely to fall foul of the law. If you then put the machete in your car and go into town in the evening, this would usually be deemed illegal.

 

Are machetes legal in the UK?

Machetes are legal to buy and own in the UK so long as the purchaser is over 18- we are required to ship all similar items with age verification as standard. In general, they are not legal to carry without a ‘good reason’, which may include forestry or agricultural work.

 

Can I carry a pocket knife under UK law?

Carrying a pocket knife in the UK is generally legal if the blade is less than 3 inches in length, does not lock into place, and doesn't possess features categorising it as an offensive weapon.

 

What blade length is legal to carry in the UK?

The legal blade length in the UK is usually 3 inches or less for knives carried in public without a valid reason. Blades exceeding this length or possessing locking mechanisms might be considered illegal for everyday carry without a legitimate purpose.

 

Are fixed blade knives legal to carry in the UK?

Carrying fixed blade knives in public without a valid reason is usually illegal in the UK. Strict regulations govern the size and purpose of carrying such knives, valid reasons may include carrying a knife for your work, for religious reasons (such as the Kirpan carried by some Sikhs), or as part of a national costume (such as the Scottish Sgian Dubh).

 

Are there any exemptions to UK knife laws?

Exemptions from the general knife laws do exist for certain professions and activities. Individuals in professions requiring knives as part of their job (e.g., butchers, chefs, tradespeople, farmers) may carry larger knives if they are necessary for their work. There are also exemptions for religious reasons, and for certain national costumes.

 

What other considerations are important under UK knife law?

Intent significantly impacts the legality of carrying a knife. Carrying any knife (or indeed, any item whatsoever) with the intent to use it as a weapon or for self-defence purposes is likely to be deemed illegal.

 

All views above are our own and do not constitute legal advice- please check with a solicitor or your local police force. We're always happy to have a chat about knife law, just drop us an email or a call between 9:30-17:00 Monday-Friday