What the UK Law Says About Knives
UK law is generally less restrictive compared to many European countries when it comes to knives. You can find detailed advice on the official government site: https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives. I highly recommend giving it a read!
The main points of the law are as follows:
- It is illegal to carry a knife in public without a ‘good reason.’ And no, “I forgot it in my pocket” doesn’t count as a good reason. Legitimate reasons might include needing it for work, carrying it for religious obligations, or if it’s part of your national customs.
- Using a knife in a threatening manner is, unsurprisingly, illegal.
The law can be enforced differently depending on where you are. For instance, carrying a knife on a quiet, remote beach might be viewed more leniently than carrying a legal pocket knife to a football match at Manchester Stadium. It’s always a good idea to check with local police before you go.
Selling and Buying Knives
The sale of knives is regulated both locally and nationally:
- It’s illegal to sell knives or cutting tools to anyone under 18. However, in Scotland, 16- and 17-year-olds can legally buy kitchen knives and cutlery.
- To sell swords, knives, and outdoor cutting tools, you’ll need special permission from your local council. This permission is valid only in that particular council area.
- Kitchen knives and indoor cutting tools can be sold without special permission.
- Sellers must confirm the buyer’s age, record their name and the purchase date, and keep this record for five years.
If you want to buy a knife, you will be asked to prove your age. A remote Zoom meeting or a WhatsApp video call with a valid driver’s license can do it.
Exception
There’s an exception to the above rules for certain folding knives, provided they meet these conditions:
- The cutting edge must be no longer than 3 inches (76mm).
- It must not be a lock knife (it shouldn’t have a button, spring, or catch that you have to use to fold the knife).
This kind of folding knife can be freely carried, and there’s no age limit to buy a pocket knife with these characteristics.
Art work by Adrian Smith