UK Knife Laws and what I can legally carry
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- Quick Disclaimer; I am not a lawyer, solicitor or police officer - these are my opinions and how I understand the UK laws. If you want to read the "actual wording" on this subject please go to the dangerous weapons act on the .GOV website here: www.gov.uk/buy...
OK - now thats out of the way.....
Enjoy the video and Thanks so much for watching..
Apologies for not replying to every single comment - there are so many - thanks to everyone who corrected my mistake... ITS 3 INCH BLADE, not CUTTING EDGE!
What about shipping locked blade knives from the US to the UK. What are the rules?
@Phillip Strange you can buy lock blade knives here in the UK, they are not illegal to own and collect.. they ARE illegal to carry..
So yes, you can order from the US, but if its a flipper, or auto the chances are you'll never see it.
Its measured at the bolster.
Spoons can be quite dangerous too. The UK should really do something to address the dangerous spoon problem.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to decide whether to bring my 10 mm or 45 with me tomorrow in the States.
In the Balkans wars a spoon, possibly sharpened, was used to gouge eyes out.
I have a 4" locking knife on me at almost all times and an aluminium knuckle-duster in my work bag. My intention is not to hurt anyone but those who would harm me. Very illegal, but the chance of my being searched is less than being mugged or assaulted, so it's a risk I'm willing to take.
"I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them." - Robert A. Heinlein
Only down fall is IF you do get searched you’re not in a good position, but I fully understand where you are coming from
@@lockstockbob9953 Another downfall would be Using these items in self defence then the police finding out. Much better to carry something you can legally have on you but is also able to be used to defend yourself.
i keep twin sister 9mm Glocks in each arm pit, a derringer in my front pocket and a 357 mag on my hip for show... Sure, i have a fixed blade boot knife and i keep a bowie handy but i have never ever had to knife anybody,
@@dirttdude I take it you don't live in the UK!? 😆Yes, most people aren't psychopaths. The idea of being armed to the teeth is to make sure that nature/Darwinism takes its proper course should a psycho or attacker mess with someone who is.
@@boilerhousegarage No, i was born with the right to carry arms, a little derringer, twins and a 357 is hardly armed to the teeth, some people carry their ARs everywhere
The Spyderco Chicago has a liner lock. The metal liner, on the inside of the knife, moves over to lock the blade in place. A frame lock is when the outside frame of the knife moves over to lock the blade in place.
UK knife laws are like and even more strict, then in former USSR. In today Russia you can carry any knife, except daggers with guard- it requires that you have hunting license. In Baltic states you can carry any knife type you want without special permission from government. Greetings from Latvia 🇱🇻
All the UK knife laws, no reduction in stabbing crime
The 3 inch is NOW being interpreted as the whole blade up to the handle, including any ricasso( the non sharp bit), presumably because if was used to stab it would go in up to the handle. Not just the cutting edge any longer.
Clearly states in the law wording " a cutting edge of 3" or less"
One of the things I loved when I got my Leatherman Wave which was better than my Swiss Army knife was that the blade was locked when it was open which prevented it from suddenly closing on my fingers depending upon what I was doing with it. It didn't happen very often but it did a couple of times. I only found out a couple of years ago that it was illegal for me to carry it!
It's a pathetic law to be fair, but hey ho...
@@WildernessAdventuresUK I agree, but it's still the law and therefore I can't carry my Leatherman, which I got because I wanted something that did everything that I could carry with me that was better than my Swiss Army knife. Not sure what alternative there is that is legal!
@@WildernessAdventuresUK Blame the idiots who use knives as weapons, threatening to stab or actually stabbing people in the towns and cities of the UK. The government has to be seen doing something about it, even if the effect on knife crime isn't that crime. How exactly should they deal with the problem?
My swiss army knife locks......i havent felt like an outlaw for having a pocketknife since i was 7.
@@another3997 Most of those stabbings involve stolen kitchen knives. Only law abiding people are harmed by these idiotic laws. A locking knife should be considered a safety feature.
I'm an ex police officer. The UK knife laws are at best nonsensical and at worst draconian. What do they hope to achieve? If we cannot prevent inmates in high security prisons from making shanks to kill each other, how the hell do these laws propose to reduce knife crime on our streets? Clearly the UK laws have been enacted for political gain. No new laws were required. All that needed to happen was the courts use the sentencing powers they've had all along. But hey, then there would be no gain for the politicians.
Well said!.. I have a lot of views and opinions as a knife collector, but have to remain relatively mutual and be good when in the eyes of the public
Part of the problem isn’t the laws, it’s their application. Most countries have some variation of “carrying X is ok if you have a legal purpose and not if you don’t”, but the police and courts seem to give more leniency with purpose than they do in the UK.
In my book, anyone on a 50 year old Triumph or Norton motorbike has ample cause to carry anything up to an entire arsenal of tools, but few UK police or courts would see it that way if they had a multitool with a locking blade in hand. Zero tolerance means zero brains applied to a situation.
Exactly. They have continually blanket banned all sorts of knives that are simply never used in knife crime as well? Written in stone on almost all old courts in the land are the words ‘punish the wrongdoer’.
But the wrongdoer is NOT being punished. Making blanket bans on all law abiding people is not punishing the wrongdoer but punishing the law abiding. Like you say, people wishing to break the law will just go get a kitchen knife. Hardly any crimes are actually committed with the currently banned lock knives, flick knives, balisong’s etc. yet they are all banned from being carried by law abiding people.
What are valid reasons then? I want to take a bushcraft knife when camping etc but don’t want to go against the law?
@@frankiekl87 To be honest, I'd take legal advice on exactly what knife and exactly where you'd be going and what you'd be doing.
Excellent vid as always. One thing worth emphasising is the 'valid' part of 'valid reason'. There are a lot of people out there that think that if you get stopped and searched and you have a non UK legal cutting tool on you that you can just say you're going camping/fishing/etc and the officer will leave you alone, but you may be expected to prove that your story is true and if it isn't you will find yourself facing much more serious charges than carrying an illegal blade. In fact, if we're being really really strict about it the bit where you mention a decorator etc going to the shop for lunch would be illegal for him to have his stanley knife in his pocket because he doesn't need it to go to the shop so he should have left it with his other tools etc.
Also, I'm not 100% because it can be difficult to judge sizes on videos but I think your Enzo is the PK70.
Thank you very much for your comment - all very true! Many of these valid reasons are dependent on the Officer on the day as well as the attitude of the carrier, not to mention where in the country you are - I'm guessing if you are somewhere rural compared to the heart of a city has a large say too!... This video is just explaining the basics I guess.. BUT AGAIN.. Thanks for your comment its very valid and I've pinned it for others to also read 👍👊
Absolutely. There are a lot of variables that can change the outcome of an encounter with the law, and of course realistically those of us in the trades aren't necessarily going to mess about taking our multitools off our belts (for example) just so we can nip to the shop but it's always worth making sure we are familiar enough with the rules to protect ourselves from ending up in trouble if we are routinely carrying a cutting tool, which is why vids like this are important. You stuck to the facts and didn't try to suggest ways of bending the rules unlike so many other vids on the subject, which is appreciated 🙂
In the UK, as in many countries, it is illegal to be free.
I am SO glad I live in the US!!!! I usually carry MUCH more than just a lock-blade knife.... I’ve not carried a non locking knife since I was 12 I believe.
I'm so jealous! I've collected knives from about 12, I have some that can no longer leave the house 😒
@@WildernessAdventuresUK I grew up around all sorts of knives, my dad was a butcher so I learned very young how to sharpen and hone a blade. I’ve got all his old knives and use them often. I probably have over 150 Knives of all varieties I’d say, but my hunting knives are my prize possessions obviously. But they are still “tools, and get used. They don’t just sit on a shelf and look “pretty”. If they get damaged or dull, I fix them.
Can’t have certain radios in US unless type approved, you can own any equipment you want in UK. Can’t have certain night vision gear in the US either, land of the free?
@@dutchbeef8920 I'll keep my locking 3.5" and 4 inch blades, thank you. You keep your radio and your "night vision." 'Murica. F*ck yeah.
The big fish hook is, it will be down to a court of law to determine a “valid reason”. If you happen to get a cop who’s having a bad day you’re going to end up in front of a judge with all the associated cost. A silly law, pleased I don’t live in the UK.
Hey Spi, great video. Here in the state of Virginia, U.S., we can carry any length knife if it is in plain sight so it is sad to hear about the laws in the UK. Some states in the U.S. are eliminating the ban on switch blades. Locking blades are no problem. Each state has it's own laws which makes a big problem. But most states allow open carry of firearms which rarely results in a crime being committed by the carrier. Criminals like to hide their weapons. Thanks for the video, God Bless the UK!
Cheers Mike! Always good to hear about laws overseas.. I honestly think a lot (not all) of the knife crime here is fabricated to justify the obsurd laws we have, however if I made a video on that I'd probably be hunted down and ridiculed as a conspiracy theorist.. 🤔😉
Thanks for sharing - as a knife fan it's made me quite jealous 😝
@@WildernessAdventuresUK Yeah Spi just like over here when they want to ban so called "assault " weapons. The majority of crimes are committed with hand gUnZ. Channel is coming along great, Cheers!
@@choppermike3329 They used the same approach in the UK. They would use a single crime with one type of firearm to ban a completely different class of firearms. Politicians are complete scumbags! They've been boiling the UK frogs for about a hundred years now. Most of the knife crime in the UK involves stolen kitchen knifes. People aren't running around stabbing each other with expensive artisan knives, locking or otherwise. If they were to, it is the person at fault not the weapon. Someone intent on mayhem can make a weapon out of almost anything.
@@dalriada842 100% correct and complete common sense. Politicians are corrupt and tyrannical. God help us all.
The “non-locking” blade specification is puzzling. I see that as a safety concern for an everyday carry knife. In Oregon, USA, any blade is legal to own and carry, but only ordinary pocket knives may be concealed. Other states have various restrictions.
We don't have a massive knife crime problem here in the UK tho there is a problem..
What puzzles me is the people in power are actually stupid enough to think that the 'type' of weapon used in crimes has a significance, let's think about this logically - do we think a criminal is going to spend $100+ on a front flipping Buck or do we think they will spend $2 on a kitchen knife or box cutter....
It's all about control of the masses not solving the problem if you ask me..
It's a safety issue whether it's an everyday carrying or not since it is manual and when pulling the blade out you can easily knick yourself with the point the UK laws are complete nonsense I'd rather it be automatic or spring loaded and the closest we get to that is Stanley blades that electricians , painters and decorators etc use as they lock into place I got one of amazon and to open it it has a hollow finger nail grip but the tip of the blade actually curves so opening it as its quite stiff you can easily end up poking yourself with it and if caught with anything above a 3 inch blade , locking it comes with two outcomes of consequences of it either just being seized by the police with then sending you on your way or the second outcome would be a sentence of 12 years along with a £/$5,000 fine if the courts find you guilty of not having a extremely valid reason and thing is anything and everything can be used as a weapon and in the UK people are not even allowed to carry anything like self defence gadgets because its classed as a "offensive" weapon
ooohhh...came for the folders, got all creamy with the fixed ones...
Haha, Scotttttyyy!! Thats just a few of them, I think I must have another double that - I'm a bit of a collector!
Thanks for the information, this really helps clarify a few things that I had trouble understanding. I got arrested last year on way home from a camping trip, I had my opinel no.7 in my bag that is just slightly over 3 inches. Im still waiting for my trial but I was worried camping wouldnt be a valid reason tbh. Thanks for the video thats helped lift a weight from my shoulders
Technically it is not a valid reason to the police as they expect those that go camping to stick to the 3 inches and under but only the court will ultimately decide whether it is or isn't but the sentence for it if they decide its not a valid reason can be a 12 year sentence with a fine of £5,000 or it could just be the fine
Sorry for the late reply, you'll have to let us know how you get on, in my opinion, if you are using it for cooking whilst camping, it is tucked away in your bag, not in a pocket, you have a really good chance, get a good solicitor.
Please let us know the outcome!
You going to court basically for going camping is a joke. Its not you going round stabbing people. It's the yobbos in towns thieving and robbing stabbing innocent people . Wheres the sense nicking you f- joke
I've not heard the word "Doofer" since I was in the Army hahaha
Thanks for the vid it was very informative
my own legal carry are opinal number 4 and 5 for lightness and the classic lambsfoot for strength of blade. The opinal in smaller sizes are so compact that you forget which picket they are in, the lambsfoot is heavier so is a constant reminder that you have it there
Section 139 of the criminal justice act states that the "cutting edge" must not be longer than 3 inches or 7.62cm but some knives that are measured in a straight line with a straight ruler can measure 3" but the cutting edge can measure longer due to the curvature of the blade edge. Also the legislation is for carrying a bladed article in a PUBLIC PLACE, so if you're on your own private property or a friends with permission then you can carry what you like. Something to think about when purchasing a UK legal knife.
Victorinox scissors for nails and same for cap lifting beers, Opinel 8 for slicing kindling, Opinel 6 for pencil sharpening, Siberian meat cleaver for larger kindling, Morakniv for ropes/ twine on my boat, scalpel 10A for masking film, Wilkinson swords for cooking indoors, machete for clearing foliage too likely to clog chainsaw. Also numerous Stanleys for other roles.
Really good informative video, I have had I knife in my pocket as long as I can remember being a farmer’s son. Lots of people don’t know the law. I see loads of people with multi-tools on their belts in Asda.
Indeed Tom - When in my defender I have a tiny multitool on the keys (the small Leatherman), its the one with scissors and a small non-locking blade.. It really would depend on the Police Officer and what mood he's in as to what happened on the day, which is a massive flaw in the system - unfortunately, I cant put that in a video as its not helpful
@@WildernessAdventuresUK It should not matter one bit how the cop (policy enforcer) was feeling that day as to how they dealt with you as they're supposed to keep the peace, not enforce their own version of a law how they feel. More proof we live under tyranny.
Nice and clear video. My go to for Bushcraft is either mora light my fire or companion. EDC spiderco little Byrd
Great video dude👍thanks for putting out consistently great films dude.
Thanks buddy - pretty challenging keeping this schedule but as long as that weather holds up I'll try my best!
Hi spi it’s nice seeing you mate informative video as usual keep up the good work 👍🏻🏴
Thank Geoff - This one has been looming for a while - was unsure weather to put it out there as I may get a few trolls - but time will tell 👍
Hope you're keeping well buddy
It is not the length of the sharpened or cutting edge but the overall length of the blade.
You might have a 3.1 inch blade where only 1 inch carried an edge, it would still be illegal.
A 2.9 inch blade with all 2.9” sharp would be legal even though it’s sharp edge is almost 3 times as long.
Law says cutting edge
Great video and lovely collection of knives.
One other thing to consider is, why would you be being stopped and searched in the first place?
I carry a knife every day, more than one in fact and normally one of them locks. But I never cause a disturbance or look for trouble. Knives are tools and I carry them as they are useful.
One exception I know of to the non-locking, less than 3 inch blade is… no knife should ever be taken on to a schools premises. Although what would you be doing to cause someone to stop and search you. Be sensible and carry something sensible.
Thanks again and I’m off to buy that folding TBS you have. 👍
Same here, I carry some kind of locking or fixed blade knife most days, for activities I'm involved in. Like you I've never caused a disturbance or anything so never had any problems.
Consider this if you will, you're driving down through town or where ever and the police stop you because you resemble someone who has committed a serious traffic violation or run from Tesco's with an armful of stolen whisky. Someone has seen that person jump into a car that strongly resembles yours. Old Bill pulls you over and wants to check you are who you say you are and you haven't got any proof so they decide to search your car, and you, for the stolen booze and hey ho you have a leatherman or small lock knife on you, now you have more explaining to do. "But I never cause a disturbance or look for trouble." You don't need to, you just have to be unlucky.
@@duster. you are spot on, it could just be your unlucky day and I’m sure most officers would be fine with a leatherman, but again that’s just your luck.
Interesting but what if somebody drilled a hole through the hinge mechanism and then carried a separate pin in another pocket which could be inserted to lock the knife? Would that still be illegal or legal since the pin and knife are two seperate items?
Very good one mate, I guess it's not illegal until the pins inserted - again a lot would depend on the officer on the day
Great and clear explanations!
You touched on it a bit, but any of those could be classed as an offensive weapon, depending on the intent. Even though they're legal, if you don't give a fairly decent reason, plus other mitigating circumstances, location, time of day, attitude etc, then the officer could come to there own conclusion and consider it as an offensive weapon.
I sometimes carry an Opinel which locks in both the closed and open positions the blade is 2-5/8” (65cms ) long
When closed the length of the handle is 94cms and with the blade fully out the whole thing measures 160cms.
So, a locking blade - which is illegal
I have been carrying a 2inch lock knife since I was 16, I am now 57, I never knew, thanks for the info.
So many people are un aware David, to be honest I still sometimes carry my Mini Grip (shown in the video), but it's usually when I'm out on a country dog walk or a ramble - weather that constitutes as a valid reason 🤔🤷🏻♂️...
When I'm out and about doing every day stuff its usually a Fox - Bean or Real Steal - Luna, as well as the tiny one on my keys, all of which are Legal..
The actual original law was "readily foldable" under 3 inches apparently. Locking was not mentioned until 2 subsequent prosecutions. Stupid law making knifes more dangerous to users. Let's be honest, thugs don't give a shit about the law only decent people
Hi thanks for the video 👍.
Off subject I know, but how is the black coating on your rs Luna holding up? . Thinking of getting one trying to decide to go black or not.
Thanks
Great knives, very slicy, if I was to get another I wouldn't go black tbh.. the coating isn't the best but I think that the price represents this... very sharp! one you have to be careful when using!
@@WildernessAdventuresUK thanks that's made my mind up. Much appreciated, 👍
If you want a non-locking Leatherman, check for vintage Super Tool or PST. The Super Tool is best, but the newer ST 200 and 300 lock.
I often bring a folding knife back from holiday. It's fun trying to explain to a little old lady in an Italian shop what UK legal is when finding a suitable self-gift. I need to look up 'non-locking' in French & Italian. Western / Northern Europe they all speak English. In the UK it's easier because the shops know to stock UK
The criminals will be the only boys out with the big knives.. great laws
So bloody true...
Nice clear video, Thx :) You mention the leatherman wave, I have one that I modified so the blades are non locking (and they are shorter than 3"), but the file and wood saw are still locking, are the file/saw knife-like enough to mean that it is still not legal?
@@nemesis2264 ok, my idea failed then because the design of the tool means you can't change it so the saw doesn't lock, thanks for the information
I forget the case but legal president was set to have it that the 3inches refers to whole blade length not cutting edge. The judge said something about endless arguments about what is sharp and what isn't. A 4 inch blade with a 3 inch sharp edge is classed as 4 inches not 3.
Indeed you are correct, I'm just quoting what the .gov website says (or used to say) - I've not checked it for a long while
Cheers spiro for informing everyone who watches the channel and hopefully keeping them legal 👍
Thanks to you too for giving me a virtual kick up the arse to make this video - next knife maintenance.. That's ones going to be fun!
@@WildernessAdventuresUK no problem I've always hand sharpend on a wet stone or diamond block
I have an early Leatherman Wave. I’ve ground away the locks on the blades.
Are there distinctions for visitors vs residents? My wife and I are traveling to the UK this summer but we are US citizens. Would it be legal for me to bring a knife such as you described and carry it around London? I usually have a Swiss Army knife or a Scrhade Old Timer with me for incidental reasons.
Firstly, thank you for your comment, the honest answer is I'm not sure.
I would air on the side of caution, don't bring anything with you, when you get here maybe purchase a SAK or something similar "non locking, under 3 inch blade".
This video was brought out a while ago, I think the guidelines have changed again since - so I wouldn't want to give you bad or wrong advice.
@@WildernessAdventuresUK are they sold lots of places, or just specialty stores?
@glockmpw something I've never thought about, very few stores sell them.. its only because I know where to go and buy online..
Disagreeing with a law isn't actually against the law yet. You can follow said law without liking it. Perhaps a little more pushback in the community instead of some content creators acting like over reach is perfectly acceptable might get a different outcome because the meek approach just gets us dumped on year after year.
Do you know what “meek” means?
@@whengrapespop5728 Yes, do you?
@@jelkel25 Yes ~ strength under control.
@@whengrapespop5728 Meek- adjective. Quiet, gentle and easily imposed upon, submissive.
@@jelkel25 Yeah, that’s the skimmed down modern translation, but not the origin or true meaning. Same way a skimmed down translation of “grace” is mercy, but neither is that a fully accurate translation of the word.
This is craazy! We can carry any length blade lockinh or non in my state in the us. Also open or conceal carry just about any caliber of firearm. Just today i couldn't decide which to carry between my 9 or 10mm handgun. Also there are no knives hanging on my walls but i do have a 300 blackout ar pistol always in close proximity in case someone was to run up in my home with bad intentions. I pray the uk leaders develop common sense.
Where in the world are you, and have you got a spare room I can rent 😉 😄
I generally only use Swiss army knives as they are considered to be the most versatile yet UK friendly pocket knives im considering adding an Evo s 17 to my small collection
Even though owning a pocket knife with a locking main blade can be problematic sometimes but i do like some of the evolution series knives as they're a carry over for Wenger who were the other official makers of swiss army knives but are now owned by victornox
As I understand it, although you're referring to the 'cutting edge' being under 3", it's a bit of a misnomer, as it doesn't have to be sharp, and it covers the length from the tip to the handle, regardless of how much of that length is actual 'cutting' edge.
Yes, it's been covered below buddy.. thank you
Has the difference in the wording been clarified between “Locking” and “Lockable”
Most folding knives that lock, activate the lock automatically as they fully open, so they are “locking”
An Opinel style mechinism does not lock automatically, so it is “lockable”is this difference clarified?
Obviously, the opinels with the lock ring removed are legal. What about an opinel with a “modified”ring that locks it shut, but cannot lock it open?
Yes mate, a slip joint isn't locking - anything that has a gadget, switch or doofer that you have to physically move to close the blade is locking
Great video, just found your channel. I didn't realize the knife laws in the UK were so draconian. Even in communist California I walk around with a Bowie knife strapped to my hip.
Hi you said that the sharp blade length could be no more than 3 inches. There seems to be a difference of opinion as the Blackbelt Barrister very specifically says its the whole blade length inclusive of the sharpened and the non sharpened part of a blade that has to be no more that 3 inches. This may be immaterial in most cases as it's usually clear whether or not a knife is UK Carry legal or not , but maybe worth considering on borderline cases.
Indeed it is blade length not cutting edge
My go-to knife when outdoors is the Swiss army huntsman or hiker but my every day carry is the Swiss army mini champ which is the most useful for every day tasks but is also very compact for its various uses
I have the tiny leatherman with the scissors on my keys as an edc, when I'm out camping it whatever I choose from the collection and also dependent where I am.. ie private woodland with permission I take whatever I want, if I'm on crown land it'll be something more subtle
Thanks for clarifying the opinel knives, I love them and the 2” key ring one on me at all times, good to know it’s legal but I always have the No. 9 in my work truck for cutting rope and plastic sheeting at work, it’s well hidden, would that be a valid reason to keep in my vehicle?
Depends on the copper on the day buddy.. In that situation, I'd go for a non locking knife- just in-case
basically, if an officer of the law wants to book you - they will find a reason.
What about a EDC knuck? Is that legal to carry if you just like fidgeting with it?
It's a definable no here in the UK, can get in a bit of trouble for one of them..
i spoke with policeman in London about knife carry, and he said even without locking mecanism You need to have reason to carry it, it's because of multiple knife crimes in UK
Wrong, just look up! under 3 inches, no reason needed.
Yes, even police are ignorant about the law. No reason needed legally, but he can still arrest you, take you to court and then be found not guilty since he's wrong!
There's a exception to this law is the Scottish Sgian Dubh and Dirk as it's part of the traditional outfit if you wear a kilt
One thing that I like about knives is that you can collect unique knives like there's one knife that I would like to get from Grimfrost that has silver and antler handle, I also like the Tibetan knives with the handle made out of silver and gold with turquoise and coral inbeded in the handle, I would consider them as treasures.
Would bush crafting, long range camping or participating on an expedition be a legal reason to carry things such as a fixed blade, a Kabar or a knife bigger then 3 inches and locks?
Likewise for a smallish or medium sized axe for wood collection or general crafting etc? (I just heard the last part, about camping. I've always used a Kabar in my garden for general gardening or even just general home use my WW2 reproduction USMC KaBar knife serves me well)
Bit of a grey area, if you're on private land with permission like a farm or private woodland you could argue the point, if you have NO permission you could get an armed trespass charge, if you're in a park, national forest or other public land, again its a bit sketchy... a lot of it boils down to the copper on the day and the person (with the knifes) attitude
@@WildernessAdventuresUK I understand why we have these laws and these rules but at the same time it's really disappointing considering if this is something you love doing it sucks to have to metaphorically look over your shoulder 24/7 I hope in the future some minimal or respective changes are made to make it more enjoyable without the fear of being cuffed for something that in my opinion feels so natural!
Great vid lad and thanks for the reply
@Kralkuscov I agree that changes do need to be made, at the same time I totally understand why we have these laws as well.. its a shame that not all people see it from our perspective... so many people have been brainwashed into thinking that if you have a knife on you, you must be up to no good!...
Mate, thanks for comment I'm glad like minded people are watching my content!
@@WildernessAdventuresUK Did you see the new legislative document they're trying to enforce in regards to bladed articles? Its been a month or so since I signed against it but it's essentially about making the sales, trade, ownership or production of specific blades such as cutlass's, historical swords and machetes and combat or military style knives simply because the words Combat and Tactical imply they're to be used against other humans and serve no real purpose in the UK.
Additionally because they look intimidating regardless of the circumstance they're being used
@Kralkuscov no I don't tend to take much notice of them since the one banning semi auto .22 rimfires was ment to come in, made me panic as I thought I was going to lose my one!... they seem to sneak the laws in now, such as the one banning the sale of flipping knives, which incidentally I have around 6 of!
There is the issue that although the knives shown are legal to carry in the UK (I have a TBS boar myself that I use while fishing along with a SAK to replace my Leatherman Wave) that a stroppy copper could still arrest you for possession of a bladed article in a public place. The two laws are contradictory and it is down to an individual copper and then the courts on whether you will end up with a criminal record.
I have left a lot of responses basically saying the same thing!
This video was very helpful with helping me understand that you can take a bigger knife for going camping but I have a question, that me and my friends are planning to go camping but we are only 16 are we allowed to take any sort of knife with us? Thanks.
Sorry for the late reply, age isn't a thing, I suggest not taking one if there is a large group of you unless you are on private land with permission to be there
What about serrations? Since they’ve been going on about the “zombie knives” it seems to me that serrations are perhaps being considered a wilfully threatening rather than practical feature. I am going on a dive trip to the UK so I am wondering about my dive knife which has a sensibly serrated spine for line cutting.
I'm guessing a dive knife should be fine, as long as its not on your person when not going diving - seems like a perfectly legit reason to me - but again please don't take my advice as gospel, do some research and contact the relevant authorities to double check!
@@WildernessAdventuresUK I know right. I’ve been doing a fair amount of research but what I get remains somewhat unclear to me. Anyway - the situation is much the same as in my country although they recently grew a little more sense. Ultimately it seems like it’s deliberately vague on some scores so it’s down to the invidiual law professional. Thanks for such a fast reply btw.
@@whynottalklikeapirat seems pretty similar on the vague part over here too!... You are very welcome - Stay safe! ATVB
@@WildernessAdventuresUK Thanks mate you too, and thanks for the upload 👍
Gerber used to make a nice little black blade where you only needed to bend the locking metal Back a little and it wouldn’t lock unless you put pressure on it, as soon as the pressure is released it goes floppy again, I have had a couple but kept losing them so I just keep a bright yellow Mora in my bag these days
Thank you for this video, can you tell me if it is illegal to own a over 3in knife, if it is in a tool box and owned before the law changed , I would be interested to know this ?? .
It is illegal to own very few knives, automatics, gravity and butterfly to list a few.. you can "own" locking, fixed blade even swords BUT you can only "carry" sub 3 inch folder that doesn't lock, unless you have a very valid reason.. ie a chef on their way to work, though the knives would have to be well packaged on not on their person..
I hope this helps clarify..
PS I own 5 inch bushcraft knives, I just don't carry them - I'm not breaking any laws 😉
Brill video, thanks for the info !
I owned a lock knife slightly over 3" for donkeys years that i used to carry when out on motorbike or camping, useful tool, when they changed the laws i converted it to just under 3" and made it into a slip lock, there is still a lever to release it, but dont need use this to fold it, can i have your views on this please ?
Should be fine I've heard this done before on the knife groups on Facebook
@@WildernessAdventuresUK Thank you ! when i was adapting the slip mod i was wandering how much pressure is acceptable, obviously if you put it in a vice and hit it with a lump hammer most lock k'nives would eventually give ? lol
So by "carry" they mean its in your pocket but not if its in a backpack? What if I go hiking in the Scottish Highlands and my Fallkniven S1 is in my backpack?
All depends on the copper on that day buddy.. Nice choice of knife by the way!
Can I personally own knives in my house simply because I love them? I live in Manchester and I had loads of Bowie knives and other but I thought I’d get prosecuted for it so I panicked and got rid of them all, do you know if I can own them in my house?
Thanks for the info. Do you know if there are any separate laws around machetes or do they fall under the valid reason clause?
Valid reason I guess - if you were clearing some thick scrub, gardening etc.. I think it's a little harder to come up with valid reasons for a mechete
@@WildernessAdventuresUK The natural pathways through some of the places I go walking get overgrown with brambles in the summer months and so I find a stubby machete is the best way through them. And I feel it's also doing any other walkers who might go the same route a favour. Mind you, I can't really see the police getting involved as I rarely even see another person, nevermind an authority figure, on those walks. And the only time I'm on a pavement with it in my rucksack is literally the twenty steps or so between where I park and where I enter the wilderness. But thanks for your feedback. 👍
@@TheCuggsmeister I imagine you'll be fine, just make sure when transporting it you've got it in a bag within a bag 😉 I'm not 100% this is a thing and to be fair I don't practice it when in the landy (with axes).. But I was once told the better it's packaged the less chance of getting into trouble.. Something to do with if you were in an altercation it take you 3 minutes (for example) to get out..
Again, I'm not sure it's a thing.. But seems to make sense
@@WildernessAdventuresUK Thanks, mate. Appreciate the advice.
would you agree valid reason for having leatherman wave on person is im going fishing or not
I would, but I wouldn't put it on your belt until your on private land
Little gizmo could actually be called it's proper name...liner lock, axis lock etc... SP chicago has a liner lock
What is the law mandated 'no point ' so you can't stab, what knives are there?
In Morocco, carrying a knife is legal, no limit on locking type nor length. However, the moment you hurt someone with it, it becomes a worsening factor to your case... pretty simple; I hope it stays this way
Hi on this vid you say a few times that the cutting edge must be 3’’ or under , I watched a vid by the blackBeltBarrister who says the hole length of the blade not just the cutting edge must be only 3’’ other wise you could have a 4ft blade with only a cutting edge of 3’’ what’s your take on it , by the way I liked your vid
Yes it is actually blade length, 3 inchs or under to be uk legal.. so if it had a cutting edge of 3 inch with a 2 inch choil it would in fact be illegal
I wear that on my left hip Scout carry everyday no matter where I am shop or hike as I've always a pack of one kind or another on my back with a couple of bowls & a couple of camping stoves in and lumps of wood pan and water and food to eat after my hike on the hills with my K9 Buddy I've been stopped a few times as it's a big knife on my hip I said first let me empty my pack soon as they see the contents I'm off on a hike for lunch with wood prep plans as I have it pre purchased from B&M they let me and my Dog continue our journey.
Sadly Being out Camping is not a valid reason by itself and as always it highly depends on who is giving you trouble. Uk is absolutely bonkers when it comes to knifelaws and I say that as a german, where basically everything fun is forbidden.
I would definitely agree it depends on the person who stops you and I said person not Police officer on purpose, cos they are just a person, I'v never been stopped whilst camping to test the theory, but I'll take your word for it - Also a lot would depend on your (the person carrying) attitude.. I've carried a knife most of my adult life with no issues...
@@WildernessAdventuresUK Yeah, If you act in a non threatening manner that could calm the person down. But I would not dare test that because there is a loophole in the law where "using the knife in a threatening way" can make carrying any knife a legal offence. And how do you disprove that claim? I think if people want to get you into trouble they can do that more easily than having to prove your innocence. I am very glad that you didn't get into trouble but I find the changes to these laws in the last years very ridiculous. This is just one step away from banning them altogether and has made outdoor vacationing in scotland nearly impossible for me and lots of people coming from abroad because you have to transport your knifes through several knife free zones, which is illegal. If you want to come by ferry and don't have a car, you have no means at all to carry any edged tool or similar object. If you fly you can at least get your victorinox, or similar folder you showed in the video, in your claimed baggage. Still you might be subjected to stop-and-searches if you are wearing a big hiking backpack. This actually happened to my group of friends one and we were very lucky to just carrying the non locking vics. If people want to get you into trouble, the newer law gives them permission to do so easily. Sadly UK no longer is a viable vacation location for me as an outdoor enthusiast.
It's so sad to hear this but very true - I'm a firm believer that knife crime figures are exaggerated to force new ban laws on honest people here in the UK.. Unfortunately with being in the digital people are getting smarter but it's at the cos of common sense..
Your Enzo is a Enzo birk 75, I have one thanks for the very informative vid.
Sorry Enzo birk is a locker it's probably pk 70 model
@@nigelcooper519 no mine isn't the locker bud, it's a slippy.. and it's a cracking knife I love it!
This video is so depressing. How could this have happened without a major strike/protest by the farmers/tradesmen/crafters/outdoorsmen? How can you be ok with this humiliation?
I assume you’re an American given your comment? The reason is simple; when people use dangerous weapons to hurt people, we legislate against it. This is to ensure we are always doing our best to protect people from bad guys. Simple. It’s not ‘humiliation’ it’s common sense.
The thing is if its for business and work it's already a valid reason so nothing will come from it this law is pretty much aimed at the average person who doesn't really need them in public places and since people are easily alarmed and scared of things like this as majority of normal average people would be silly and have them on show and not concealed in the bottom of their bag its hardly humiliation also carrying any weapon isn't a human right its a choice even though anything and everything can be used as a weapon its the same thing with self defence weapons they are out right illegal to carry on you even the UK version of pepper spray which is just a criminal dye spray as per spray itself is illegal
@@reczy So bad guys obey the law? That's very civilized. In most places criminals don't obey the law, hence criminals. So your stupid laws mean nothing to them.
Nice collection
Wow, a small folding stanley box cutter knife I've kept in the car under the dash for potential repairs (it's an old car), has a locking mechanism, it's been carried in various cars since the 1990's, I had no idea that was potentially illegal, I'll have to keep that in the shed now, since is it in my possession in a Public Place in the car if its within reach and I'm not using it until a vehicle fault? I don't suppose anyone knows.
I am a Deer Stalker and Target Shooter, so I understand possession in a Public Place in terms of Firearms, as even a locked car is a Public Place, and things like separation of action/bolt, and ammunition, whilst in transport and hidden from Public View is normal, along with carrying your Authority to Possess and having a Good Legal Reason for having the Firearm in a Public Place (such as driving to/from a Home Office Approved Range or Shooting Permission), but I'm unsure of how this relates to knives apart from using one for gralloch being a good reason.
So the locking Stanley is no longer in the car...
Beautiful toys
Lovely vid
Thanks for sharing, I'm surprised that you didn't mention the Victorinox Swiss army knife that are probably the most popular pocket knives but I guess they do full into uk legal.
I do have 2 Victorianox knives, 1 I always have on my keys and 1 that has a lock, problem is if I talked about every knife I owned I'd probably still be recording the video now 😂
Loved the video was very informative I love my knives too. Just curious the one type of knife I didnt hear mentioned was a switchblade
Any switchblade or full auto (a knife that opens and locked with a press/push of a button) are illegal to own in the UK - even if you have it in your house and never carry it - Completely illegal, used to be legal to own and have in your collection (not carry) back in the 80s (I think) but got outlawed
@@WildernessAdventuresUK thanks for the info.
The reason they have to be under 3 inch is so they should damage any vital organs the reason they cant lock is so if u tryed to stab someone it would close instead of going into them you can buy any knife under 18 but u can carry one under 18 aslong as its uk legal ( if i got anything wrong correct me ) and my go to is the letherman wingman as a 13 year old living in a small town in the uk
All correct information you have given.. although if you wanted to cause fatal injury to someone with a 2 inch non locking knife you could! The fact is the people in charge have to make it look like they are trying to fix a problem that is really a minor problem, unfortunately it's usually the majority (in this case the honest decent people) that get the short straw..
even if you have a "legal" knife , if you are stopped in certain places or circumstances expect to end up in front of a judge.
Pubs and clubs , stadiums and events etc.
I carry a knife with me most of the time , but remove it before I go into any situations that may get a search or metal detector search ...
Is it illegal to buy and own them, like people who have collections or just carry in public, can you have wall hangers.
The illegal ones are completely against the law, flick knives (automatic), butterfly knives, gravity knives.. you can NOT own even as a collector.. as far as I'm aware flippers are not being sold in the UK anymore as well, not sure on the law on the as the wording is vague..
@@WildernessAdventuresUK what about big bowies from oz
@@stevejpm1 fine to have as a wall hanger or collect but don't take it tesco! 😉
@@WildernessAdventuresUK that's what I thought cheers, Great channel.
@@stevejpm1 thank you buddy.. appreciate the kind words
Officer, it's just my religious scimitar. I don't leave home without it
This doesn't sound like anything new to me. Back in the 90's we used to have a local Bobby making visits to my school to educate us about UK weapon, knife and self defense laws. Back then the only thing that was legal to carry without good excuse/reason was folding non locking blade less than 3 inches.
Is it 3" BLADE, or is it 3" CUTTING EDGE?
I'd need to check if this video is still current as the "legislation" has changed - but it was 3" blade
You got the Enzo off me pal . It's called a Enzo Birk 75-D2 Scandi
Love that knife mate, knives come and go but that one is a forever knife!
Here in Indiana anyone of the knives you were showing are legally to carry here.if you can legally own it you can carry a firearm and we are a stand your ground state and you are under no obligation to retreat.Self defense is a legitimate reason to carry firearm or edged weapons.
I find just carrying a leatherman is dial to carry. I have been stopped with it and the officer looked at it and handed it me back saying it was no p oboe mat all. The blade was just under 3 inch.
I have a Learherman Wave, the blade locks therefore not legal carry, but I do love it!
I just checked over all my knives and I realized non of them would be legal if I lived in the UK, cheers from central valley California
So very sad isn't it - collectors can't even collect, Its not even about carrying them anymore..
I'm sitting here watching this vid with an AKC switchblade in my pocket, an out-the-front auto laying in front of me, and more than a dozen other knives on the table behind this computer.
I can carry any and all of them on me, here in middle Tennessee, USA, along with the gun sitting here beside my computer.
All perfectly legal, with the only reason needed being that I want to.
( I don't think I own even 1 knife that would be UK legal. Even my inch and a half long pen knife has an old-style liner lock.)
Anyway... sorry you folks in the UK have to put up with such nonsense laws. And needless to say, I don't think I'll be visiting there anytime soon.
I'm too likely to get into trouble, without even intending to cause harm or a problem.
@@guarddog318 for now.....our .gov is taking us the UK way via china
Will you be doing a sharpening vlog? I don’t want to cock up Andy’s mod kit with shoddy workmanship! ATB stay safe 👍🦊
Yeah man I can do a sharpening vlog, may not be for a few weeks but I'll get on it - I have a couple of different sharpening systems that I can show!
This is no correction but doesn’t a thumb hole in the blade count as being ‘one handed opening’ and therefore not legal to carry without a valid reason? I ask because I carry one 😱
@@walrus10001 as far as I know, 1 handed opening isn't illegal locking IS.. but this video is several years old and laws may have changes
Great video mate, have the Luna myself but broke the clip very annoying. Looking for a good edc now with a tougher clip! Spyderco Squeak might be it 👍
Mate I love the squeek! Awesome little knife!
@@WildernessAdventuresUK I'll have a proper look ! Bought another Spyderco couple of weeks back, I bloody love it but it locks, didn't read the gumpf properly 🙃
@@themartiandefender2128 I think I have 6 Spydies, only the squeek is UK legal - to be fair I rarely carry (edc) anything other than the luna or the bean.. There are a lot of ones I just collect and play with time to time
Ok, I can see some of this valid... Being in the US, I don't understand the BS about it being "non-locking without a valid reason"... My reason is I don't want it accidentally closing on my fingers!! Which is exactly why they started making locking knives in the first place!
My other reason is, 9 out of ten, I am going hunting, camping, hiking, or anything outdoors anyways. If I am at work, I use a simple knife for many everyday tasks - and again, I do not want it accidentally closing on my fingers.
My best to you across the pond!! We have some dumb laws, but you all have got some really dumb ones :/
It's insane over here, I'm licensed to own guns but I can't have a lock knife... go figure 🤔
Actually it makes perfect sense, it’s just a law that really isn’t there for sane people, but you can’t be partial with laws. It’s more likely to cause damage when stabbing someone with a locked blade, meaning it’s more of a danger for other people (if the person wielding it isn’t sane), but on the flip side it’s safer for the wielder if the knife is simply used as a tool as it should. You just can’t apply a law to some people and not others.
@@whengrapespop5728 I don't think it makes sense at all, if you are not sane you can hurt others with anything, a hammer, a screw driver, a car and the list goes on.. there will always be insane people out there weather there are laws or not they will still find a way to hurt others...
@@WildernessAdventuresUK That’s a very good point, and you changed my mind.
It's not the cutting edge alone that has to be under 3. It's the entire blade length that has to be 3 or less.
Check the pinned comment
Is the fact that it does not lock dangerous to user?
I'd say yes! But of course it depends on the task you're doing
Depending on what you're doing and how much pressure is applied it can be dangerous since non locking opens and closes with force where as it locking is like a safety feature to prevent slips heavier the task the more you're likely to cut yourself lighter the task will be less pressure
The biggest problem with the knife laws is opinion and location because both can muddy the facts and also if the police suddenly having a zero tolerance policy against any knife legal or not back in the 1970s being bought your first pocket knife was a right of passage from father to son my father gave me my first pocket knife back 1974 on my 8th birthday it was a cheap camping style knife that cost about £3.50 from any corner shop
Thank you for clearing up the knife laws for me. I’ve found I can’t carry my handy Walther knife anymore because it locks ☹️
A lot of what I said really depends on the Officer, how clued up they are and if they are having a bad day, also depends on the attitude of the carrier.. Unfortunately I cant put this out there as it gives off a very bad impression!
For the record, I sometimes carry a locker - I've usually got a reason for it tho 😉
Thanks for the comment buddy 👍
@@WildernessAdventuresUK it’s really strange hearing you all talk about folding knives like we in the US refer to hand guns. Depending on your state, but most allow for at least concealed carry of a hand gun, and issue a photo I’d for that. Lots of rules to follow but there are nearly no restrictions on knives, except large fixed blades openly displayed in a public setting. I commonly carry at least 2 locking blade knives wherever I go. One resides on my key chain in fact.
What was the 2nd to last knife?
British army knife, there is a separate video on the channel about it
Great video, thanks.
Couple of additions. I think:
All Stanley/exacto knives (folding and standard) are illegal to carry without good reason. Blades lock in place ...
The full blade length is the legal issue. 2" cutting edge at the tip of a 2" blunt bar would be seen as a 4" blade, not 2". So you can't blunt the base of a 3.5" blade to make it legal.
No automatic/flick knives, butterfly knives or carambits. At all. No valid reason. Full stop.
Subscribed.
The Spyderco Chicago has a liner lock not a frame lock. Generally good video.
Fantastic video let’s hope people take note the law is the law unless you have a valid reason to carry a knife don’t carry one.thanks mate till next time take care.👍🇬🇧🍺🤘
Indeed mate very wise words, I always have at least 1 LEGAL carry on me when I leave the house, usually the tiny one on my keys
Cheers Spi, Interesting, as always 👀
Cheers Roj, hope you're well buddy!
@@WildernessAdventuresUK
Hi Spi, Yeah not bad ta, like everyone else trying to do my bit to get us a out of this lockdown.
Hope You're Good too....
And mind ya fingers with them knives 🤣😂🤣😂
Roj