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UK Knife Laws Explained: A Comprehensive Overview - SurviveUK
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UK Knife Laws Explained: A Comprehensive Overview – SurviveUK


Knife laws in the United Kingdom regulate the sale, possession, and use of knives. It is illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason, and it is illegal to sell a knife to anyone under the age of 18.

In addition to these general rules, there are specific laws governing the possession and use of certain types of knives, as well as restrictions on the use of knives in certain circumstances.

The Sale of Knives Act 1997 makes it illegal to sell a knife to anyone under the age of 18. It is also illegal to sell a knife to someone if you know or suspect that they intend to use it for criminal purposes.

This includes knives with a blade of more than three inches, which are commonly referred to as “lock knives.” Lock knives are defined as knives that can be locked and unlocked with one hand, and they are illegal to carry in public without good reason.

The Offensive Weapons Act 1996 makes it illegal to have certain types of knives in a public place. These include samurai swords, butterfly knives, and stealth knives, which are knives that are designed to be disguised as everyday objects, such as pens or keychains. It is also illegal to manufacture, sell, or hire out these types of knives.

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 makes it illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason. “Good reason” is not defined in the Act, but it is generally understood to include carrying a knife for work, for recreational purposes such as fishing or camping, or for religious reasons.

However, simply carrying a knife for self-defense is not considered a good reason.

There are also specific laws that prohibit the use of knives in certain circumstances. The Offensive Weapons Act 1996 makes it illegal to carry a knife in a public place with intent to use it as a weapon. The Crime and Disorder Act 1998 makes it illegal to use a knife to threaten or intimidate someone.

In addition to these laws, there are also local bylaws that can prohibit the possession of knives in certain areas. For example, some local authorities have made it illegal to carry a knife in a public park or on school grounds.

It is important to note that the police have the power to stop and search anyone they suspect of carrying a knife, and they can seize any knife that is carried illegally. If you are found to be carrying a knife illegally, you may be arrested and charged with a criminal offense. If you are convicted, you could face a fine, imprisonment, or both.

In summary, knife laws in the United Kingdom are designed to regulate the possession and use of knives in order to reduce knife crime and protect the public.

It is illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason, and there are specific laws prohibiting the possession and use of certain types of knives. It is also illegal to sell a knife to anyone under the age of 18, and it is illegal to sell a knife to someone if you know or suspect that they intend to use it for criminal purposes.

If you are found to be in possession of a knife illegally, you could be arrested and charged with a criminal offense.

Knives that are banned in the United Kingdom include:

  1. Samurai swords: It is illegal to have a samurai sword in a public place under the Offensive Weapons Act 1996. This includes swords with a blade that is longer than 50 centimeters (20 inches).
  2. Butterfly knives: Also known as “balisongs,” butterfly knives are folding knives that have two handles that rotate around the blade to conceal it when not in use. It is illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, or hire out butterfly knives in the UK.
  3. Stealth knives: Stealth knives are knives that are designed to be disguised as everyday objects, such as pens or keychains. It is illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, or hire out stealth knives in the UK.
  4. Lock knives: Lock knives are defined as knives that can be locked and unlocked with one hand. It is illegal to carry a lock knife in public without good reason.
  5. Knives with a blade longer than three inches: It is illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than three inches (7.62 cm) in public without good reason.
  6. Knives with a blade that opens automatically: It is illegal to carry a knife with a blade that opens automatically (such as a switchblade) in public without good reason.
  7. Disguised knives: It is illegal to carry a knife that is disguised as another object (such as a belt buckle or a comb) in public.
  8. Gravity knives: Gravity knives are knives that can be opened with a flick of the wrist. It is illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, or hire out gravity knives in the UK.

It is important to note that the possession of these types of knives is not always illegal. For example, if you have a legitimate reason for carrying a lock knife (such as for work), or if you possess a samurai sword for historical or cultural reasons, it may not be illegal. However, it is always a good idea to check with the local authorities before carrying any of these types of knives in public.

It is also worth noting that local bylaws may prohibit the possession of certain types of knives in certain areas. For example, some local authorities have made it illegal to carry a knife in a public park or on school grounds.

If you are found to be in possession of a banned knife, you could be arrested and charged with a criminal offense. If you are convicted, you could face a fine, imprisonment, or both. It is important to familiarize yourself with the knife laws in the UK and to only carry and use knives in accordance with the law.

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