Laws for carrying a knife a work

[Kola]

I think something most of us can agree on , is that these knife laws are ridiculous and do very little to prevent knife crime . How do these laws prevent crime when it’s already illegal to Stab somebody? Is a hypothetical murderer going to see the carry knife restrictions and say “oh never mind then . It’s illegal to carry a Rambo . In that case I’m not going to use it to Stab somebody “

This.

I will not fit in well there with my current daily carry.
- Lock blade folder clipped in pocket.
- Leatherman Wave on belt.
- SAK on my keys.

Then another large lock blade folder, fixed blade and Leatherman in my go-bag, and usually a lock blade folder and machete somewhere in my car (we go off-road and into wilder areas often).

 

[Stockscrew]

I think something most of us can agree on , is that these knife laws are ridiculous and do very little to prevent knife crime . How do these laws prevent crime when it’s already illegal to Stab somebody? Is a hypothetical murderer going to see the carry knife restrictions and say “oh never mind then . It’s illegal to carry a Rambo . In that case I’m not going to use it to Stab somebody “

You are correct about the law being an ass in respect of knife crime prevention. If one should consider an axe, screwdriver, saw or even a sharpened stick, these are just as capable of as causing as much damage as a knife, especially one with a 3" blade, locking or not. If the intention is to stab someone then a knife is not the only means available in fact an innocuous traditional sharpening steel would penetrate flesh better job than most knives.

 

[Devon455]

You are correct about the law being an ass in respect of knife crime prevention. If one should consider an axe, screwdriver, saw or even a sharpened stick, these are just as capable of as causing as much damage as a knife, especially one with a 3" blade, locking or not. If the intention is to stab someone then a knife is not the only means available in fact an innocuous traditional sharpening steel would penetrate flesh better job than most knives.

Exactly. I’ve heard people say they will make knives illegal soon the same as guns but it’s almost impossible to do that . The government cannot ban sharpened steel because it’s so easy to make your own at home .

 

[MrBloggs]

You are correct about the law being an ass in respect of knife crime prevention. If one should consider an axe, screwdriver, saw or even a sharpened stick, these are just as capable of as causing as much damage as a knife, especially one with a 3" blade, locking or not. If the intention is to stab someone then a knife is not the only means available in fact an innocuous traditional sharpening steel would penetrate flesh better job than most knives.

Stabbed myself with a screwdiver yesterday, bugger!

 

[Tim_B]

I think something most of us can agree on , is that these knife laws are ridiculous and do very little to prevent knife crime . How do these laws prevent crime when it’s already illegal to Stab somebody? Is a hypothetical murderer going to see the carry knife restrictions and say “oh never mind then . It’s illegal to carry a Rambo . In that case I’m not going to use it to Stab somebody “

Agree the laws aren't the best - especially when you consider most knife crimes are committed using bog standard kitchen knives - kitchen devils are particularly well liked....light, disposable and stupid sharp.

I do agree with the banningon zombie knives though....just no need for them.

Exactly. I’ve heard people say they will make knives illegal soon the same as guns but it’s almost impossible to do that . The government cannot ban sharpened steel because it’s so easy to make your own at home . View attachment 113691

In Denmark they have banned carrying knives in public illegal - regardless of size or type. I was unaware of this until my last visit.

 

[Jasglo68]

If you’re looking for a uk legal edc knife suitable as a working knife head over to the Twisted Assisted website. Their twisted junzi knife is probably the best uk legal carry knife available and with the forward choil it can’t close up on you. Excellent value and customisable at for not a lot extra

 

[JoeHeugh]

You won't get a clear cut answer because it's all down to your circumstances and the views of the police who act as gatekeepers to the courts. Basically carrying that knife is illegal unless you can provide a defence which here is based on your work. So it's down to you evidence why you need the knife for work.
Now if I were a policeman and I found you using it to cut pipe then I can't argue with you can I? But what if I see you with it on you? Time for questions, when was the last time you cut pipe, how often do you cut pipe, where do you cut it and how much would it inconvenience you to get it out of a toolbox rather than carry it with you all the time? Depending on your defence I might be quite happy with what you tell me, I might think you need a bit of advice or you may be coming down to the station.
So if you cut pipe 3 times a day from the top of a ladder then it would be reasonable to have it on you but if you only do it once every couple of weeks at your van then your defence would be pretty weak.

 

[Daztilley]

I carry a SOG Terminus at work.
Does everything I need
Blade length <3" non locking

 

[Stockscrew]

I have always carried a short bladed lock knife ever since a non locking blade folded up on one of my fingers, I still have the scar. Also, Your Honour, have you ever tried eating an apple or a nutty chocolate bar when you have dentures, you should, then you would see the need to carry a knife.

 

[Hugh]

I had a kukri delivered a little while back. It came through customs, and HMRC alerted the local police to come have a chat with me. Long story, they came into my flat dubious, looked at the knife, eyebrows raised, pulled up knife law on their phone, decided that it would be fine for camping, just said pack it at the bottom of your bag.

I was wandering around the cliffs of Wales just this morning with a pair of large locking knives. Fishing. Would they prefer I use a knife thagg locks and can be relied on, or send out a helicopter because I've gotten a serious booboo with a slip joint? Read the law all you like, but don't forget to add a hefty dose of common sense. Police officers are humans ta the end of the day.

 

[MrBloggs]

I had a kukri delivered a little while back. It came through customs, and HMRC alerted the local police to come have a chat with me. Long story, they came into my flat dubious, looked at the knife, eyebrows raised, pulled up knife law on their phone, decided that it would be fine for camping, just said pack it at the bottom of your bag.

I was wandering around the cliffs of Wales just this morning with a pair of large locking knives. Fishing. Would they prefer I use a knife thagg locks and can be relied on, or send out a helicopter because I've gotten a serious booboo with a slip joint? Read the law all you like, but don't forget to add a hefty dose of common sense. Police officers are humans ta the end of the day.

~The kukri was at your home thogh.
I remember at a youth hostel, maybe 20 years ago now in the lake district where a bloke in a skirt was walking about with a forrest axe on his back and a 4-5 inch knife at his belt. He was going by some female name I can't remember, said he was a lecturer from Manchester and this was at breakfast!
As far as I know, nobody bothered him.

 

[Hiram]

I had a kukri delivered a little while back. It came through customs, and HMRC alerted the local police to come have a chat with me. Long story, they came into my flat dubious, looked at the knife, eyebrows raised, pulled up knife law on their phone, decided that it would be fine for camping, just said pack it at the bottom of your bag.

I was wandering around the cliffs of Wales just this morning with a pair of large locking knives. Fishing. Would they prefer I use a knife thagg locks and can be relied on, or send out a helicopter because I've gotten a serious booboo with a slip joint? Read the law all you like, but don't forget to add a hefty dose of common sense. Police officers are humans ta the end of the day.

I still feel a little bit bad about that kukri. I had no idea the cops would get interested. Figured the worst that could happen is maybe the Customs folks wouldn't like it (regardless of the fact that it is perfectly legal) and it would be sent back to me or maybe just disappear.

Thing is, Hugh didn't ask for a kukri. Hugh mentioned he was considering getting one for his upcoming camping trip. Well hell, I thought, I have several kukris, I'll just send one over. So I did. Really nice Himalayan Imports one. Think I posted a pic of it on the old forum. Anyway, luckily he got it and didn't get into any trouble. Sheesh! Gotta be careful what you send to the UK even if it is perfectly legal. Must remember that.

 

[Tim_B]

I have always carried a short bladed lock knife ever since a non locking blade folded up on one of my fingers, I still have the scar. Also, Your Honour, have you ever tried eating an apple or a nutty chocolate bar when you have dentures, you should, then you would see the need to carry a knife.

Still no good reason to carry a locking knife in the eyes of the law……however that’s when the police and judges opinion will either be ok, or not for you

 

[Paul_T]

If you’re looking for a uk legal edc knife suitable as a working knife head over to the Twisted Assisted website. Their twisted junzi knife is probably the best uk legal carry knife available and with the forward choil it can’t close up on you. Excellent value and customisable at for not a lot extra

Damn it, I didn't know about twisted assisted until I read this. Now, I've had to order a junzi and a tulip

 

[Jasglo68]

Damn it, I didn't know about twisted assisted until I read this. Now, I've had to order a junzi and a tulip

You definitely won’t be disappointed. As I said one of , if not the best value edc knives I’ve ever seen. In fact I’d be happy to pay twice the price. Which junzi did you go for ??
Here mine

 

[Paul_T]

@Jasglo68 I ordered the standard black G10/ satin blade Junzi
Like this

But also these g10 scales



Also I couldn’t resist the Tulip

 

[BradleyW]

You can have a bladed article on your person at a place of work, if required for the purpose of work, or at your place of abode. An abode can be your home, a vessel of which you reside, or even a car or caravan that is occupied and parked (completely stationary) for the purpose of habitation with some permanency.

You may transport a bladed article to or from a place of work, for the essential purpose of work, as long as reasonable precautions are taken and the journey is directly to and from work. For example, a chef taking knives to work, secured in the boot of a personal vehicle, without stopping at any public place during that journey without exceptionally good reason.

A big mistake people make is often this; carpet fitters, with a Stanley knife equipped to their tool belt, popping into Greggs for lunch!

Also, there is a difference between "possession and "has with them".

"Has with them" does not mean you have it with you at hand. In case law, someone got into trouble for having a knife in their car on, I think, a camping trip. They were within 50 meters of the vehicle, and knife, and was deemed it was both in their possession and had it with them, as being within 50 meters or less means you have reasonably easy access to that knife.

Technically, we are all in possession of a knife. Say you drive to work and leave your fancy kitchen knives in the wooden block... you possess a knife! You just don't have it on you!

So the offence is typically complete when someone "has with them" (within 50 meters), and are "in possession" (it is theirs, it belongs to them, they know it belongs to them), of a pointed/bladed article, and in a public place of which the public have access to at a material time paid or otherwise, and without reasonable excuse or lawful authority, are guilty of an offence.

 

[Flashheart]

Those Junzi’s look quite good. Must look into them further…

In the meantime I couldn’t recommend the Spyderco UKPK enough as an excellent U.K. legal every day carry option.
Especially the Drop point HH edition.

 

[BarryA]

You can have a bladed article on your person at a place of work, if required for the purpose of work, or at your place of abode. An abode can be your home, a vessel of which you reside, or even a car or caravan that is occupied and parked (completely stationary) for the purpose of habitation with some permanency.

You may transport a bladed article to or from a place of work, for the essential purpose of work, as long as reasonable precautions are taken and the journey is directly to and from work. For example, a chef taking knives to work, secured in the boot of a personal vehicle, without stopping at any public place during that journey without exceptionally good reason.

A big mistake people make is often this; carpet fitters, with a Stanley knife equipped to their tool belt, popping into Greggs for lunch!

Also, there is a difference between "possession and "has with them".

"Has with them" does not mean you have it with you at hand. In case law, someone got into trouble for having a knife in their car on, I think, a camping trip. They were within 50 meters of the vehicle, and knife, and was deemed it was both in their possession and had it with them, as being within 50 meters or less means you have reasonably easy access to that knife.

Technically, we are all in possession of a knife. Say you drive to work and leave your fancy kitchen knives in the wooden block... you possess a knife! You just don't have it on you!

So the offence is typically complete when someone "has with them" (within 50 meters), and are "in possession" (it is theirs, it belongs to them, they know it belongs to them), of a pointed/bladed article, and in a public place of which the public have access to at a material time paid or otherwise, and without reasonable excuse or lawful authority, are guilty of an offence.

Quick one for you. I have a leatherman with a locking blade. I leave it in the glovebox of my car. Is this okay or should it only be in the car when I can justify using it (such as travelling to place of work or travelling to my own land). It tends to stay in there 24/7.
Cheers
Barry

 

[BradleyW]

Quick one for you. I have a leatherman with a locking blade. I leave it in the glovebox of my car. Is this okay or should it only be in the car when I can justify using it (such as travelling to place of work or travelling to my own land). It tends to stay in there 24/7.
Cheers
Barry

Hello,

Although you have no ill intent, the knife should not remain in your vehicle. The only exception is when a vehicle is someone's place of abode.

When transporting a bladed article to and from work / your private land / your abode (and with legitimate reason to have a knife with you), it should be secured in the boot. Having easy access to the knife via a glove box, console, door card "may" result in arrest.

It is the same with tools. Take for example, a screwdriver in your pocket, walking out of work to the sandwich shop. You could be arrested, or reported on summons under "pointed article in a public place" or "going equipped to commit theft and burglary offences" ect...