Swiss Army Knife in the UK?

[Galant]

Hi guys, I've been out of the UK a while but might be headed back in, and do make occasional trips also.

I know the knife laws have been tightened up but there seems to be a lack of clarity.

I always like to carry a pen-knife or multi-tool and my wife, for Christmas, bought me a Swiss Champ with a belt mounted pouch.

It has two non-locking blades on it - both shorter than 3" plus a can-opener with a tiny bladed edge.

Can I carry it around with me in the UK and if so, are there any limitations on that, and also, can I make use of the pouch or does the knife have to be carry concealed?

Anyone got a clue?

Thanks.

[circuitmonkey]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJus...rime/DG_181675

Looks like it boils down to if it's less then 3" and you have a good reason for carrying it, you'll be fine

[Steve]

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/CrimeJus...rime/DG_181675

Wait, shuriken are illegal? Well that's my ninja retirement plan out of the window.

But in response to OP based on that link, it looks like you're OK, provided you're a chef in the swiss army...

[SUMMONER]

Because the blades are non locking and shorter than 3" you are allowed to carry it in a public place. What you are not allowed to do is handle it in a manner that could make someone else feel threatened by it.

What you have to consider now is will other people (that don't know you) feel uncomfortable seeing you carry a knife.

I was once stopped by London Transport Police and told that I must not carry my multitool (Gerber MP800 "with" locking blade) in a belt holster, but keep it stored "out of sight" in my tool box.

[0iD]

Having said that, it can still be classed as an offensive weapon if the police want to push the issue. Best to do as SUMMONER suggests & keep well out of sight.

[IronWarrior]

Wait, shuriken are illegal? Well that's my ninja retirement plan out of the window.

You can still own them and other illegal weapons if you have a reason for doing so, like for example being a member of some martial art organisation.

For example, a retailer shouldn't sell you a katana if you can't provide them with proof that you practice the martial art that trains with them like Kendo or Iaido.

[Flibb]

You do not need good reason to carry sub 3 inch non locking folders, thats the entire point of their exemption. Best place for info is the law section on british blades (search for it). It would be extremely difficult for the police to get an offensive weapons cbadge to stick unless they are told such a knife is carried as a weapon. Any item carried for offensive or defensive reasons would be open to the same charge, even a cucumber.

[Flibb]

Just to add, I carrya legal knife all the time, either in a multitool, or a pocket knife. Have done so for about 15 years.

[Galant]

I suppose it's the "good reason" part that's ambiguous. Having a multi-tool on me for whatever jobs might arise seems like a good reason to me.

It sounds like I'll be alright but having it looped onto my belt could potentially cause trouble. It seems my best option will be to find a concealed but handy way to carry it is the best option. The Champ is a bit bulky for jean pockets.


So sad all this knife law juggling. Baden-Powell must be rolling in his grave.

[SUMMONER]

It's so the Police don't have to lock-up every chef and sparky roaming the streets. I don't think they intended it so you can shorten a cable at your grandma's or open a parcel.

Either way, it doesn't apply to your Swiss Army knife.

[Flibb]

Galant, you dont need good reason for the Swiss army knife, its exempt due to being a sub 3 inch non locking folder.

[doyll49]

Have carried Swiss Army knife over 40 years and never had a problem.

[SiM]

What would happen if you are attacked by someone with a knife and you use the swiss army knife to defend yourself, injuring the assailant? Would you go to jail?

[Flibb]

http://m.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/sep/...k&type=article

But these things are never black and white, you can't carry for self defence, but you scan use what's to hand. Why do you think security guards still carry massive torches, whensmaller more powerful ones are available. Your more likely to do yourself damage with SAK than the person that's attacking you.

[SUMMONER]

If Mr Coley had been 20years younger and been in an open space that would have allowed him to simply run away he would have likely been convicted of involuntary manslaughter.

[Sputnik]

What would happen if you are attacked by someone with a knife and you use the swiss army knife to defend yourself, injuring the assailant? Would you go to jail?

You'd have to ask them to wait until you had found the knife blade and opened it.