Hiya folks,
Christmas is on the way and i have a feelin santa will be carrying something sharp this year, before i ask for something tho i was wondering if ne1 knew the legal blade length for a lock knife for EDC in the UK, i think its something like 3 and a 1/2 inches but i'm not sure, does this make the delica legal cos i'm pretty sure thats the one for me... and i s'pose the military is illegal? <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> guess it'll have to stay in my draw... does anyone know of any mail order companies that sell cheaper-than-average spydies in the UK cos its a nitemare trying to get hold of one, best i've found so far are the Edgar Brothers.
Thanks in advance, MAT
Legal blade length in england?
Hi Ruxton.
I'm afraid there is no easy answer to your question. It used to be any folder under 4" was legal, but a couple years ago it changed to any sharp or pointed object that is deamed to be an offensive weapon. Which begs the question, who is doing the "deaming".
Unfortunatly it means that in one part of the country the Military could be "legal", but in another part of the country a Ladybug could be considered illegal. <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
If you don't mind buying online, you might try www.knifecentre.com . The tend to label parcels as "Tools", which means you can escape import duty and VAT <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
I'm afraid there is no easy answer to your question. It used to be any folder under 4" was legal, but a couple years ago it changed to any sharp or pointed object that is deamed to be an offensive weapon. Which begs the question, who is doing the "deaming".
Unfortunatly it means that in one part of the country the Military could be "legal", but in another part of the country a Ladybug could be considered illegal. <img src="sad.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
If you don't mind buying online, you might try www.knifecentre.com . The tend to label parcels as "Tools", which means you can escape import duty and VAT <img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
www.knifecentre.com eh? thanks alot yog... wonder if my biro is deemed an offensive weapon...
MAT
MAT
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minimarc123
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lol! I just phoned up my local police station and talked to a police officer regarding legalities of knives. He told me:
-age does not matter.
-you can't conceal a knife, but he said it's fine to carry around a "jack-knife" in your pocket, or whatever.
-the size of the knife DOES NOT MATTER! his exact words were, "You could carry a sword around on your belt if you want."
lol! Ahhhh... it's nice to have such a screwed up legal system... eh?
-map
-age does not matter.
-you can't conceal a knife, but he said it's fine to carry around a "jack-knife" in your pocket, or whatever.
-the size of the knife DOES NOT MATTER! his exact words were, "You could carry a sword around on your belt if you want."
lol! Ahhhh... it's nice to have such a screwed up legal system... eh?
-map
I've just re-read your post Mat, I was in a rush the first time. You were looking for places in the UK, unfortunatly the www.knifecentre.com is in the US.
The down side is that they usually take two weeks to arrive. the plus side is the price. I was looking for a Howard Viele and a SS Police, and for just a little more I could get them both from this store for the price of just one of them in the UK.
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
The down side is that they usually take two weeks to arrive. the plus side is the price. I was looking for a Howard Viele and a SS Police, and for just a little more I could get them both from this store for the price of just one of them in the UK.
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
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The General
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Sorry to disapoint but you are all wrong with this.
The law as it stands allows a sub 3" folder with NO LOCK to be carried at all times.
Otherwise you can carry what you want other than specifically banned knives such as butterfly and autos as well as 'combat knives'.
Technically speaking then the Spyderco Military is LEGAL to carry as long as you can provide a 'reasonable' reason for having it. For example I was stopped in Conwy with a 7" Ka Bar knife carried openly. However I was returning from a weekend camping trip and had all the gear. I was asked to put it away as people may get frightened. The officer accepted I had a legal reason to have the knife, but asked me politly to keep it out of sight. I did just that.
If you carry a locking knife of any size or a fixed blade without a bomb proof reason, expect a LOT of trouble. DO NOT carry down the pub!
I have a Masters of Defence CQD DD clipped to my pocket right now and I carry my Formite Military on a regular basis as well. Never had a problem. but then I stay out of bother.
The law as it stands allows a sub 3" folder with NO LOCK to be carried at all times.
Otherwise you can carry what you want other than specifically banned knives such as butterfly and autos as well as 'combat knives'.
Technically speaking then the Spyderco Military is LEGAL to carry as long as you can provide a 'reasonable' reason for having it. For example I was stopped in Conwy with a 7" Ka Bar knife carried openly. However I was returning from a weekend camping trip and had all the gear. I was asked to put it away as people may get frightened. The officer accepted I had a legal reason to have the knife, but asked me politly to keep it out of sight. I did just that.
If you carry a locking knife of any size or a fixed blade without a bomb proof reason, expect a LOT of trouble. DO NOT carry down the pub!
I have a Masters of Defence CQD DD clipped to my pocket right now and I carry my Formite Military on a regular basis as well. Never had a problem. but then I stay out of bother.
> The law as it stands allows a sub 3" folder > with NO LOCK to be carried at all times.
So my cricket is illegal?
> Technically speaking then the Spyderco > Military is LEGAL to carry as long as you > can provide a 'reasonable' reason for
> having it.
Except that the military has a lock.
Can Spyderco release a lockless folder just for the UK? <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
So my cricket is illegal?
> Technically speaking then the Spyderco > Military is LEGAL to carry as long as you > can provide a 'reasonable' reason for
> having it.
Except that the military has a lock.
Can Spyderco release a lockless folder just for the UK? <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
You are right General, but as most good quality folders, and all Spyderco's, have locks, this tends to make them all illigal unless like you say you have a good reason to carry it. TBH, I would now be very reluctant to carry any folder that didn't have a lock. And as I pointed out the discretion about whether it is a good reason or not isn't ours to make.
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
Edited by - yog on 11/2/2001 6:29:29 PM
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
Edited by - yog on 11/2/2001 6:29:29 PM
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The General
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No the Cricket is not illegal as such, but rather it does not give you cart blanch to carry as and when you feel like it due to the lock. By the letter of the law it would be treated the same as my Vaq Grande from Cold Steel! Thats a fully serrated 6" mega folder BTW!
If you can provide a 'reasonable' reason for having it on you, such as scouting, camping, other outdoor activities, work or religion then you are ok with just about anything! Hence the comment about the sword being legal!
Spyderco were bringing out a slipjoint folder in the new year, which I hope is still on the cards, this would be 100% legal at all times in the UK as it is also sub 3"
Most Coppers understand the 3" law so normally if it is less than 3" you are ok. If you worry about you fingers and want to be reasonably safe, for now I would suggest an Opinel N7, its just under 3" and the twist lock is normally unknown to the average Police man. It takes and amazing edge and yet looks fairly sheeple friendly due to the wood handle and diminutive size.
Hope it helps.
If you can provide a 'reasonable' reason for having it on you, such as scouting, camping, other outdoor activities, work or religion then you are ok with just about anything! Hence the comment about the sword being legal!
Spyderco were bringing out a slipjoint folder in the new year, which I hope is still on the cards, this would be 100% legal at all times in the UK as it is also sub 3"
Most Coppers understand the 3" law so normally if it is less than 3" you are ok. If you worry about you fingers and want to be reasonably safe, for now I would suggest an Opinel N7, its just under 3" and the twist lock is normally unknown to the average Police man. It takes and amazing edge and yet looks fairly sheeple friendly due to the wood handle and diminutive size.
Hope it helps.
Thanks for all the replys
minimarc123 - lol who needs a spydie when u have a broadsword eh?
yog - i can handle 2 weeks wait if its as cheap as that... i found a very cool one on that site, and thats the only place i've seen one,
a delica 2 PE SS which was painted black, looked well mean :p
and General - thanks for the info, u said "banned knives such as butterfly and autos as well as 'combat knives'." by "combat knives" do u mean like bowies and other fixed blade sheath knives, cos i could easily see a military as a "combat knife".
just finished my list :p... that black delica a 50/50 FRN endura, a PE military and finally a serrated SS calypso Jr... building up my collection <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
MAT
minimarc123 - lol who needs a spydie when u have a broadsword eh?
yog - i can handle 2 weeks wait if its as cheap as that... i found a very cool one on that site, and thats the only place i've seen one,
a delica 2 PE SS which was painted black, looked well mean :p
and General - thanks for the info, u said "banned knives such as butterfly and autos as well as 'combat knives'." by "combat knives" do u mean like bowies and other fixed blade sheath knives, cos i could easily see a military as a "combat knife".
just finished my list :p... that black delica a 50/50 FRN endura, a PE military and finally a serrated SS calypso Jr... building up my collection <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>
MAT
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The General
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- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
Interesting point. Technically knives such as the Ka Bar series and any double edged knife as well as a knife with a 'combative' appearence is outlawed. You will never see a BM AFCK sold as an Advanced Folding Combat Knife and the Spyderco Military is probably seen as a 'combat' knife due to the name, which is sadly printed right on the blade.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
-
The General
- Member
- Posts: 535
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
Interesting point. Technically knives such as the Ka Bar series and any double edged knife as well as a knife with a 'combative' appearence is outlawed. You will never see a BM AFCK sold as an Advanced Folding Combat Knife and the Spyderco Military is probably seen as a 'combat' knife due to the name, which is sadly printed right on the blade.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
-
The General
- Member
- Posts: 535
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
Interesting point. Technically knives such as the Ka Bar series and any double edged knife as well as a knife with a 'combative' appearence is outlawed. You will never see a BM AFCK sold as an Advanced Folding Combat Knife and the Spyderco Military is probably seen as a 'combat' knife due to the name, which is sadly printed right on the blade.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
-
The General
- Member
- Posts: 535
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
Interesting point. Technically knives such as the Ka Bar series and any double edged knife as well as a knife with a 'combative' appearence is outlawed. You will never see a BM AFCK sold as an Advanced Folding Combat Knife and the Spyderco Military is probably seen as a 'combat' knife due to the name, which is sadly printed right on the blade.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
-
The General
- Member
- Posts: 535
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
Interesting point. Technically knives such as the Ka Bar series and any double edged knife as well as a knife with a 'combative' appearence is outlawed. You will never see a BM AFCK sold as an Advanced Folding Combat Knife and the Spyderco Military is probably seen as a 'combat' knife due to the name, which is sadly printed right on the blade.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
However the definitive definition of a combat knife is impossible to reach. Thus a typical example of stupid laws being passed as a result of the killing of that teacher in London. General rule is if you look at a knife and think WOW I bet that could kill (as a KnifeKnut) you bet a copper will think the same.
It is noteworthy that Silvermans stopped selling Ka Bar knives to non military personel and that periodic articles from the Daily Mail focus on this knife in particular. Probably because its so cheap, great quality and obviously military. Even if it does make for a highly useful camping knife.
I would myself argue that a 'bowie' knife is less a 'combat' knife than a Ka Bar. Unfortunatly it is down to the police officer to make the call and its all subjective and with little or no guidelines.
Basicly if it looks combatish and the officer 'feels' it is a combat knife...
Worst type of law in the land IMHO.
-
The General
- Member
- Posts: 535
- Joined: Fri Sep 24, 2004 10:33 am
yeah what a dumb law, whats the law on carrying knives in america in comparison to the law over here, i know laws over there vary from state to state but just in general whats the deal?
this is odd... i found a painted black delica PE SS at www.knifecenter.com yesterday but as i look again its nowhere to be seen, its code is SP43PBLK, does anyone know of this knife? cos i'd never heard of it before... does the paint scratch off or anything cos thats happened to me before and it looks hideous
MAT
this is odd... i found a painted black delica PE SS at www.knifecenter.com yesterday but as i look again its nowhere to be seen, its code is SP43PBLK, does anyone know of this knife? cos i'd never heard of it before... does the paint scratch off or anything cos thats happened to me before and it looks hideous
MAT
I believe the law is purposly vague for two reasons.
One, the vaguries cause law abiding citizens to think twice about carrying any knife. I don't believe this is a good thing, but I know many who do.
Secondly, if a police officer is confrounted with a yob, if he notices the yob has a knife he can confiscate this with no comeback simply by saying the yob's reason for carrying it wasn't good enough.
Like the General's experience and my own, the further in the country you live, and the more resposible you are, the more "understanding" the police are. Unfortunatly you only need to run into a young copper who takes an instant dislike to you for you to find yourself in hot water no matter what you are carrying.
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."
One, the vaguries cause law abiding citizens to think twice about carrying any knife. I don't believe this is a good thing, but I know many who do.
Secondly, if a police officer is confrounted with a yob, if he notices the yob has a knife he can confiscate this with no comeback simply by saying the yob's reason for carrying it wasn't good enough.
Like the General's experience and my own, the further in the country you live, and the more resposible you are, the more "understanding" the police are. Unfortunatly you only need to run into a young copper who takes an instant dislike to you for you to find yourself in hot water no matter what you are carrying.
"Walk softly, but carry a big stick."