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Are lock knives illegal UK?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 10, 2026

Lock knives are not classed as folding knives and are illegal to carry in public without good reason. Lock knives: have blades that can be locked and refolded only by pressing a button.

Why are lock blades illegal in the UK?

They are NOT illegal to own. It is illegal TO CARRY any knife without good cause with an exception for small folding knives. Owt larger, you need a 'good reason' for carrying it.

Which knives are illegal in the UK?

Banned Knives in the UK

  • Butterfly knives/Balisongs. These knives have a hidden blade inside a handle which splits in the middle.
  • Disguised Knives. ...
  • Push daggers.
  • Flick knives/Switchblades/Automatic knives. ...
  • Gravity knives.
  • Zombie knives. ...
  • Stealth knives. ...
  • Swords.

Are locking knives legal?

A lock knife is not a folding pocket knife and therefore it is an offence to carry around such a knife regardless of the length of the blade, if you do not have good reason. A lock knife has blades that can be locked and refolded only by pressing a button.

Are lock blade knives illegal?

Knives that are prohibited on these premises are: Dirks and daggers. Knives with blades longer than 2 ½” Folding knives with locking blades.

22 related questions found

What is the most illegal knife?

A ballistic knife is essentially a blade attached to a hollow handle that fits inside of another outer hollow handle, which contains a coil spring.

Can you use a knife in self-defense UK?

Anyone who is carrying a knife and is intending to use it as a weapon – even in self-defence - can be arrested, go to court and receive a police record or even a prison sentence of up to 4 years. The police can search anyone they suspect of carrying a knife.

Are Leatherman's legal in the UK?

These are great tools to have around the house or garden shed, but many of tools available from Leatherman have locking blades making them illegal to carry in public in the UK. Exceptions include the smaller bladed Micra, Style, Squirt and Juice ranges, plus the EDC Rebar, which doesn't possess a locking knife blade.

Are samurai swords legal in UK?

Legislation against selling, making, hiring or importing samurai swords in England and Wales has come into force. Those breaking the law face six months in jail and a £5,000 fine. Carrying a sword in public is already illegal.

Is an Opinel knife legal in UK?

The Opinel Carbon Steel Non-Locking knives are have blades under 3 inches and therefore legal to carry in the UK.

Are Bowie knives illegal in the UK?

In summary – the law on carrying knives in England, Scotland and Wales. It is ILLEGAL to have any sharply pointed or bladed instrument in a public place without good reason or lawful authority. Estate land to which the public have access is a public place even if it is privately owned.

Is carrying a Swiss army knife illegal UK?

Are there any legal provisions regarding Swiss Army Knives? Please note that it is an offence under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to carry a knife with a blade of more than 3 inches/7.62 cm long in public and can lead to a fine and/or imprisonment unless there is a lawful reason for doing so.

Can I own a katana in the UK?

UK blade law specifically forbids all katanas. Unless “it was made before 1954, or was made at any time using traditional methods”. So if it was made using a modern production line, it's illegal in the UK.

Is it illegal to have a sword in your house UK?

Any swords bought must be held in your home, and are not allowed in public without a valid reason. You may carry a sword outside the home, for going to and from an engagement such as using the sword as a prop in a sport, re-enactment or stage combat/acting, as long as it is fully covered.

Are sword sticks legal in UK?

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 (Offensive Weapons) Order 1988, ISBN 0-11-088019-6 also made it illegal to trade in sword canes in the United Kingdom. However, antique swordsticks which are 100 years old or older are exempt.

Are gravity knives legal UK?

UK Knife Laws

All locking knives are banned, including those in multitools (RIP Victorinox SwissChamp). There's also a host of banned knives and weapons in the books, such as butterfly knives, flick knives, gravity knives, disguised knives, zombie knives (even those that fall under the regular regulations!), and more.

What can you have for self defense in the UK?

The only fully legal self-defence product at the moment is a rape alarm. These are not expensive and can be bought from most local police stations or supermarkets.

Are crossbows legal UK?

No licence or registration is required to own a crossbow in the United Kingdom. Under the Crossbows Act 1987, crossbows cannot be bought or sold in England, Wales or Scotland by or to those under 18. Possession is also prohibited by those under 18 years old except under adult supervision.

What size knife is legal to carry in the UK?

UK knife law allows you to carry non-locking pocket knives with a blade length up to 3 inches (7.62 cm) without any need for a valid reason. You are allowed to carry a knife which exceeds these guidelines in public, but please remember: you then do need a good reason to carry it.

Is the Knifeless rebar UK legal?

The Leatherman Knifeless Rebar is a great everyday carry item for all those odd jobs that need a bit of filing or a loose screw that needs doing. The most important thing is that it is UK-legal, so you can carry it outside of work or around your home - no locking knife means no breach of the law.

Can I keep a knife in my car UK?

Carrying a knife in public must be in connection with the activity for which it is needed; leaving it in your car or going into a shop with a knife in your pocket if you are returning from or going to a place where you farm, fish or shoot etc.

Are flick knives illegal?

Under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, it is illegal to have them even in private. There is also a new definition of what flick knives are, to reflect changes in weapon designs. The private possession of flick knives and gravity knives is also banned.

Is Swiss Army Knife legal?

In the US, in most of the states, people aged 21 years or above are allowed to carry Swiss Army Knives with blades shorter than 2.5 inches. This is in accordance with the law allowing adults to legally carry pocket knives, or utility knives, or multi-tools with blades shorter than 2.5 inches.

Can you take a knife Camping UK?

There is no reasonable justification for carrying a combat knife while camping in the UK. The law does not permit carrying any offensive weapon, even for self-defence. It means that you won't be able to defend yourself in a court of law if caught with a combat knife on your person.

Why is a gravity knife illegal?

New York law defines a “gravity knife” as a knife where the blade can be opened because of gravity or a flick of the wrist. They were banned in New York in 1950s due to a series of knife crimes. In contrast, switchblades and other types of knives require the push of a button to open the blade automatically.