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When were flick knives banned in the UK?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 19, 2026

United Kingdom

On 12 May 1958, Parliament passed the Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959, which banned the manufacture, sale or offer to sell or hire any type of automatic-opening or switchblade knife.

Are flick knives illegal in the UK?

These pieces of legislation include rules such as it being illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to be sold a knife, it being illegal to manufacture flick knives and illegal to import certain types of knife.

Is it illegal to have a flick knife at home?

It is now illegal to have THESE weapons in your home

This includes: knuckledusters, telescopic truncheons, flick knives, zombie knives, push daggers, throwing stars and gravity knives. Other sections of the act that will commence today include an updated definition of flick knives, to reflect changes in weapon designs.

When were knives banned in the UK?

All weapons banned in public by the Criminal Justice Act 1988, including zombie knives, shuriken or death stars, and knuckledusters, will now also be banned in private, meaning people can no longer keep them at home.

Is a flick knife a prohibited weapon?

Possession of certain prohibited knives: Section 1A Restriction of Offensive Weapons Act 1959. This was introduced by section 44 OWA to prohibit the possession of flick knives or gravity knives.

34 related questions found

Are katanas legal in 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.

What are the 3 types of offensive weapons?

Offensive weapons fall into three categories: Those made for causing injury to the person. These include: machetes, swords, flick knives, truncheons.

Are Bowie knives legal 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.

Are antique knives legal in UK?

Under section 141 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 there is currently a defence for antique weapons of over 100 years old and for curved swords made before 1954 or at anytime using traditional methods of making a sword by hand. This defence will apply to the offence of possessing of such weapons under the Bill.

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 knuckledusters illegal in UK?

Under recent changes to UK law, it is illegal not only to carry brass knuckles, also known as knuckle dusters, publicly but to own them at all. Brass knuckles are an offensive weapon which may not be bought, sold, imported or owned in the UK.

Are katanas legal in the UK 2021?

An amendment to this act was passed, which came into effect on the 1st of August 2008. It allows curved and samurai swords which are handmade using traditional forging/production methods to be sold without a license.

What knives are illegal UK?

It is illegal to bring into the UK, sell, hire, lend or give anyone the following: Butterfly knives (also known as 'balisongs') - a blade hidden inside a handle that splits in the middle. Disguised knives - a blade or sharp point hidden inside what looks like everyday objects such as a buckle, phone, brush or lipstick.

What knife does Gordon Ramsay use?

Gordon Ramsay uses both Wüsthof and Henckels branded knives; the brands are known for quality products, and they are two of the best knife manufacturers in the world. Wüstoff has been making knives since 1814, and Henckels has been around since 1895.

Is a Rambo knife legal?

The sale of serrated knives, known as zombie knives or Rambo knives, is banned under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019.

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.

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.

Is a baseball bat an offensive weapon UK?

An offensive weapon is anything made or adapted to cause injury, or intended to be used as a weapon, including disguised weapons. Examples include: a baseball bat, hammer or any other heavy implement if it is intended to be used as a weapon.

Is it legal to carry a hammer UK?

England and Wales. Under England and Wales' Prevention of Crime Act 1953, Section 1(1) states it is an offence to carry an offensive weapon on or about the person while in a public place without a lawful authority or reasonable excuse. Prohibited weapons may include a knuckleduster, baton, hammer or knife.

Is a baseball bat an offensive weapon?

An offensive weapon is either an item that is :

A person found carrying a baseball bat or a knuckle duster without any innocent explanation may be deemed to have been in possession of an offensive weapon.

Are antique 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 curved swords legal in UK?

Changes to the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 are expected later this year, and will mean items such as curved swords, with a blade larger than 50cm, and flip knives will no longer be legal to have in the home.

Are samurai swords illegal 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.

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.