Knives

[snug]

Please can somebody clarify the current law on carrying knives? I have carried a pocket knife for the last 60 years and find it a handy tool to have about my person. The only person I have cut is myself, through carelessness.
Am I now a criminal?

[Buenchico]

Quote:
"It is an offence for any person, without lawful authority or good reason, to have with him in a public place, any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed except for a folding pocket-knife which has a cutting edge to its blade not exceeding 3 inches"
(Criminal Justice Act, 1988. Section 139(1))

Source:
http://www.police-information.co.uk/legislatio n/legislationindexeng.html#K

A Swiss Army Knife, for example, shouldn't fall foul of that law (unless the circumstances clearly show that it's an 'offensive weapon', which the courts have ruled can include almost any item, such as a rolled-up newspaper or even a frozen chicken!). However the Metropolitan Police (who're notorious for trying to apply laws in ways that Parliament never intended) might not agree:
http://www.cyclingforums.com/t-197271-15-1.htm l

Chris

[Stu Dent]

In Scotland, it is an offence to carry an article with a blade or point in a public place. There are only three exceptions that allows one to carry such articles:

for use at work;
for religious reasons; and,
as part of any national costume.

So if you're between jobs as a carpet fitter, are a Sikh, or a bagpiper wearing highland dress, you'll be ok. Carrying a knife for any other purpose is illegal. So yes, Snug, you would in Scotland in all liklihood be a criminal.

http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts1993/Ukpga_199 30013_en_1

[daffy654]

Are we saying that a Swiss Army knife is ok to carry? I have one as a keyring and have carried it with me for about 10 years. I hope i'm not breaking the law! The knife blade on it is just over 5cm long and obviously folds away.

[fredpuli47]

Yes, Daffy, it is legal to have your knife, the blade being wihin the legal limit . It would only become an 'offensive weapon' if the prosecution could prove that you were carrying it as a weapon to injure anyone.'That's how a frozen chicken could, in theory, be an 'offensive weapon' !