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Views: 220 Author: svegaoutdoor Publish Time: 2025-05-06 Origin: Site
Content Menu
>> What Is a Fixed Blade Knife?
>> Legal Framework for Knives in the UK
● Are Fixed Blade Knives Legal to Own in the UK?
● Carrying Fixed Blade Knives in Public
>> General Rule
>> What Constitutes a 'Good Reason'?
>> Places with Additional Restrictions
● Blade Length and Locking Mechanisms
>> Blade Length
● The 2024 Update: New Restrictions
>> Zombie-Style Knives and New Bans
● Exemptions and Special Circumstances
>> Professional and Religious Exemptions
● Practical Guidance for Knife Owners
>> Best Practices for Legal Compliance
>> Consequences of Illegal Carrying
● Types of Knives That Are Legal to Carry
>> 1. Can I own a fixed blade knife in the UK?
>> 2. Can I carry a fixed blade knife for camping or bushcraft?
>> 3. Are there any knives I cannot own at all in the UK?
>> 4. What happens if I am caught carrying a fixed blade knife without a good reason?
>> 5. What is considered a "good reason" for carrying a fixed blade knife?
● Additional Questions and Answers
>> 6. Can I carry a fixed blade knife for self-defense?
>> 7. Are there age restrictions for buying fixed blade knives?
>> 8. Can I transport a fixed blade knife in my car?
>> 9. Are there restrictions on knife ownership for collectors?
>> 10. How can I check if a specific knife is legal?
The legality of knives in the United Kingdom is a subject of frequent debate and confusion, especially among outdoor enthusiasts, collectors, and everyday citizens. Fixed blade knives, in particular, often raise questions due to their perceived danger and versatility. This comprehensive article explores the current UK laws regarding fixed blade knives, clarifies what is legal and illegal, and provides practical guidance for anyone interested in owning or carrying such knives.
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A fixed blade knife is a knife where the blade does not fold or slide and is permanently fixed in the open position. These knives are commonly used for outdoor activities such as camping, bushcraft, hunting, and certain professions. Unlike folding knives, fixed blades are generally stronger and more reliable for heavy-duty tasks.
UK knife laws are governed by several pieces of legislation, with the primary focus on public safety. The law distinguishes between types of knives, their intended use, and the circumstances under which they are carried. The main considerations include:
- Type of knife (fixed blade, folding, locking, etc.)
- Blade length
- Purpose for carrying
- Location and context
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It is important to differentiate between owning a fixed blade knife and carrying one in public. In the UK, it is generally legal to own fixed blade knives, provided they are not specifically banned types (such as flick knives, butterfly knives, or disguised knives). Ownership in your home or on private property is not restricted for most fixed blade knives.
However, some knives are outright banned for ownership, including:
- Flick knives (switchblades)
- Butterfly knives
- Disguised knives
- Gravity knives
- Certain types of swords and "zombie knives"
Always check the most current government guidelines for a complete list of prohibited knives.
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Carrying a fixed blade knife in public without a "good reason" is usually illegal in the UK. The law is strict and applies regardless of blade length or intended use. The only knives that can be carried in public without a specific reason are non-locking folding pocket knives with a blade length of 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less.
The law allows for carrying fixed blade knives in public if you have a valid reason. Examples of "good reasons" include:
- Using the knife for work (e.g., chefs, tradespeople, farmers)
- Religious reasons (e.g., the Sikh kirpan)
- National costume (e.g., the Scottish Sgian Dubh)
- Outdoor activities (e.g., camping, bushcraft, fishing) when the knife is needed for the activity
However, the burden of proof lies with the person carrying the knife. If stopped by law enforcement, you must be able to clearly explain and justify your reason for carrying a fixed blade knife.
Certain locations have stricter rules, and knives of any kind may be completely banned, such as:
- Government buildings
- Schools
- Airports
- Football stadiums
- Bars, clubs, and other crowded venues
Always check the specific rules of the place you intend to visit.
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For knives carried in public without a specific reason, the legal limit is a non-locking folding knife with a blade length of 3 inches or less. Any knife exceeding this length, or with a locking mechanism, requires a valid reason to be carried in public.
Locking knives are treated the same as fixed blade knives under UK law. Carrying a locking knife in public without a good reason is also illegal.
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In 2024, the UK introduced new laws targeting so-called "zombie-style" knives. These are defined as bladed weapons over eight inches in length with a plain cutting edge and sharp pointed end, which also have either a serrated edge, more than one hole in the blade, or multiple sharp points like spikes. The sale, possession, and carrying of such knives are now banned, with few exceptions.
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Certain professions and religious practices are recognized as valid reasons for carrying larger or fixed blade knives. Examples include:
- Chefs transporting knives for work
- Tradespeople needing knives for their job
- Sikhs carrying a kirpan as part of their faith
- Scottish national dress (Sgian Dubh)
If you are participating in outdoor activities such as camping, bushcraft, or fishing, carrying a fixed blade knife may be justified. However, you should only carry the knife when traveling directly to and from the activity, and not for general use in public places.
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- Only carry a fixed blade knife in public if you have a clear, legitimate reason.
- Transport knives securely and discreetly when traveling to and from activities.
- Avoid carrying knives in crowded or restricted areas.
- Keep documentation or proof of your activity (such as event registration or work ID) if possible.
- Never use a knife in a threatening or aggressive manner.
Carrying a knife illegally can result in severe penalties, including:
- Up to 4 years in prison
- Unlimited fines
- A criminal record
Repeat offenders face even harsher sentences.
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The only knives that can be carried in public without a specific reason are:
- Non-locking folding pocket knives
- Blade length of 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less
All other knives, including fixed blade and locking knives, require a valid reason for public carry.
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Yes, you can legally own a fixed blade knife in your home or on private property, provided it is not a type specifically banned by law.
You may carry a fixed blade knife for outdoor activities like camping or bushcraft if you have a clear, legitimate reason. However, you should only carry the knife when directly involved in the activity and not in general public places.
Yes, certain knives such as flick knives, butterfly knives, disguised knives, gravity knives, and "zombie-style" knives are banned for ownership, sale, and import.
You could face arrest, prosecution, up to 4 years in prison, unlimited fines, and a criminal record.
Good reasons include work-related tasks, religious obligations, national costume, or participation in outdoor activities where a knife is necessary. The reason must be clear and justifiable to law enforcement.
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No, carrying any knife for self-defense is not considered a valid reason under UK law and is likely to result in prosecution.
Yes, you must be over 18 to purchase most knives in the UK, including fixed blade types.
You can transport a fixed blade knife in your car if you have a valid reason, such as traveling to a campsite or work. The knife should be stored securely and not easily accessible.
Collectors may own fixed blade knives, but must comply with laws regarding banned types and ensure safe, secure storage.
Consult the official UK government website or contact your local police for the most up-to-date information on knife legality.
[1] https://originaloutdoors.co.uk/uk-knife-law-explained-2024-update/
[2] https://www.springfields.co.uk/blog/post/uk-knife-law-the-definitive-guide
[3] https://www.cribgochoutdoor.com/blog/2024/06/17/you-need-to-know-uk-knife-laws-helpful-bushcraft-guide/
[4] https://ravenforge.com/pages/uk-knife-law-faq
[5] https://emberleaf.com/uk-knife-law/
[6] https://treksumo.com/uk-knife-law-a-guide-for-outdoor-enthusiasts/
[7] https://heinnie.com/blog/a-guide-to-knife-laws-in-the-uk-/
[8] https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives
[9] https://www.knivesandtools.com/en/ct/uk-knife-laws.htm
[10] https://perkinknives.com/blogs/news/how-to-legally-carry-fixed-blade-knives-in-the-uk
[11] https://heinnie.com/blog/a-guide-to-knife-laws-in-the-uk-/
[12] https://www.trueutility.com/blogs/true-utility-news/uk-knife-laws-what-to-know
[13] https://www.reddit.com/r/hiking/comments/66gubt/a_guide_to_uk_knife_law_for_hikers/
[14] https://www.springfields.co.uk/blog/post/uk-knife-law-the-definitive-guide
[15] https://www.reddit.com/r/knives/comments/wnzyp8/is_a_fixed_blade_with_a_less_than_3_inch_long/
[16] https://www.reddit.com/r/BushcraftUK/comments/nujtpw/question_on_carrying_a_bushcraft_knife/
[17] https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?t=23288
[18] https://bushcraftuk.com/community/threads/question-regarding-knife-carry.146308/
[19] https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives
[20] https://bushcraftuk.com/community/threads/bizarre-question-is-a-sub-3-locking-or-fixed-blade-legal.165911/
[21] https://heinnie.com/blog/clarifying-uk-knife-law/
[22] https://www.justanswer.co.uk/law/hpc5c-i-m-looking-ask-question-regarding-laws-carrying.html
[23] https://airgunforums.co.uk/threads/knife-law-question.56127/
[24] https://basc.org.uk/firearms/knives/carrying-knives/
[25] https://www.reddit.com/r/knives/comments/81hx0h/just_a_thought_uk_laws_prevent_the_carrying_of/
[26] https://www.reddit.com/r/wildcampingintheuk/comments/1c6nqg8/fixed_blade_knives/
[27] https://www.knivesandtools.com/en/ct/uk-knife-laws.htm
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