What You Need to Know

Knife laws in the United Kingdom are among the strictest in the world. Whether you own a pocket knife, multi-tool, or outdoor knife, it’s important to understand what is legal to buy, own, and carry in public.

This guide explains current UK knife law in clear, simple terms to help customers of Mjoutdoorsgear UK stay informed and compliant.

Overview of Knife Laws UK

Under UK law, it is generally illegal to carry a knife in public without a “good reason.”

The main legislation governing knife possession, sale and carry includes:

• Criminal Justice Act 1988
• Knives Act 1997
• Offensive Weapons Act 2019
• Crime and Policing Act 2026

These laws regulate:

• Blade length
• Knife type
• Public carry
• Online sales and how knives are marketed
• Age restrictions

What Knife Can You Legally Carry in the UK?

You may carry a knife in public without a specific reason only if:

• It is a folding knife
• It does not lock open (a non-locking slip-joint or friction folder)
• The cutting edge is 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less

This is commonly referred to as a “UK legal carry knife.”

What Is Considered a “Good Reason”?

Carrying any other knife (including fixed blade or locking knives) in public requires a valid reason, such as:

• Work (e.g., tradesperson, chef)
• Camping or outdoor activities
• Fishing or hunting
• Religious reasons (e.g., Sikh kirpan)
• National costume

Self-protection is not considered a valid reason under UK law.

Popular Knife Types & UK Law

Pocket knives – legal to carry if folding, non-locking and with a cutting edge of 3 inches or less.

Lock knives – treated the same as fixed blade knives. They require a valid reason to carry in public.

Swiss Army knives – most models are legal for everyday carry if the blade is non-locking and the cutting edge is 3 inches or less.

Fixed blade knives – legal to own; illegal to carry in public without a valid reason.

Butterfly / balisong knives – banned under UK law.

Flick (automatic) knives and gravity knives – prohibited weapons in the UK.

Zombie knives and zombie-style knives and machetes – banned. Since 24 September 2024 this includes any blade over 8 inches with a plain cutting edge and sharp point that also has a serrated edge over 2 inches, more than one hole in the blade, spikes, or more than two sharp points.

Buying Knives in the UK – Age Restrictions

You must be 18 years or older to purchase a knife in the UK.

AGE RESTRICTED PRODUCT – 18+ ONLY. Age verification is required for age-restricted bladed products. Where required, age will also be verified on delivery. Orders cannot be delivered using unattended locker delivery where prohibited.

FAQs on UK Knife Law

1. What is the legal knife length in the UK?

In the UK, you can legally carry a non-locking folding pocket knife (often called a “slip-joint” or Swiss Army-style knife) if its cutting edge is 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less. Anything above this generally requires a “good reason” to carry in public.

2. Can I carry a folding knife up to 3 inches without a reason?

Yes, with conditions:

• It must be non-locking
• It must be a folding pocket knife
• The cutting edge must be 3 inches or less

If it meets all three, you can carry it in public without needing a reason.

3. Can I carry a Swiss Army knife in the UK?

Yes, a Swiss Army knife is generally legal to carry if:

• The blade is non-locking
• The cutting edge is 3 inches or under

However:

• You must not use it in a threatening way
• If it is a locking version, it is treated differently and requires a “good reason” to carry in public

4. Is it legal to carry a knife for self-defence?

No. In the UK:

• Carrying a knife for self-defence is not a legal reason
• Even a legally carried knife becomes illegal if you intend to use it as a weapon or to threaten someone

UK law only allows “good reasons” like work, religious purposes, or specific activities — not protection.

5. Are butterfly knives legal in the UK?

No, butterfly knives (balisongs) are illegal in the UK.

They are classified as prohibited offensive weapons, meaning:

• Illegal to possess, including in private (with limited exemptions)
• Illegal to import, sell, or carry
• No “good reason” exception applies in normal circumstances

Important Legal Reminder

Knife laws apply differently in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Local enforcement may vary, and laws can be updated.

For official and up-to-date guidance, visit the UK Government website.

Disclaimer

This guide is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may change, and interpretations may vary. For specific legal guidance, consult official UK government sources or a qualified legal professional.

Learn more: UK Knife Law 2026 – The Complete Guide to Selling, Buying & Carrying Knives in the UK