[goodeveningsir]

and if so what size are you allowed?

[Logi]

So far as I know you're allowed to carry one with a blade of up to 3" but I could be mistaken.

[hamijack]

A non-fixed blade of less than 3 inches, such as a penknife is pretty much the only type of legal blade you're allowed to carry.

[doggyfizzel]

Pretty sure its no more than a 3 inch non lockable blade. So some small pen knives would be allowed.

[theonefrombrum]

Wtf? I never knew this. So basically you can get criminals legally walking around with a blade and if they were stopped, based on how shady they looked or whatever, the police couldn't do nothing?

Seems a bit silly tbh.

[rattusratus]

interesting.... i always thought you wernt allowed so i used to leave my pen knife in storage however i was always terrified they would find the artist scalpel in my purse (although i only carried it with me as i used it a lot and would move around from city to city)

[nickbob00]

Fairly sure it is legal to carry most knifes as long as you have a good reason. Self Defence is definitely not a good reason. If you're carrying even a legal knife with a good reason while comitting a crime it will definitely count as an aggravating factor in court.

At least it must be legal in some circumstances (e.g. if packaged or in a bag) else people wouldn't be able to buy knives from shops.

[Good bloke]

In England and Wales you are not allowed to carry any sharp or bladed item in public unless either (a) you have good reason or lawful authority to do so (and self-defence is not a good reason) or (b) it is a folding pocket knife with a blade of less than 3".

[Scotteriath]

3-inch hidden blade which can't be 'opened' with the snap of the wrist, supposedly.

Either way, you're gonna get hassled by the feds if you're caught with one regardless.

[hamijack]

(Original post by theonefrombrum)
Wtf? I never knew this. So basically you can get criminals legally walking around with a blade and if they were stopped, based on how shady they looked or whatever, the police couldn't do nothing?

Seems a bit silly tbh.

Um, no? If the blade is lockable or longer than 3 inches then it's illegal and the least that'll happen will be that the blade is confiscated, however, it's more likely they'd just arrest you.

[goodeveningsir]

so what if i used it on somebody in self defense?

[doggyfizzel]

(Original post by theonefrombrum)
Wtf? I never knew this. So basically you can get criminals legally walking around with a blade and if they were stopped, based on how shady they looked or whatever, the police couldn't do nothing?

Seems a bit silly tbh.

That's why its non lockable/fixable. As has been said, any kind of flick or spring loaded knife is also illegal.

Basically it makes it a **** choice if you are hoping to stab someone.

[Good bloke]

(Original post by goodeveningsir)
so what if i used it on somebody in self defense?

You would be guilty of carrying an offensive weapon.

[sanaindaclub]

Im sure there are exceptions. I have to carry my knifes to college and my kit includes a 10inch blade.
Lol, getting a neg for chef training!

[doggyfizzel]

(Original post by goodeveningsir)
so what if i used it on somebody in self defense?

I think you're still in the **** in that case. The point is you aren't supposed to be using it as a weapon.

[goodeveningsir]

(Original post by Good bloke)
You would be guilty of carrying an offensive weapon.

and what time would i get

[Tortious]

(Original post by sanaindaclub)
Im sure there are exceptions. I have to carry my knifes to college and my kit includes a 10inch blade.

That would constitute a "good reason", as Good bloke stated.

[miser]

As far as I know you're allowed to carry all sorts of blades so long as you have a reasonable purpose for doing so - for example it's part of your job, or you have a knife you use for camping, etc. You can't just go around carrying a fixed-blade sizeable knife in the street without just cause to, though.

[mja]

(Original post by Good bloke)
You would be guilty of carrying an offensive weapon.

No. For that offence the article has to be made, adapted or intended to be used as an offensive weapon.

A person who lawfully carries a 2.5" penknife (ie not intending to use it as a weapon), and then finds himself in a situation where he needs to use it as a weapon does not commit an offence

(1) Under the Knives Act, because the blade is < 3"
(2) Under the Prevention of Crime Act (the possession of an offensive weapon offence) because the article was not made, adapted or intended to be used as an offensive weapon
(3) In relation to the actual use of the knife, as long as the way it is used is reasonable and proportionate in self-defence or defence of another.

[theonefrombrum]

(Original post by hamijack)
Um, no? If the blade is lockable or longer than 3 inches then it's illegal and the least that'll happen will be that the blade is confiscated, however, it's more likely they'd just arrest you.

Omg, why does everyone have to try and be so ****ing intelligent and sarcastic on this site, it does my head in. Um, no? Why are you being such an arrogant **** for?

Is it not still a blade? Why are you assuming that I ignored the requirements for the blade?

It's still a blade and it could still be used to mug someone, I doubt if it was pulled on someone they would be considering its size or any lockability, they'd just be aware that if the guy who pulled it out wanted to, he could shove it into their chests and it would have an effect.