This article includes only basic information, if you require further assistance or guidance please contact us directly at 07835034496 or at il.askforhelp@gmail.com.
Carrying a knife in public without a lawful reason is a very serious criminal offense in the United Kingdom. UK law leaves no room for doubt: most forms of knife possession in public are banned, and the consequences are harsh.
What Does UK Law Say?
Under Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, it is illegal to carry a knife or sharply pointed article in a public place without “good reason or lawful authority.” Furthermore, the Offensive Weapons Act 2019 strengthens these laws, making it illegal to possess particularly dangerous or disguised knives (such as flick knives, butterfly knives, zombie knives, disguised blades, etc.), even in private.
- Permitted knives: The only knife you can possess in public without a specific reason is a folding pocketknife with a cutting edge LESS than 3 inches (7.62 cm).
- Prohibited knives: Any lock knives, fixed-blade knives, or specialist knives are all illegal to have in public without “good reason.”
What Counts as “Good Reason”?
UK law defines “good reason” as carrying a knife for work (e.g., a chef), religious reasons (e.g. a Sikh kirpan), or as part of a traditional costume (e.g., a Scottish sgian dubh). Self-defence is not accepted as a legal excuse.
Sentencing and Consequences in the UK
If caught carrying a knife illegally, you can be:
- Arrested on the spot by police
- Searched and have the knife seized instantly
- Charged and sent to court for a criminal offence
If found guilty, typical UK penalties include:
- Up to 4 years in prison, even for a first offence
- Unlimited fines
- A permanent criminal record, which can damage your career and restrict travel (for example, entering the US or Australia)
- Juveniles (under 18s): Can face community orders, youth detention, or criminal records
Courts in the UK are obliged to impose a minimum 6-month custodial sentence for adults convicted of a second offence, unless there are exceptional circumstances .
Key Points for the UK
- Never carry a knife for self-defence: It is illegal and not a legal excuse.
- If you are unsure whether your knife is legal, do not take the chance—leave it at home.
- If stopped, you must justify your reason to police. If in doubt, you will be arrested.
