Can You Carry a Pocket Knife in the UK?
Posted by James Gregory on 31st Oct 2025
In the UK, you can carry a pocket knife in public only if it meets strict legal criteria. The knife must be a non-locking folding blade with a cutting edge of 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less. Carrying any other type of knife in public is illegal unless you have a legitimate good reason.
Is it legal to carry a pocket knife in the UK?
Yes, but only if it falls within the UK-friendly everyday carry category. To be legal without explanation, the knife must:
- Fold into the handle
- Not have a locking mechanism
- Have a cutting edge of 3 inches or less
Knives outside these rules may only be carried if you have a lawful reason such as for work, outdoor hobbies or religious use. Carrying a knife for self-defence is never accepted as a valid reason.
What is UK knife law?
UK knife law, set out in the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and related legislation, makes a distinction between what can be carried without reason and what requires justification.
Valid reasons for carrying a knife include:
- Work: A chef transporting kitchen knives to and from a workplace
- Hobbies: Carrying knives for bushcraft, fishing or scouting activities
- Religion or tradition: Carrying a Sikh kirpan or a ceremonial sgian-dubh
Knives must never be carried with the intention of being used as weapons.
Which pocket knives are legal and which are banned in the UK?
The table below outlines the key pocket knife types and their legal status in the UK.
|
Pocket Knife Type |
Legal to Carry Without Reason? |
Notes |
|
Folding knife with a non-locking blade under 3 inches |
✅ Yes |
Considered a UK-friendly everyday carry knife. Legal without a reason provided it is not used in a threatening way. |
|
Lock knife (any length) |
⚠️ Only with good reason |
Treated like a fixed blade in law. Valid reasons include work, outdoor hobbies or religious use. Not valid for self-defence. |
|
Folding knife with blade over 3 inches |
⚠️ Only with good reason |
Requires a valid lawful reason such as work or outdoor activities. |
|
Fixed-blade knife |
⚠️ Only with good reason |
Can only be carried for work, hobbies or religious purposes. |
|
Flick knife (switchblade) |
❌ No |
Prohibited to buy, sell, own or carry in the UK. |
|
Butterfly knife (balisong) |
❌ No |
Fully banned under UK law. |
|
Gravity knife |
❌ No |
Illegal to own or carry. |
|
Disguised knife (belt buckle, pen, phone) |
❌ No |
Considered offensive weapons and banned in all circumstances. |
|
Zombie knife or large curved sword |
❌ No |
Explicitly banned due to design and intent. |
In short, only small non-locking folding knives with blades under 3 inches can be carried without reason. Anything else requires a lawful justification or is completely banned.
Important legal considerations
- Public places: A public place includes streets, shops, pubs, public footpaths and any private property with public access
- Intent matters: Even a UK-friendly knife can be treated as illegal if it is used to threaten or intimidate
- Penalties: Illegally carrying a knife can result in up to 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
For official guidance, always check the latest rules on the GOV.UK website.
FAQ
Q: Can you carry a pocket knife in the UK?
A: Yes, if it is a non-locking folding knife with a blade no longer than 3 inches.
Q: Is a lock knife legal to carry?
A: No. Lock knives are treated like fixed blades and require a good reason to be carried.
Q: What knives are banned in the UK?
A: Flick knives, butterfly knives, gravity knives, disguised knives, zombie knives and large curved swords are banned completely.
Q: Can you carry a knife for self-defence?
A: No. Self-defence is not accepted as a lawful reason under UK knife law.
Author Bio
James Gregory, from Heinnie Haynes, is part of the team behind the UK’s most trusted supplier of knives, tools and outdoor equipment. Since 1996 Heinnie Haynes has built a reputation for specialist knowledge and excellent service, helping customers find the right gear while staying safe and within the law. James is a knife expert, who is happy to answer customer questions and give his exceptional advice.
Why not check out our other great blogs For Gear Recommendations And Outdoor Survival Tips
