UK knife laws....The facts

Skol Knives: Knives get a bad wrap in the UK because of the mounting knife crime statistics, please read on to discover the actual truths and myths of owning a knife in the UK.


🗡️ UK Knife Law and the Myths That Surround It

By Skol Knives

Learn the truth about UK knife law and common myths from Skol Knives. Find out what’s legal to own, carry, and sell in the UK—and why responsible ownership matters.

When it comes to knives in the UK, few subjects are as misunderstood as UK knife law. At Skol Knives, we believe in promoting responsible ownership, honesty, and respect for the craft. Whether you’re a collector, outdoorsman, or custom blade enthusiast, it’s essential to understand the facts behind the rules.

What the Law Actually Says

Contrary to popular belief, owning knives in the UK is not illegal. You can legally own and use most knives, including fixed blades and folding knives, provided they are for legitimate purposes such as bushcraft, camping, hunting, or collection.

Where the law becomes strict is carrying a knife in public with good reason. Here’s the general breakdown:

✅ You can carry a non-locking folding knife with a blade under 3 inches (7.62 cm) in public without giving a reason.

⚠️ Any knife over 3 inches, or any locking/fixed blade, can only be carried with a lawful reason (work, outdoor activities, or display).


Always remember: context matters—be prepared to explain your reason if asked by law enforcement.


Common Myths About Knife Law

Let’s put a few common myths to rest:

🔪 Myth 1: “All fixed-blade knives are illegal.”
❌ False. Fixed blades are perfectly legal to own and use for legitimate activities like bushcraft or cooking.

🔪 Myth 2: “You can carry a knife for self-defence.”
❌ Completely untrue. Carrying a knife for self-defence is illegal and will never be accepted as a lawful reason.

🔪 Myth 3: “Selling handmade knives is against the law.”
❌ Not at all. It’s legal to sell handmade knives in the UK, provided they are sold responsibly to adults over 18 and meet trading standards. At Skol Knives, every blade is designed for use, collection, or display—never for harm.


The Truth About Responsible Ownership

UK knife laws aren’t designed to stop people from enjoying their craft—they’re there to encourage safe, responsible ownership.
At Skol Knives, we build every blade with purpose and pride. Each knife is a tool, a piece of art, and a testament to the skill and care behind British craftsmanship.

Owning a knife responsibly isn’t just about following the law—it’s about respecting the blade, its purpose, and the heritage behind it.


“There’s a lot of confusion about knife law in the UK. At Skol Knives, we believe in craftsmanship and responsibility. Find out what’s legal—and what’s myth—on our latest blog. 🔪🇬🇧
Read more at www.skolknives.co.uk”

Here at Skol knives we take UK Knife laws very seriously and follow the law to the letter.

To summerise you can carry a folding knife the doesn't lock the blade as long as the blade is under 3 inches you can carry it  without any reason at all, any other type of knife you need a good reason to carry it, so if I wonder into my local supermarket with my 6 inch fixed blade bushcraft knife on my belt I'm probably going to get myself arrested as this is illegal (no one needs a knife in a supermarket) but if I'm wearing the same knife wandering around woodland looking for a good place to light a camping fire this is totally legal as I will need the knife to make kindling or a feather stick (good reason)

Please remember knives don't kill people.....people kill people and if they can't get there hands on a knife they'll use something else.

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