Anyone involved in country sports, farming, climbing, sailing or fishing will, at times, have the need of a sharp knife. And although UK laws have been toughened up to help prevent knife crime, carrying a knife – when used for safe and practical purposes – is still permitted under certain circumstances.
An Everyday Carry Knife (EDC) or multi-tool includes non-locking blades that are less than 3 inches long.
Being caught with a non-UK EDC (Every Day Carry) knife and not having a good reason for carrying it could lead to a hefty fine or prison, so here are few things you should consider before buying a knife or multi-tool.
In England and Wales, under Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, it may be an offence to have any sharply pointed or bladed instrument in your possession in a public place, unless you are able to show good reason or lawful authority for doing so.
Knives with a locking blade or fixed blade – the most popular types of knives with people who hunt, fish or farm because of their safety element for the user – are considered illegal to carry in public.
So before you purchase any new knife or multi-tool it’s important to read the whole of the description on the ArdMoor website to know exactly what kind of knife you are buying. Important information to look out for is the blade’s length and whether or not it has the ability to lock into place or not.
Items often overlooked are the Leatherman Multi-Tools. These are great tools to have around the house or garden shed, but many of tools available from Leatherman have locking blades making them illegal to carry in public in the UK.
Exceptions include the smaller bladed Micra, Style, Squirt and Juice ranges, plus the EDC Rebar, which doesn’t possess a locking knife blade. These are all part of the Leatherman UK EDC range.
Every Day Carry knives can be just as effective as tools with larger locking blades. The multi-tools in the Leatherman EDC range all come with multiple tools and are up to most tasks you’ll come up against around the home or out in the field.
Buying a knife from ArdMoor
If you buy a knife from ArdMoor you will firstly have to prove you are over 18 with photographic ID. Secondly, you’ll need to provide a business address you can use for delivery.
Anyone buying a knife must sign for and take possession of the knife on delivery to avoid the chance of it falling into the wrong hands.
More information about ordering knives & multi-tools from ArdMoor can be found here.
It is illegal to carry a knife in public without good reason – unless it’s a knife with a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less, for example a some of the smaller Leatherman Multi-tools.
Although lock knives fold, they are not classed as folding knives as they lock and become much more lethal weapons in the wrong hands.
The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is 4 years in prison and a fine of £5,000. A court will decide if you’ve got a good reason to carry a knife if you’re charged with carrying it illegally.