UK Knife & Tool Laws
What You Need to Know Before You Carry
At Wilder Edge, we believe in gear with purpose—knives, multitools, fishing essentials, and ultralight camping equipment that are built to last. But whether you’re carrying a pocket knife, a bushcraft axe, or a multitool, it’s your responsibility to know the law.
Knife and tool laws in the UK can be complicated, and the last thing you want is to get caught out because of a misunderstanding. This guide breaks down the essentials—what’s legal, what’s not, and how to stay on the right side of the rules when carrying knives, axes, multitools, and other outdoor gear.
👉 Disclaimer: This is a general guide, not legal advice. Always check official government sources or seek legal counsel if needed. Laws can change, and local variations may apply.
UK Knife & Tool Laws: The Essentials
Knives: What’s Legal to Carry?
In the UK, the law distinguishes between knives that can be legally carried in public and those that require a valid reason.
✅ Legal to Carry Without a Reason:
- Non-locking folding knives with a blade under 3 inches (7.62 cm)
- Examples: Swiss Army knives, small pocket knives
🚨 Requires a Valid Reason:
- Locking knives of any length
- Fixed-blade knives of any length
- Common examples: bushcraft knives, survival knives, larger camping knives
🚫 Completely Illegal to Own or Carry in Public:
- Automatic (flick) knives
- Butterfly knives
- Disguised knives (e.g., blade hidden in a belt or comb)
- Gravity knives
- Zombie knives (aggressively styled knives designed for intimidation)
What counts as a “valid reason”?
If a knife falls outside the “legal carry” category, you need a genuine reason to have it on you. Some accepted reasons include:
- Work (e.g., chef, carpenter, farmer)
- Outdoor activities (e.g., fishing, camping, bushcraft)
- Religious practice (e.g., a Sikh Kirpan)
Essentially, if you can’t justify carrying it, leave it at home.
Multitools: Are They Legal?
Multitools—like a Leatherman or Gerber—often include a locking blade, which means they fall into the “restricted” category.
✅ Legal to carry if the blade is non-locking and under 3 inches.
🚨 Requires a valid reason if the blade is locking or longer than 3 inches.
If you’re using a multitool for work or outdoor activities, store it properly and only take it out when needed.
Axes & Hatchets: Can You Carry One?
Carrying an axe or hatchet in public is only legal if you have a legitimate reason—like heading to a camping trip or working in forestry.
🚨 If you’re transporting an axe, ensure:
- It’s securely packed (not just in your hand or strapped to your belt).
- You can justify why you have it with you.
- It’s only taken out when necessary.
Walking through town with a hatchet in your backpack? Probably not a good look.
Fishing & Camping Tools: What’s Allowed?
If you’re heading out for a fishing or camping trip, certain tools—like filleting knives, gutting knives, or camping saws—are generally accepted as part of your kit. However:
- Carry them only when needed for your activity.
- Pack them securely in your gear.
- Do not carry them in public spaces without a valid reason.
If you’re questioned by law enforcement, be ready to explain why you have the tool and show that it’s part of your outdoor gear.
Transporting Your Tools Safely
No matter what tool you’re carrying—be it a knife, multitool, or axe—you should always:
- Store it in a secure case or bag.
- Keep it out of reach when traveling (not in your pocket).
- Only carry it when absolutely necessary.
Simply having a legal tool doesn’t mean you can carry it everywhere. Context matters.
Self-Defense & the Law
Let’s be clear: carrying any knife or tool for self-defense is illegal in the UK. Even if a knife is legal to carry, admitting that you carry it for protection can turn it into an offensive weapon in the eyes of the law.
Better alternatives? Situational awareness and avoidance. A loud alarm or a tactical flashlight is a much safer, legal way to deter threats.
The Wilder Edge Take: Stay Smart, Stay Legal
At Wilder Edge, we love rugged, minimalist tools—but we also respect the law. Knowing the rules of responsible carry is just as important as choosing the right gear.
To sum it up:
- Know which knives and tools are legal to carry.
- If carrying a restricted item, have a valid reason.
- Store your gear securely and only take it out when necessary.
- Never carry tools for self-defense—it’s illegal.
For official UK government guidance on knife laws, visit: Gov.uk – Buying and Carrying Knives