Updated November 2025
This content was reviewed and updated in November 2025 with input from our outdoor specialists, based on publicly available UK government guidance. It is for general information only and not legal advice — always check the latest rules on gov.uk or speak to a solicitor if you’re unsure.
By Crib Goch Outdoor
Navigating UK knife laws can feel confusing, especially for bushcraft enthusiasts, outdoor workers, and anyone buying or selling knives. At Crib Goch Outdoor, we believe it’s essential for our customers to understand these regulations to ensure safety and compliance. This guide offers an updated overview of the current UK laws around buying, selling, owning, and carrying knives.
Selling, Buying, and Carrying Knives in the UK
Penalties for Illegal Carrying
Carrying a knife or offensive weapon illegally can result in serious consequences.
The maximum penalty for an adult convicted of illegally carrying a knife in public is up to 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both, depending on the circumstances of the offence. Repeat offenders are far more likely to receive a custodial sentence.
Basic Laws on Knives and Weapons
Using any knife or weapon in a threatening way is always illegal. Firearms and shotgun rules are covered by different legislation and are not included in this guide.
Key Regulations
- Carrying Knives in Public: It is illegal to carry most knives in a public place without a “good reason or lawful authority.”
- Selling Knives: It is generally illegal to sell knives or other bladed articles to anyone under 18. (A limited exception applies in Scotland for certain domestic cutlery.)
Exceptions
The only type of knife that can typically be carried in public without a specific good reason is:
- A non-locking folding knife
- With a cutting edge of 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less
Even then, it can still be considered an offensive weapon depending on behaviour, context, or how it is carried.
Age Restrictions (Scotland)
In Scotland, it is legal to sell domestic cutlery and kitchen knives to 16- and 17-year-olds. All other knife sale restrictions apply as normal.
Good Reasons for Carrying a Knife
Examples of lawful “good reasons” include:
- Work: Tradespeople, farmers, conservation workers, and other professions where a knife is an essential tool.
- Religious reasons: e.g. a Sikh kirpan.
- National dress: e.g. a sgian-dubh with Highland dress.
- Specific outdoor activities: e.g. travelling directly to and from a legitimate bushcraft course or woodland activity where a fixed blade is required. or traditional attire.
Each case is judged individually. Police or a court will determine whether your reason is valid. If in doubt, seek professional legal advice.
Banned Knives and Weapons (Updated 2024–2025)
It is illegal to possess, own, import, sell, hire, lend, or give away certain weapons under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, Offensive Weapons Act, and subsequent amendments.
These include (not a complete list):
- Baton: A straight, side-handled, or friction-lock truncheon.
- Belt Buckle Knife: A buckle concealing a knife.
- Blowpipe/Blow Gun: A tube for shooting pellets or darts by breath.
- Butterfly Knife (Balisong): A blade enclosed by its handle that splits down the middle.
- Flick Knife (Switchblade): A knife where the blade opens automatically.
- Knuckleduster: A band of metal worn on the fingers to cause injury.
- Zombie Knife*
*Updated Legal Definition: Zombie-Style Knives & Machetes
As of 24 September 2024, certain large knives and machetes are prohibited outright. These typically include blades:
- Over 8 inches,
- With a sharp point,
- And extra design features such as:
- Serrations
- Multiple holes in the blade
- Spikes
- More than two sharp points
If a knife meets this prohibited design criteria, it is illegal to possess even in private.
These rules do not normally apply to standard agricultural, forestry, or practical machetes with plain, working designs, but you must check the specific model.
FAQ for Outdoor Shops and Bushcraft Enthusiasts
What is the legal knife length to carry in the UK?
You may carry a non-locking folding knife with a cutting edge of 3 inches or less without needing a specific reason. All other knives require a good reason for public possession
Can I buy a machete in the UK?
Some conventional working machetes used for agriculture, forestry, conservation, or expedition work are still legal to buy and own if you are over 18.
However:
- Carrying one in public “just in case” or with no legitimate reason is likely to be illegal.
- Zombie-style machetes that meet the prohibited design features are fully banned — you cannot buy, sell, import, or possess them.
- Whether you can carry any machete in public depends entirely on having a clear, lawful reason (e.g., farm work, conservation work on private land).
Are whittling knives legal to carry in the UK?
A non-locking folding knife ≤3 inches can be carried without needing a reason.
Fixed-blade whittling knives require a good reason, such as attending or travelling directly to/from a bushcraft course.
You should never carry any knife unnecessarily.
What types of knives are legal in the UK?
Generally legal (to own) if not misused or prohibited:
- Non-locking folding knives ≤3 inches
- Pocket knives
- Multitools with non-locking blades ≤3 inches
- Working knives (fixed or locking) if you have a good reason
Some knives are banned entirely, regardless of purpose (flick knives, butterfly knives, zombie-style weapons, etc.).
What’s the significance of the 3-inch blade rule?
It’s the threshold at which you may carry a folding knife in public without needing a specific reason. Anything longer, or any knife that locks, requires a lawful purpose.
Are fixed blade knives legal to carry in the UK?
Owning them is legal.
Carrying them in public without a good reason is an offence.
Bushcraft, conservation tasks, or working on private woodland may provide a valid reason if you are travelling directly to/from the activity, but this is always context-specific.
Are there any exemptions to UK knife laws?
Possible lawful reasons include:
- Professional use (trades, chefs, agriculture)
- Religious reasons
- National costume
- Practical outdoor activities (bushcraft, fishing, etc.)
Each situation is judged individually.
What changed in UK knife law in 2024?
In September 2024, the UK expanded the list of prohibited weapons to include zombie-style knives and zombie-style machetes meeting specific size and design criteria (see above).
It is now illegal to possess, sell, manufacture, import, or transport these weapons, including in private.
Further measures affecting online sales, bulk purchases, and retailer reporting duties are also being developed.
UK Knife Law Explained for the Outdoors
Key Points:
- A non-locking folding knife ≤3 inches can be carried without a specific reason.
- Any knife may be considered an offensive weapon depending on how it’s used or carried.
- Locking knives, fixed blades, and any blade >3 inches require a good reason in public.
- You must know the law — ignorance is not a defence.
- Public footpaths, access land, and car parks are public places.
- Some designs (e.g., flick knives, zombie-style knives) are banned entirely.
For more information, visit the gov.uk website.
Practical Advice
- Only carry the knife you actually need for the activity.
- Transport knives in a secure, non-threatening way.
- Avoid carrying anything that could be mistaken for an offensive weapon.
- Never carry prohibited knives.
- Think carefully: Do I need this knife with me right now?
Final Note
This guide is general information only.
If you require legal clarity, always consult:
- Your local police
- A qualified solicitor
- Official government guidance on gov.uk website.
And if you want advice about selecting legal, practical knives for outdoor use, email or visit us at Crib Goch Outdoor — we’re always happy to help.
To learn more about bushcraft tak a look at The Ultimate Guide to Bushcraft with Casstrom – Everything you need to know
