Why we stock Whitby at Crib Goch Outdoor
Whitby sits at a different price point and customer profile to Casström, which we also stock. Where Casström is a premium Swedish bushcraft knife for the experienced outdoors person who wants a tool for life, Whitby is the right answer for someone buying their first outdoor knife, looking for an affordable everyday carry option, or wanting a practical fixed blade for camp use without the investment of a specialist bushcraft knife. The MINT and Kent EDC knives are designed specifically around UK knife law: non-locking slip joint blades under three inches, which are legal to carry in public in the UK without a specific reason. That clarity matters, and Whitby builds it into the product rather than leaving it as a footnote.
UK knife law is one of the most misunderstood areas of outdoor equipment, and it is a question we are asked regularly in store. We have written a full guide to UK knife law on our blog which is worth reading before buying any knife, whether from this range or any other. The short version: a non-locking folding knife with a blade under three inches can be legally carried in public. A locking folding knife or any fixed blade requires a good reason to carry in public and cannot simply be pocketed for everyday use. The Whitby MINT and Kent are designed around the first category. The sheath knives in this range are outdoor and camp tools, not everyday carry knives. Read our full guide to UK knife law here.
What we stock and why we chose it
The Whitby MINT EDC pocket knife is a non-locking slip joint with a 2.5 inch 12CR27 stainless steel blade, available in green and charcoal grey anodised aluminium handles. Compact, lightweight, practical for everyday tasks, and supplied in a gift box making it one of the most frequently purchased knives in our range as a gift. The Whitby Kent EDC pocket knife has a 2.25 inch blade in the same 12CR27 stainless steel, with mahogany wood and carbon fibre pattern handle options. The wood handle version in particular is popular with customers who want a traditional aesthetic in a modern, legal EDC knife. Both the MINT and Kent are non-locking and UK legal for everyday carry. For outdoor and bushcraft use, we stock three fixed blade sheath knives: the Walnut Handle Sheath Knife with a 3.5 inch blade, the Black Pakkawood Handle Sheath Knife with a 3.25 inch blade, and the Staghorn and Ebony Wood Sheath Knife for a more traditional aesthetic. All come with a sheath. The Whitby Survival Camp Axe in green is a compact, lightweight camp axe suited to fire preparation and general camp tasks. The silicone sharpening stone is a practical addition for maintaining any blade in the field.
Buying a knife as a gift? The MINT and Kent are both supplied in premium magnetic gift boxes and are among our most popular gift purchases year-round, particularly at Christmas and for birthdays. If you are unsure which is right, come in to our stores in Llanberis or Beddgelert and we will help you choose.
Whitby Knives FAQs
Are Whitby pocket knives legal to carry in the UK? +
The Whitby MINT and Kent EDC pocket knives are non-locking slip joint knives with blades under three inches, which makes them legal to carry in public in the UK without requiring a specific reason. UK law permits carrying a non-locking folding knife with a blade three inches or under as an everyday carry item. Locking knives, fixed blade knives, and blades over three inches require a good reason to carry in public and cannot simply be carried as a matter of course. The Whitby sheath knives in our range are outdoor and camp tools rather than everyday carry items and should be treated accordingly. We have written a detailed guide to UK knife law on our blog which covers the rules clearly. Read our UK knife law guide here.
What is the difference between the Whitby MINT and Kent? +
Both are non-locking slip joint EDC knives using 12CR27 stainless steel blades, but they differ in blade length, handle material, and aesthetic. The MINT has a 2.5 inch blade and an anodised aluminium handle, giving it a modern, minimal look in green or charcoal grey. The Kent has a 2.25 inch blade and is available in mahogany wood or carbon fibre pattern handles, which suits those who prefer a more traditional or natural material in an EDC knife. Both are practical, well-made options at a similar price point. The choice comes down to handle preference and whether you want the slightly longer blade of the MINT.
Are Whitby knives good quality for the price? +
Yes, within their positioning. Whitby is not competing with premium bushcraft brands at £150 and above. It is a family business that has been supplying quality knives at practical prices since 1961, and at the £20 to £30 price point the MINT and Kent EDC knives represent good value. The 12CR27 stainless steel blade holds a reasonable edge and is straightforward to maintain with a basic sharpening stone, which we also stock. The sheath knives offer a practical fixed blade option for outdoor use at a price that makes them accessible as a first outdoor knife.
Do Whitby knives make a good gift? +
Yes, and they are among our most popular gift purchases. Both the MINT and Kent are supplied in premium magnetic gift boxes, which makes them a well-presented gift without needing additional wrapping. At £20 to £25 they sit at a price point that works for birthdays, Christmas, and Father's Day. If you are buying a knife as a gift for someone who is new to outdoor pursuits, the MINT or Kent are the right choice: legal to carry, practical, well-made, and requiring no prior knowledge of knife types or UK law to use correctly. Come in to our stores in Llanberis or Beddgelert if you want to see them before buying.
How do I maintain a Whitby knife? +
Wipe the blade clean and dry after use, particularly after contact with food, wet vegetation, or salt air. Store in a dry place and avoid leaving the blade open or wet for extended periods. Sharpen with a sharpening stone as needed. We stock a Whitby silicone sharpening stone which suits the 12CR27 stainless steel blades in the MINT and Kent range. For the wooden handles on the Kent, occasional application of a light food-safe oil such as linseed or mineral oil keeps the wood from drying out and cracking. Whitby offers a two year warranty covering manufacturing defects.
Can I buy Whitby knives in store in North Wales? +
Yes. We stock Whitby knives across our stores in Llanberis and Beddgelert. All knife purchases are subject to age verification as required by UK law. If you are buying as a gift or unsure which model suits your needs, come in and we will talk you through the range. We also stock Casström, a Swedish premium bushcraft knife brand, for those who want to step up from Whitby to a more specialist fixed blade.