I used to have one of those locking work knives you see for a fiver. Very useful for work, but I got into the habit of clipping it to my belt as a matter of course.
Until I went on the London Eye!! Standing in the queue, I went to get my blood kit out, just to show the needles were for diabetes. Then I noticed the knife.
Handed it in at security and got pulled to one side where I was searched, had to fill in a met police form and surrender the weapon. Apparently, although there is a 3 inche blade rule, ANY blade that cannot be folded without moving a locking mechanism is illegal.
The replacement locking knife had it's locking mechanism removed as soon as I bought it and was a lot more dangerous to me as it folded onto my fingers in use.
So now I have a Leatherman on a lanyard clipped to my belt and sat in a pocket.
I have a Leatherman that always stays in my daysack when we are away. It has come in very handy. I too forgot about it when we visited London recently and got pulled when it showed up on an x ray machine.
Hi there, Any knife that has a locking blade is classed as an offensive weapon. If however you have a legitimate reason for having it on you ie on a camp site then really any knife is legal. The law states any knife with a non locking sub 3 inch blade and that folds is classed as a pen knife and is legal to carry. Do a web search for BKCG it is all explained on there. If you are on your way camping carrying a knife of any size would be legal. If you pop into ASDA on your way it would be illegal. Its common sense really. Hope this helps.
If you are in the market for a multi tool do a web search for FLAMES N KNIVES they are in U.S.A but you will save 50% on UK prices even with P&P i have bought lots of sharp pointy things and never had a problem.
The relevant law is found in the Prevention of Crime Act 1953. Section 1 (1) provides;
'Any person who without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof whereof shall lie on him, has with him in any public place any offensive weapon shall be guilty of an offence.'
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If you want any of these sort of things then Heinie Haynes should be able to meet all your needs http://www.heinnie.com/
I have a swiss army knife & multitool in my handbag (nearly got it confiscated at an airport - remembered just in time to put it in my case!). Mine has scissors, a corkscrew and a bottle opener on it - what more can a girl need