Multi Purpose Tool With Knife

[nailit]

Can anyone tell me what the law is in regards to carrying a multipurpose tool that has a knife? If I carry a multipurpose tool on my person (that will invariably have a knife in it) and I was stopped and searched, could I be charged with been in possession of an offensive weapon?
Thanks.

[hc4361]

Only if the blade is longer than 3"

[hc4361]

Lock knives
Lock knives are not classed as folding knives and are illegal to carry in public without good reason. Lock knives:

have blades that can be locked and refolded only by pressing a button
can include multi-tool knives - tools that also contain other devices such as a screwdriver or can opener

https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives

[Tilly2]

Swiss army?

[hc4361]

So, if the blade is 3" or less, has a folding blade that doesn't need a button to release it you will be fine.

[douglas9401]

I it was the case then Jamie Oliver would never be out of the cells.

[hc4361]

You can carry any sort of legal to own knife if you have good reason.

[nailit]

Blimey, thanks for quick responses.

//So, if the blade is 3" or less, has a folding blade that doesn't need a button to release it you will be fine//
That seems to have answered my query, thanks, (I carry a multi purpose tool in my rucksack...come in handy no end of times) just had a quick conversation about it and wanted to know the inns and outs.

[nailit]

Not quiet Swiss Army Tills, but close!

[Cloverjo]

I used to cook at two different addresses. I carried my favourite knife between the two places. I always thought you could carry a knife if you have a good reason, as hc4361 said.

It depends where you are though. My friend had her pepper spray (classed as an offensive weapon) taken off her and was cautioned at Wimbledon.

[nailit]

// My friend had her pepper spray (classed as an offensive weapon) taken off her and was cautioned at Wimbledon.//
I find that a bit ironic when the police themselves are tooled up with pepper sprays, batons, cuffs, etc. Ah well! Maybe another thread for another day?

[Cloverjo]

The police told my friend that even they aren't allowed to carry pepper spray.
It's a bit odd. Women have their bags checked but the pepper spray could easily have been carried in by her husband in a pocket. Only bags are checked; not pockets.

[237SJ]

I remember talking to someone at work who brought a can of Mace back from the States. He used it as well. On the underground when a bloke was running away with someone's handbag that he had nicked. It worked a treat apparently, but he made sure he disappeared before the authorities arrived as it's illegal.

[woofgang]

I have never understood the locking blade thing? One of my swiss army knives has a locking blade, it was legal when I bought it around 20 years ago. All I can see is that it makes the knife safer to use. Its not a flick blade or anything that is designed for violence. Does anyone know why they were banned? I just keep the knife for use at home and carry another in my handbag.

[dannyk13]

nailit
Under England/Wales' Prevention of Crime Act 1953, Section 1(1) states it is an offence to carry an offensive weapon on or about the person while in a public place without a lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
Note the last six words.

[jno]

I think the requirement was intended for flick knives, woofgang, even if it catches others as well

[woofgang]

I have heard that before Jno, but it seems silly....mine has no flick mechanism, its just a safety feature.

[hc4361]

It is easier to stab someone with a locked blade, try it with a non-locking folding knife and you're likely to cut yourself.