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Multi Purpose Tool With Knife

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nailit | 20:17 Sat 08th Dec 2018 | Law
17 Answers
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.
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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.
20:21 Sat 08th Dec 2018
Only if the blade is longer than 3"
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
Swiss army?
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.
I it was the case then Jamie Oliver would never be out of the cells.
You can carry any sort of legal to own knife if you have good reason.
Question Author
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.
Question Author
Not quiet Swiss Army Tills, but close!

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.
Question Author
// 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?
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.
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.
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.

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.
I think the requirement was intended for flick knives, woofgang, even if it catches others as well
I have heard that before Jno, but it seems silly....mine has no flick mechanism, its just a safety feature.
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.

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