What is a Good Reason to Carry a Knife in the UK? | BlackBeltBarrister

In this video, I consider what might be a "good reason" to carry a knife in the UK (England and Wales, mainly)
The starting point is that it is an offence under s.139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 to carry an article with a blade or point in public unless there is a valid defence or exception. Watch my overview for the valid exemptions and careful restrictions you must follow, together with the broad defences that may apply.
There were several questions from my previous video, which I provide some guidance on in this video. This is (obviously) not a replacement for formal legal advice on a good reason to carry a knife, but will hopefully help you to understand the principles involved.
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I'm a Barrister of England and Wales.
Videos for educational guidance only, Always seek advice before taking action.
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[@Gainn]

Police don't have time to look for knives any more. They're far too busy going after people sending mildly rude tweets.

[@seanwells349]

Examples of this? Never heard of that in the UK

[@ryousketakahashi3116]

@@seanwells349 there have been many such cases, the times wrote an article a few years ago about how around 9 people a day are arrested for "mean comments" online. And that figure has no doubt gone up since then. Quite disgusting to be honest

[@seanwells349]

@@ryousketakahashi3116 and by mean comments do you mean hate speech and or threats of violence? Because I can tell you categorically, there is no law in the UK against being "mean" on the internet

[@seanwells349]

@@ryousketakahashi3116 Care to share some? Because I have checked, and the only people being arrested for their actions on twitter have either been charged with either hate crimes or inciting violence.

[@pumpyronaldrump_4417]

@@seanwells349 hate speech isn't a thing. It's just speech that the government doesn't like. A woman got arrested for saying that trans women are not women and another elderly woman got arrested for talking to police about a group of Muslims doing organised prayer when that was against Park rules.

[@dockaos924]

I'm a retired maintenance engineer if you went through my tool boxes you would find a multitude of tools much more dangerous than a little knife

[@Growlerinthebush]

Mine too even my folding locking blade Laplander saw is dangerous.

[@snowflakemelter1172]

Only because everything you serviced either exploded, caught fire or electrocuted someone 😂

[@gordonlawrence1448]

Even a hammer is more dangerous than a 3 inch blade.

[@HYSTERIA-we6fg]

Yeh but they had a specific use a tool this pertains to knives and carrying them on the streets. It's all to do with knife crime, our government have knee jerk reactions to everyhting that involve danger. It's dangerous, "BAN IT"

[@shadoman7682]

Yeah it's stupid sometimes. A screwdriver, hammer, electric drill would do far more damage than any knife..

[@Miguel-hw8hj]

my dad carries a knife round with him all the time in Spain, its quite normal in the smaller villages for people to do this. i asked him not to do it when he comes to the UK, and his response was.... hand on heart..... " but how will i cut my cheese and chorizo" Lol.

[@strezzycapone1508]

tell him not to worry, just carry a machette like everyone else there does.

[@justindunlap1235]

That's a very serious matter for a Spanish gentleman.

[@Miguel-hw8hj]

@@justindunlap1235 if someone tried to stop him eating his cheese and chorizo he'd definately use it 😅

[@anthonyhoward4743]

@@Miguel-hw8hj lol

[@everyoneshadadrink4987]

Absolutely nothing wrong with that

[@Jake-xe2eq]

I love how he says “considered” not “answered”it’s so.. legal

[@liammurphy2725]

Yeh... funny that. A Barrister using correct terms and being careful about the way he presents guidelines. Who would have thought it?

[@speckledjim_]

Year's ago my cousins and I were on our way home from a fishing trip. We were all dressed in the obligatory drab green apparel and carrying various rods and nets etc. Each of us had a bait knife in a sheath attached to our belts. We were in the train station when one of my cousins got into a scuffle with a drunkard. Some cops arrived and my cousins and I were searched and questioned. Each of us were asked "what's the knife for?" "Cutting up bait" was the general reply. Our clearly visible knives got no more attention and we went on our way. Apparently fishing is a good reason.

[@sarowie]

the drunkard being drunk and the drunkard not being cut likely was the main factor. Police officers are humans too and want to avoid unnecessary hazzle, but they also need to do their job. So: Getting the facts straight and focusing on the main issue leads to the best outcome for every one. Note that record is also in your "defense". If the drunkard claims "selfdenfense", because "they where carrying knives", the cops will take out the report and read the reported facts - you carrying fishing gear, him being drunk and unharmed.

[@joshuacollins385]

If this was before the recent spike in knife crime then things might have gone differently than they would have now. Bear in mind that Sadiq Khan said that within London there were "No excuses: there is never a reason to carry a knife"

[@michalurbanful]

@@joshuacollins385 That makes me sick.

[@speckledjim_]

@@joshuacollins385 that is absolutely ridiculous. Does this include legal to carry sub 3 inch non locking folding knives?

[@michalurbanful]

@@speckledjim_ I'm curious abou that too. I've read somewhere that there supposedly is a new law in making (?) to ban those as well ... :o

[@TukikoTroy]

I'm 63. When I was 10, my dad gave me my first pocket knife and I've carried one ever since. I've never stabbed or threatened anybody, never 'played' with it dangerously to impress anyone, hell I've never even cut myself. THIS was normal for a kid my age, we all had knives (well almost). My grandad said, always carry a knife and a length of string and one or the other will get you out of most situations. My 'piece of string is a boot lace from a hiking boot by the way. Also at age 10 we got to carry a sheath knife with a four inch blade when we went to cubs/scouts. Again, nobody died, got hurt or even scared by this. And the reason was... because we were bloody well taught how to use and respect a knife, it wasn't difficult then and it's not difficult now. But now, because a tiny, tiny fraction of the population chooses to use them as deadly weapons (which they certainly are if you want them to be, but then so are many other things, if you want them to be). Ahhhh, you're saying, but we have much more street violence now... No, we don't. We still had the gangs, who used knives, razors and 'bovver boots' to maim and kill. What we also had was a grown up government who weren't so sensitive to the 'popular vote' and how everything affects their ratings. So now, here I am, 63 years old, never stabbed anyone with a knife when i was ten, and still don't; never threatened anyone when I was ten or now and never cut myself then or now either. Yet I am, a criminal as soon as I step foot over my front door step. We need another grown up government, does anyone know one?

[@liammurphy2725]

We govern ourselves. Baden Powell knew this and it formed part of the Scouts training.

[@whatsmynameagain4839]

My 90-year-old Nana told me and my sister just before she died that when she was younger she used to carry a knife with her to town when she went alone Me and my sister were in stitches her exact words were “well there’s all those kinky men” about you know

[@LookzA]

I don't blame her. A woman going alone into town is safer today than it was back in the day but still, there is a higher chance of violence being committed on an individual if they are a woman alone.

[@oddball7483]

My mother always carried her knicker elastic money and a hat pim. When asked why was told always have your fare home and a defense if attacked. Wise words. My son was frequently stopped for money by society victimised non indiginous gangs whilst visiting friends in Willesden london. Searched for items of value. Nothing found but he did have his fare home, hidden!

[@axyridis9436]

My friends mum was a chef. She was this tiny round adorable woman, on her way home from work, carrying her chefs knives in her handbag. Some young guy pulled a knife on her and tried to mug her, and she pulled out her massive chefs knife and shouted at him, and the guy basically shat himself and ran away from "the crazy woman" 😂

[@reahs4815]

haha good for her. Guns/knives or CS spray benefit women the most as they most likely will be weaker than anyone trying to harm them and these tools offset this completely if trained to use these tools.

[@darktoranaga]

Did she at least shout in an australian accent?

[@liammurphy2725]

@@darktoranaga "You call that a knife?"

[@Rayxl1]

That's good to hear. If the attacker had the smaller knife the police would be on his side.

[@oddball7483]

Good for her. People threaten with what they would be sfraid of. Challenge perceived authority they will call the police.

[@randymagnum143]

I learned a long time ago how dangerous a non locking folding knife was.

[@liammurphy2725]

How many fingers did you lose?

[@trevcam6892]

I agree.

[@kova1577]

It’s there to hurt innocent people

[@jamesmurphy7828]

@@liammurphy2725 Oh I bet it was a different kinda digit that he lost or came close to losin' >: ] Those things go off at the most awkward moments.

[@danieldunne68]

When i was a kid, i walked around with a very sharp Sheath knife on my belt. No one paid any attention. Different times.

[@bigjoeangel]

Yeah, I bought a 4 inch lock knife in a shop while on away scout camp, I think I was about 12. It's still razor sharp and incredibly pointy, also has a useful saw blade as well. "It's for whittling m'lord, honest".

[@qanonsbestie8907]

Here in Sweden EVERY trades man carries a 5 inch knife in his belt as standard.

[@rogerking7258]

Yes, as an eleven year old Scout in the 1960s I was expected to have a 5" sheath knife which I used to carry on my belt.

[@robertjohnson-taylor1938]

We have all become way to risk averse. The laws generally have become far to intrusive.

[@jamingaming9251]

Government finds it easier to ban knives then solve the underlying problems that cause knife crime. It also has a nice side benefit of disarming the population so they can't rebel against the government.

[@iankinver1170]

The necessity of knife laws depends on what people do with them when they carry them. When I was young most boys carried a 4 inch sheath knife on their belt. It was looked on as a craft tool, not a weapon. People have changed.

[@Growlerinthebush]

When I was 14 I had a 7" Bowie as my Scout knife on my belt and a 1" knife for skinning game.

[@mrlover4310]

Pepole are tight ass governments try to tell us what's best for us.

[@benm4290]

No, _the_ people have changed. Look in to what demographic commits the glut of knife crime.

[@shadoman7682]

Yes when I was younger too, me and my friends would all carry sheath knives, not everywhere of course but over the park etc... Non of us even thought a knife as a weapon. it was just for cutting wood or bush craft as they call it today.

[@SarthorS]

Same. When I was a young teenager, I would have a 5+ inch razor sharp knife with me when I went fishing. In the sea, off a pier and people and families out for the day would walk up and not bat an eye at me. People have changed. You almost never heard of knife crime back then. Children were also free to be out and about on their own.

[@greifinn24]

amazing, all the fuss about a short piece of metal when a large glass bottle is perfectly legal to carry and in a second can be broken producing a razor sharp shard with handle.!

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Oh, absolutely!!

[@bodkinofnurk8898]

There is a certain amount of skill involved in breaking a bottle and maintaining a safe handle. It's quite important not to believe the Hollywood bar fight simplicity, for your own safety more than anything else.

[@louiscypher4186]

@@bodkinofnurk8898 No one using a bottle as a weapon gives a stuff about "safety" and the only skill they employ in breaking it, is over someones head, Which often does more damage then any follow up stabbing.

[@Sarge92]

@@bodkinofnurk8898 generally speaking most people who choose to use a bottle as a weapon or "glass someone" doesenbt care about any of the ramifications there adrenling is surging far too hard to care if they hurt themselves or others for that matter

[@him050]

Yeah because this country is so stupid it thinks the way to tackle knife crime is just to ban certain types of knives. How anyone can think that’s a solution is beyond me.

[@CrimeVid]

You’re not going to convince the majority of tradesmen who will invariably have one or many “ bladed objects” permanently in their vans, which are as a rule nothing but a large mobile toolbox !

[@sarowie]

he is a laywer, not a judge, law-maker or police officer. He has to "recommend" taking "anything dangerous" out of the van "every night", to which every sane tradesmen will ask "everything? but this is not practicable". That law-markers in london have no idea about working and judges no idea about life reality of people is obvious, but the police has "reasonable discretion" not to argue with a construction guy doing his job.

[@CrimeVid]

@@sarowie obviously !

[@Interdiction]

@@sarowie Never ever rely on the police using discretion ,I had to run over an attacker who had a blade .Long story .He was a scrap metal thief and when I confronted him he attacked me in my car .I proceeded to leave but I ran over his foot degloving his entire foot ( fck him ) .The police were only interested in prosecuting me .Thankfully the vermin never reported the incident and hopefully will be limping the rest of his life otherwise I would have done jail time for defending myself

[@edwardteach815]

trades are provided for in the legislation.

[@liammurphy2725]

@@sarowie Is London the only place in the UK where laws are created or passed? I think not.

[@Daimo83]

'Use common sense, don't take the piss' - UK law when it's functioning properly

[@greenaum]

Noooooooooo!!

[@matis9562]

One of the most UK videos if seen in a while.

[@alexiboo7309]

The term is british. All of the uk is britain, the part you consider britain is england. We are all british. But we are not all english. We all hail the queen. But we dont follow the same politicians.

[@thelastmotel]

@@alexiboo7309 Great Britain =/= The United Kingdom. The UK includes Northern Ireland, Great Britain does not. However, yes, most people say British when they mean English, which is which British and English are interchangeable in the minds of many people. Calling yourself English can be perceived as "taking a racist/xenophobic stance" by some people these days, sadly. The Welsh call themselves Welsh, the Scots call themselves Scots/Scottish, the Irish call themselves Irish, and the English call themselves British...

[@spacemanclips]

@@thelastmotel I'm English and I call myself English. I agree that some woke snowflakes are triggered by that, but they're in a minority and tend to live in London. They're the kind of confused specimens who wouldn't even call themselves British - more likely the meaningless 'citizen of Europe'. They hate their country and everything in it - sadly they tend not to leave though.

[@beeurd]

A friend of mine was stopped by police walking through town early one morning and he was carrying a bag of chef's knives. He was a chef on his way into work at the time, so they did let him continue on but he did say it was an interesting conversation.

[@WarfareJournal]

Same happened with my housemate.

[@AngryTheGnome]

Same happened to me, 11pm, walking through Edinburgh with a bag full of knives. Police sees me with a suspicious bag "Evening sir, could you open the bag for me please?" "uhh... sure?" *shows like 8 knifes and tools "You got a good reason for those" "I'm a chef, I'm bringing them back home to get this sharpen" "can you demonstrate this are for work?" "I got dirty cooking clothes in the bag, but if that doesn't suffice I can call the restaurant" "can you do that please?" *sigh follows 5 minutes of talking with my manager and they let me go. they sure were through with me despite ALL of the drunk people causing a ruckus around.

[@MazHem]

same happened with a chef I know who carried them in a special knife case, he's been stopped multiple times

[@2011Rodders]

I am a chef and got stopped one night in my car, i had a tool box full of different knives in the boot. The officer was trying to claim i was going tooled up, luckily his sergeant had common sense and was happy i was a chef because of my uniform in the car and the toolbox being in the boot and not easily accessible

[@marekmerchelski1014]

DONT KEEP THEM IN YOUR CAR LET THEM STAY AT YOUR WORK YOU WILL GET LOCK UP IF YOU DONT AND GET SEND TO PRISON BECAUSE YOU NOT ENGLISH REMEBER PLEASE BYE

[@2011Rodders]

@@marekmerchelski1014 i have to keep them at home as i work agency. Also, i am English

[@marekmerchelski1014]

NEXT TIME YOU BE ARRESTED AND YOUR NAME IS POLISH LIKE ME THEY LOCK YOU UP MATE

[@ChipmunkRapidsMadMan1869]

Rare indeed

[@Nellyontheland]

@@marekmerchelski1014 evidently not?

[@rwillaz]

As a tourist from the USA, I had no idea about these ridiculous laws when I visited the UK a number of years ago. I was accustomed to carry a pocket knife since 7th grade and didn't give it a second thought when touring the land where quartering was once a common punishment. Well, I was carrying a 2" lockblade pocket knife and should have taken a hint when a guard at the Windsor Castle entrance scanner commented about it being a lockblade, but returned it to me without further comment. I wasn't so lucky at Buckingham Palace. I was pulled aside and informed that possessing that tiny lockblade knife was a punishable offense. Fortunately, they agreed to not quarter me if I forfeited the knife. It was a tough decision because I really liked that little knife. In contrast to the crazy strict laws in the UK, in Paris, you could buy switchblade knives from street vendors.

[@alisonanthony1228]

As scuba divers, a knife is an integral part of our kit. I personally carry a 3 1/2 inch titanium knife strapped to my calf whenever I dive and never take it off during surface intervals when I'm sitting on the beach/lakeside etc, simply to avoid losing it. Once I strap it on it stays on until I take my kit off at the end of the day - titanium knives are expensive!

[@alastairward2774]

And do you walk around an English town centre in your scuba gear?

[@HorusHerotic]

@@alastairward2774 beaches are public places. So your point is pointless.

[@MrMrmcook2008]

and that is illegal.

[@jmckendry84]

Police are very unlikely to stop and search a random person who is setting up to scuba dive, and if they did the diver would most likely be covered perfectly well by having a good reason for having the knife. Nothing to worry about here.

[@hudsonbear5038]

@@jmckendry84 incorrect... myself and several colleaguies and friends was setting up for a dive check our gear, Dive knifes strapped on. PRIVATE jetty with a gate, a local copper saw us, opened gate came straight at us told us we was under arrest for a bladed article in a public place...His sargeant and several other officers arrived shortly after. WHen the sargeant realised we was on PRIVATE property and have a reasonable exuse(not that we needed one on private property). He apologised and left... If he had not come we most likely would have had to go to the station. Simple fact is alot of police see KNIFE and don't actually see beyond that due to knife crime.. Rarely has knife crime been commited by someone who respects others and has a pocket knife that cost quite a bit. Yet we are penalised for the crimes that idiots commit.

[@michaelpain393]

Carry a knife save a Life, knifes are fantastic tools for mature people ,

[@Layarion]

same with guns. both are deadly with the wrong people, even a brick or a bat is deadly. they gonna outlaw spoons next if people find ways to kill with them?

[@farmingforme5371]

That’s what I think

[@alastairward2774]

Knife, gun, defibrillator, sun cream, thesaurus... when will the madness end?

[@dedr4m]

@@Layarion New laws that consider mere existence as an offensive weapon would be the ultimate.

[@ciarfah]

I would like to have a knife on me at all times. If I need to cut a seatbelt after a crash, or just if I need to cut rope, or take a cutting of a plant. Unfortunately I also live in a country with "guilty until proven innocent" knife laws that presume I'm off to commit a crime

[@nithia]

Here in Texas we can carry a sword if we want so long as it is in a sheath.

[@SWUploads971]

And that's why your country is screwed.

[@PlebNC]

America: We'd rather have another Columbine Massacre than regulate guns to any meaningful way. This is the country who's military defines the main gun on a Bradley and certain Howitzers as "small arms".

[@szepi79]

@@SWUploads971 I think the gun laws are more problematic there. open carrying a sword would be great. it is the most ideal self defense weapon. it is impossible to miss that you are carrying it, it is literally designed to parry/block attacks with and it has a very specific effective range. if anyone feels threatened by it, they just make sure they are not in that range. (if you see someone open carrying a gun, you can't really move to a distance where you might feel safe.)

[@Devil-tm4nu]

@@szepi79 It really isn’t. Swords take a lot of practice to be effective with and you haven’t taken into account the more vulnerable people who wouldn’t be able to wield a sword properly or effectively. A firearm is the ultimate equaliser in a self defence situation.

[@szepi79]

@@Devil-tm4nu "Swords take a lot of practice to be effective with" nope. a sword is a sharp metal object. if you buy the right one, with a wide edge and curved blade (like a machete, a katana or saber), it's not that hard to cut something/someone. the difficulty in fencing is how to hit the other person without getting hit yourself. a sword requires much less training than a gun. "you haven’t taken into account the more vulnerable people who wouldn’t be able to wield a sword properly or effectively" as opposed to the gun, where the user might not be able to handle the safety, shoot themselves while cleaning/loading, not hit anything after beyond 10 yards, or killing anyone accidentally in a certain radius while being attacked under pressure. swinging a 2-3lbs object comes much more naturally for most people. "A firearm is the ultimate equaliser in a self defence situation." yeah, IF the person is trained enough, and IF they manage to hit some vital organs. with a sword, if you go for the head, most people will naturally block it with their hands, and that hand is out of the equasion from that point. also, HAVING a sword can be a deterrent in itself, while a concealed gun doesn't have that effect.

[@ianbirch1644]

Unfortunately with the British Police with their make it up as you go along attitude to the laws they enforce ,you will find arrests made for carrying a perfectly legal swiss army knife and a retractable Stanley knife which skilled tradespeople use as part of their tool kit and as mentioned pointed objects eg screwdrivers in a toolkit which according to the Police are potential offence weapons (madness)isn't it the job of the police to prove intent.When they have nothing better to do than arrest a tradesman going home from work for having a Stanley knife on his person as well as a complete Carpenters tool kit in his car.Arrested ,detained and released without charge four hours later.Disgusting.

[@rockspoon6528]

Knives are essential tools. You should always have something that cuts, something that ignites, and something that ties with you at all times- primarily, a knife, a lighter or matches, and some form of cord.

[@IncubiAkster]

Yup, definately need all those things on your journey to the shop. Who knows when you might get stranded int he woods all alone at night when you are in he middle of a ciy. Dangerous stuff.

[@rockspoon6528]

@@IncubiAkster The ridicule of someone who isn't prepared enough to open a clam shell container... it feels like I'm being smacked with a feather pillow.

[@Sarge92]

@@IncubiAkster ok then smart arse what about my last trip to the shops? went to shops got my grocerys the bags where a bit too heavy this time so i took some cord i keep in my bag and tied it to each of the handles of the carrier bags and slung it over each shoulder so i could transfer the weight off my fingers onto my shoulders making it easier to carry the shopping on other times ive had items of clothing frey a little where a quick flick of a lighter fixed the issue im not a "prepper" but i have a over the torso shoulder bag i keep my wallet keys in as well as a couple handy items i need here and there pen and paper strip of paracetamol and ibuprofen bottle of water 20 pounds emergency cash phone charger little 10m length of paracord for whenever its usefull little multi tool on my keys and a lighter i suffer no illusion this is going to help me survive in the wilderness but i dont live in the wilderness or anywhere close to it i live in the city and i carry things that help me get by day to day with issues i come across in the city and the lighter? nothing makes you friends faster than having a light when someone wants a cigarette and there's is broken

[@SPARTANTROOPER]

I'd personally add a small pocket torch to that list too, lost track of the amount of times I have needed a sufficient light source to help myself or other people.

[@Aima952]

@@Sarge92 switch out the charger for a powerbank+mini-cable; ditch the paper (if you have power you can write it in your notes app/text the person); trade the pen for a sharpie; and add a business card sized sewing kit, lip balm, hand sanatiser, clear nail polish and tampons and you have the contents of a sane woman's handbag. I don't always carry the lighter as I'd only help someone light up if I actively wanted to help them die but tampons and clear nail polish fulfil many of the same functions.

[@athewake]

I would like to point out that a knife is a tool for doing a job of work, it only becomes a weapon in the hands of people who wish to do harm. Laws should be better written to avoid people of innocent intent. Living in the country a knife is a daily tool in constant use carried at all times, just as a pen is a tool for a Barrister both of which could be weaponised. Common sense should prevail, We do not need governments banning everything in daily use.

[@ianmctimoney4206]

It's one of the oldest and most useful tools known to mankind, that's why. Just because some idiots get stabby, why should it ban every one from carrying one?

[@diablofrag2177]

because if people don't have the chance to carry one then they don't have the chance to use one. If they don't have the chance to use one then all of a sudden there's much less stabby people are around to commit murder, which means more people live. There are other ways to "defend yourself" that are less lethal, cooler, and easier to explain in court when a cop finds you with a knife in your pocket e.g. take some martial arts lessons you ignorant prick.

[@Vespa123]

@@diablofrag2177 if knife laws work, why are people carrying knives and stabbing people? you ignorant prick

[@ianmctimoney4206]

@@Vespa123 you're correct! Criminals always obey the laws, punishment for regular folk! I'll second the ignorant prick comment to devil frog !

[@graceygrumble]

Because, 'some idiots get stabby'. Your reasoning is a bit like the anti gun law lobby in America. Hey, don't get me wrong, we went wild-camping the other week and took a collection of saws, axes, machetes - one bloke had a new kukri (nice) - and knives. I love using those tools, but I don't carry them down the high-street! A lad I know had a machete strapped to his bergen; he was stopped by the police, gave an explanation and was told to put it inside his pack, end of story, fair enough. It's us v them. The police are on our side, if we're not tossers and we should be on theirs.

[@ianmctimoney4206]

@@graceygrumble we should be allowed guns too. I live in Canada, carry a knife everywhere. I guess city dwellers don't really need them but come on,so many goddam rules . Personal responsibility and don't be an asshole

[@TheWtfnonamez]

Im really glad that Im a knifesmith and modify axes and hatchets as a hobby. At least when I go camping I can pretty much justify anything under the premise of "testing my products".

[@24934637]

I'm a knifesmith too, and the reason of 'product testing' hadn't even crossed my mind, thank you, I can add that one to my list of potential reasons. I've had 'visiting a client' in mind before now as a reason for carrying both a finished knife and a part made one, although in the case of the part made one, I suppose I could have taken photos instead.

[@TheWtfnonamez]

@@24934637 Good luck brother. Im not a legal advisor, but I think the really important thing is being able to reply with confidence, and say you are carrying X, to do Y, and you are on your way there now. The example I always remember is the scout leader who carried a camp knife for years.... but one day he was pulled over in his van, wasnt going to a camp, and the knife was still in glove box. Busted for posession.

[@24934637]

@@TheWtfnonamez Totally agree! On a stop and search, the police like to know what they are dealing with so it's always best to tell them that you've got a knife in the bag (Assuming that you've got a good reason), if you are carrying for illegal reasons obviously not as there is a good chance that they'll not find it anyway LOL.

[@Sarge92]

@@24934637 *pulls axe out the back of the hookers head* just testing my products officer officer: .... officer: fair enough carry on

[@24934637]

@@Sarge92 Got a vague feeling that it wouldn't quite work like that, however given the fact that I've only seen 2 coppers since lockdown started, I really wouldn't put it past them!

[@tomnorris1734]

I cannot wrap my head around the fact that my own car is classed as a public space by the law. How is having a knife in my glovebox illegal. How is my glovebox a public place. The car is locked. How is that public? The law is a strange and confusing beast.

[@PlebNC]

I suppose it's because the car interacts with other people in a public space. I imagine having car be considered a private space would allow it to be a mobile loophole to a number of laws, e.g. Driving to a public park where public smoking and drinking is prohibited, stay in the car and then smoke/drink.

[@omendarkly6312]

A public place is defined specifically in a number of laws and the presence of it in a private vehicle is probably fairly straight forward. Is a vehicle a private place? No. If I park my car on your driveway, is that now my property? No, I am still on your property. Private places are usually specified as building, dwelling and land. Vehicles used as a dwelling cease to be a dwelling once the vehicles begin moving. So, if you live permanently in a camper van, it is a dwelling until you move it and it them becomes a vehicle.

[@liammurphy2725]

If you are in your car waiting at a red light and I photograph your car, you may very well feel aggrieved and protest your assumed right to privacy. But, in a public space there is none. The fact that you are in what you perceive as your personal and private space, matters not a whit.

[@carolpearce1467]

Unfortunately your car is deemed a public place. I had a van stolen many years ago....except that, according to the law,...it wasn't stolen but borrowed without consent. I tried to cancel the insurance on it after several weeks, as I needed to replace it, I was told I couldn't do that ''incase it was involved in an accident'' and it would still need insurance cover. So your car is a public place as it appears ''anyone'' can 'borrow it', even without your knowledge!

[@trevcam6892]

I have an old car. I always carry a tool box with me. It contains a folding locking knife. Reasonable?

[@Peter_Turbo4]

The reason I carry a knife is in case a Rozzer tries to arrest me for possessing a knife

[@jeffa6180]

As a child most of us carried and played with knives, never in our thoughts did we think of it as a weapon, never heard of knife crime in the 60s.

[@brendanm6921]

Just because you didn't hear about it, doesn't mean it never happened. I'm not arguing with the overall point you're making by the way. Just pointing out that you and your mates were all probably completely innocent about what you did with the knives but I guarantee you not everybody was. Using blades as weapons has existed since the dawn of humanity.

[@jokibud-sm1kr]

You were never brought up in the west of Scotland then

[@leolevi1559]

No dear yougman, they eat healthy food so them brain work as Shall, we eat thinks pack with full sugar or some products with porcions of some carcinogenic shit, and shit like gmo did not exists, belive me you even don't know how tomatoes teaste or shall smell.. In back days chemical set you get also as toy and no one did acid attacks, you could left your keys in car and no one would still it. evil spread like virus, but will be clear up once more time, and those time will be last. Revelation Time Iyah. 'You don't know nothing John Snow'

[@brendanm6921]

@@leolevi1559 Are you drunk?

[@leolevi1559]

@@brendanm6921 No We are Contious. Are you born after 2000?

[@vylbird8014]

A lot of this seems to come down to the judgement of the arresting officer, and we know how objective those are.

[@spacemanclips]

Unless they're out to get you due to you being abusive or such like, the vast vast majority of UK officers are objective and have pretty good judgement.

[@josephpass7919]

I was in boys scouts and all of us had a knife on our belts, but then I'm going back to the 50s and was sensible in those days.

[@tristramgordon8252]

. . . and free (responsible)

[@mjspice100]

I joined the Scouts in 1973, a sheath knife was actually part of the uniform, you had to pass your knife and axe test to be allowed to wear it. After a few months “Skip” announced that the police had been in contact with the police who had said that we were not allowed to wear sheath knives any more. Howls of protest followed. I was gutted as I’d just passed my test... We were allowed pocket knives, I had an American Boy Scout one for years and carried it everywhere with me...

[@Aima952]

How often did you actually use it for tasks you couldn't have used a folding blade for? I carry a folding blade with my troop and it's only on camps I ever need a fixed blade. The law, on paper, promotes common sense.

[@jmckendry84]

@@Aima952 totally fair point. They're just pub bores who love to yabber on about how everything was better when they were kids...

[@TheKogly]

This knife ban as usual punishes the innocent. None law-abiding and criminals will just ignore the law. Knives do not hurt people, people do that.

[@Growlerinthebush]

Exactly same happened with air guns and even handguns, never got any compensation for having to hand in my licenced 9mm Browning either.

[@FreeSalesTips]

The point is to add more penalties on the event that a knife is involved with some other crime. It is certain that criminals do not obey the law, but with these added laws, judges can pile on more and more punishments to reflect the extra charges applied to the case.

[@Aima952]

@@Growlerinthebush why didn't you just join a gun club and get the permits to keep it for sports if it bothers you that much? I'm friends with a retired competitive shooter who specialised in pistols and half my family are legal gun owners in the UK, gun ownership not any more difficult than owning a car (in a city) if you have a sensible reason for your gun to need firing capabilities.

[@admiralxen550]

@@Aima952 So far as I am aware, ANY handgun is completely illegal in the UK. There is no permit, no good reason, you just straight up cannot own one. I don't have the source to hand right now, but there was a debate a few years back where the ban was appealed against because it prevented any brit from training in the sport of pistol shooting. The government relented and allowed a debate. Between two anti-gun organisations

[@Aima952]

@@admiralxen550 I've seen photos of my friend at competitions with hand guns. We both live full time in the UK. He did travel for competitions. So there is definitely some method to work within this law. If it was completely illegal to train with hand guns though it would be ridiculous. I know 3 police officers who received the training at work. If you want sources that make sense of the law, feel free to to go to the British NRA - I've never felt the need to own a gun so I don't need to be completely familiar with the law.

[@fabriglas]

dude the amount of opening boxes people do with amazon may be something to consider now!

[@Aima952]

This can be done with a short folding blade, which is perfectly legal to carry most places (schools and airports are the only places I go and feel the need to leave mine behind). They're much more handbag friendly and versatile than scissors too.

[@Islacrusez]

@@Aima952 all fun and games until it binds and closes on your fingers. It irritates me that I have to compromise my own safety and either remove safety features or choose tools without them, for the benefit of a law that is little more than security theatre.

[@fabriglas]

@@Islacrusez law was probably written by someone with servants and no common sense. So would not know how to use or safety....an seriously a kitchen knife or a sharp stick could do just as much damage

[@Aima952]

@@Islacrusez if you're carrying it around all of the time and using it a limited amount of the time a 1 inch folding blade with a larger handle (so your fingers are out of the way anyway, eg the small blade on a larger Swiss army knife) is less risky overall - especially if you keep it in a bag or pocket where you aren't monitoring it full time. If you are using the blade more often than that for packages then you can just buy a regular box opener like retail employees use - which come with handy belt attachments to avoid the pocket issue. If that is truly insufficient for your purpose then you likely have a strong argument for carrying a fixed blade under UK law.

[@HansVonMannschaft]

@@Islacrusez I have a deep scar from exactly this happening. I will never use a Swiss Army Knife again. That's my "reasonable excuse".

[@MrRedeyedJedi]

I have a great reason for bringing this cavalry sword camping officer. As you can see, it is great for making a spit roast on the fire.

[@themightykhan2]

I bet you are used to a spit roast when camping😁😁😂😂🤣

[@MrRedeyedJedi]

@@themightykhan2 oh, just ask your mother. ;) Ohhhhh! Jk's

[@Interdiction]

@@MrRedeyedJedi Daddy ?

[@themightykhan2]

@@MrRedeyedJedi she lives it lol 🤣

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

NEW KNIFE VIDEO: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nnrYhoODetp9Y7c You may also like: Caught speeding? kzbin.info/www/bejne/qZPHdoSthciUqcU What is the police caution: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnjcqaGFnaZqh7c Drink driving: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmmYYWSgibV-is0 Please do check out my Patreon and Channel memberships: www.patreon.com/bePatron?u=47029666

[@NecatiArabaci2256]

I will do sir Many many thanks Please stay safe sir Thank you 🙏

[@acroydon]

Just wondering as I use MOD Survival knife while fresh water fishing but sometimes I night fish and use it for making a fire cutting line opening tins etc will this suffice as a legitimate reason for a large knife thanks

[@robmarrin6720]

I can't think of any reasonable explanation to carry a knife, unless you are a Bush crafter or prepper miles away from civilisation, prepare picnic food before,, camping same as prepping a good reason if you are camping for a few days.

[@robmarrin6720]

Salmon fishing 😉❤️👍in Scotland.

[@michelguevara151]

from experience, your legal system doesn't care for legal niceties.

[@shanethrelfall416]

I remember when my son once stole a screwdriver from a shop and he got arrested on the way home for shoplifting and going equipped, I asked the officer “how else is he suppose to take it home” It was his first offence and he’s never done it again He needed the screwdriver to open up his computer, I had one tho he should’ve asked

[@greenaum]

Cos "going equipped" means the whole thing was premeditated, rather than just a flash of temptation or the opportunity cropping up. Makes it even more thievey. Well done though! You raised a good point. How was he "equipped"? The example I hear most of is a bag with a foil lining to try fool the sensors at the door.

[@shanethrelfall416]

@@greenaum Yeah I know that technique seen it a few times on TV, my son should have known better but he’s never done again, I think the whole Police interview scared him straight, he’s going to Drama College now, proud of him

[@CAIDMASTEROFPYRO]

he wasn't supposed to take it home... he stole it. why are you defending your shit kid

[@greenaum]

@@CAIDMASTEROFPYRO It's only a flippin' screwdriver. I'm sure he told the lad not to do it again, although getting arrested will have taught him that anyway. You still don't want your kid to have to go to court, so of course you defend him, O Mighty Master Of The Flame.

[@Interdiction]

@@greenaum Would you pull the lever on your kid if he had used said screwdriver to kill someone .It has already happened so would you ?

[@nemo6686]

It's so great to have such objective law that a barrister can take a whole seven minutes to basically say "Who knows - it depends how the judge feels if you get prosecuted." It's also marvelous that you can have a sub-three-inch blade as long as it's more dangerous to the user than needs be by the absence of the simplest safety feature - a lock. Thankfully, the kind of people who shiv others are notorious for strict adherence to laws and that's why there's no stabbings in Britain any more.

[@kennethg9277]

I find this area of law fascinating. According to the CPS guidance: - "For the purposes of sections 139, 139A and 139AA of the CJA 1988: - a butterknife, with no cutting edge and no point is a bladed article; (Booker v DPP 169 J.P. 368, DC); - a screwdriver is not a bladed article; (R v Davis [1998] Crim L.R. 564 CA);" - So- presuming I read this aright- a butterknife, regardless of bluntness or unwieldiness, can be considered a "bladed article" for the purposes of prohibition in public without a reasonable excuse, but a screwdriver- regardless of sharpness or profile- cannot? Those of us familiar with the nature of criminal violence will know that a screwdriver can be a most dangerous stabbing weapon, and that many butterknives may be ill-suited for such a task. Surely someone lugging a sharp and sturdy screwdriver around in public has more questions to answer than someone carrying a butterknife with a 3mm wide "edge"? I'm afraid this is just one example of how UK law is roundly ludicrous in this area, and admire your valiant albeit ill-fated attempt to find the elusive clarity in an area of law which pretty much boils down to: "the crown regards items as weapons, not-weapons, bladed or non-bladed, offensive or non-offensive apparently at random (foot-claws, anyone?), and should a policeman and/or prosecutor subjectively deem your activities to be shady, rest assured that whatever rigid item you happen to be carrying- whether it's practically speaking a weapon or not- may be considered an offensive weapon when it comes to deciding what book to throw at you. Toodle-pip, lowly citizen". 🤣

[@jimmycburfield5997]

Excellent advice, many thanks. I work as a Mental Health Nurse, generally working with younger people. Twice I have known clients threatened with a charge of carrying a bladed article for possession of a ‘Swiss army knife key ring’. Very much smaller than three inches, and carried with no malevolent intentions. I will ‘sharpen up’ my own act as a freshwater Pike fisher man. I use a filleting knife to cut up dead baits such as Mackerel or Lamprey. BTW- amazing channel. Legal advice is always worth listening to and normally costs! So many thanks.

[@borderlands6606]

I also carry a filleting knife for pike fishing, with a cutting board. It's also used for cutting up particle baits. This is sheathed within the depths of a fishing bag when not in use, and couldn't be used spontaneously. I've often wondered how the law would be applied if carried out to the letter, but as I can't think of an alternative I continue to use it.

[@petersmedley459]

@@borderlands6606 I think that context and a pleasant manner will see you through. Even if Old Bill did happen to wander past where you are fishing (unlikely), if they saw you cutting up bait or filleting your catch I would expect them to say hello and ask about how well your fishing had gone, if anything at all. If you were charging after someone, with the same knife in your hand loudly questioning the parentage/intelligence/lineage/sexual proclivities of the fleeing fugitive then I would expect the law to come running and with a more ‘hands on approach’. After an afternoon sea fishing out of Penzance, I was back in Sennen Cove walking from the B&B across the road to the rocks and the sea. I had a black bin liner of fish in one hand and a sheath knife in the other. First time I’d seen a Policeman in the cove. He smiled and asked me where I was off to. I said that I was heading to the rocks to gut my catch and asked him if he would like to have a look at them. He said yes, took one look, his smile broadened. His response was “That’s a mighty fine catch sir, you have a lovely day now” (in a wonderful West Country burr) before driving on. I wouldn’t try this down by the cut in Wolverhampton. Context.

[@teatowel11]

@@petersmedley459 laws are horribly written and too restrictive. It seems the intent is to make the so ambiguous and far reaching as to make are people criminals and then by the discretion of the police allow us to roam around. If all bladed weapons legislation was revoked tomorrow, I doubt there would be any increase in crime.

[@jaquenhghar1574]

Would be interested to see a video on how the law applies to Historical re-enactment groups and their members regarding bladed weapons such as swords, knives, spears and bayonets etc.

[@frednimrod2333]

So if the sword was blunted on every face, but was 40 inches blade, 10 inches handle, would the police still attempt to go for worst case and class it as a 40 inches bladed object in public?

[@robertsteele2374]

@ivan schafeldt but did he not say that the bladed item in question will not be debated in terms of it being sharp or not in court.

[@robertsteele2374]

@ivan schafeldt I think he did say that, but I could be wrong. You are correct about context. If you are in a field with other people doing it I am sure nothing will be done especially if on private land. But I was thinking more along the lines of transporting the knives and getting stopped. If you can prove that you are going to an event I am sure fuck all will be done. But if you can't might get into trouble.

[@andrewtrip8617]

If the purpose is lawful ,carrying is lawful .swords spears and guns ,crossbows and bows and arrows should be cased or covered / secured .

[@maxrayismagnum6371]

@@robertsteele2374 yes this is right. Make sure you have your group membership with you and dont have knives (or other weapons /replicas) on show whilst travelling. You do the same while just transporting your gear from one spot to another regardless of going to a show or not. If stopped it will depend on the officers knowledge/attitude.

[@Ian..]

Thanks for the follow-up and extra information.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Thanks for watching!

[@trickygoose2]

A few years ago, I baked a cake to take into work. I commute by train and the cake was in a plastic box which it only just fitted in to. I took a knife to cut the cake with a blade about 7 inches long and carried it all in a plastic shopping bag. Whilst walking through a shopping mall (before many of the shops had opened) between the station and the office, I realised that the point of the knife had pierced the plastic bag and part of the knife was protruding out of the bag. I adjusted the position of the knife so this no longer happened but did wonder what might have happened if I'd encountered a police officer. Hopefully having the cake with me would have helped a lot with my excuse!

[@taraelizabethdensley9475]

The cop would probably demand a slice of cake. Lol

[@andycommonsincanada]

I was a carpet fitter for many years and had this situation once in a DIY shop in the Lake District. I had a specialists carpet fitting knife in a sheath in my special trousers while purchasing Stanley BLADES in the DIY Shop. A Police Officer came in and noticed the knife and told me to go and put it in the van immediately. He escorted me out to the van to ensure I placed it in the tool box. He also told me he would give me a ticket if he saw me again carrying said knife.

[@sarahhardy8649]

I have a family member who is a diver. When she dives, she has 2 knives on her. Big, fixed bladed knives, a main one and a back up. They’re massive. Scary as hell but needs must.

[@boxhead171]

Most divers don't carry large dive knives any more, a line cutter is a lot more common and is even the official guidance for BSAC

[@quovadis5172]

„What is a good reason to carry a knife?“ Well, any reason you like.

[@Heathen.Deity.]

If you get stopped by the police in the UK, see how the reason “for my personal protection” goes for you.

[@quovadis5172]

@@Heathen.Deity. „For my personal protection“?? No. For that I have something entirely different.

[@Heathen.Deity.]

@@quovadis5172 lol

[@Youssii]

@@quovadis5172 if that solution was an offensive weapon, be it a gun, a knuckle duster, or just pepper spray, you’d find yourself arrested just as fast as if it were a machete.

[@quovadis5172]

@@Youssii That may be. But ask yourself why that should be the case? Are citizens of the UK required by law to fall victim to rape, assault, robbery or murder? Law abiding citizens don’t have a right to peace, safety and security? But criminals of all sorts now become viable offenders with rights protected by law? Is that how it’s supposed to be?

[@modestadventurers]

Thank you for making this Christal clear. The previous comment section raised many issues and you have clarified eloquently many of my concerns.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Thank you for watching!

[@heleneardleytaylor25]

Did you mean crystal clear?

[@dragalochta4531]

@@heleneardleytaylor25 hahaha I don't know why anyone bothers with this legal carry on ... it's all crystal ball stuff. You know... future tense... needs your consent? It's a madness, and these bar folks are, doing a number on you all. If you need a lawyer... you are screwed, . I don't know what to tell you. Study lex mercatoria, and use it back on them I guess. Start with mail fraud, if they try to initiate anything by mail. File an affidavit of status in relation to the case. Then one of fact, accompanied with a notice of claim. If its lawyers writing to you, file a bar grievance or two or three . They wont answer your affidavits obviously, but they will send you a letter telling you, your claim has no merit. But erm... it leads to them being un-insurable, and without insurance, they have no job, and have no career, loss their house, they end up driving a shed, then their wives leave them. It's a shame... but they slept ok, as they made a living duping, and robbing people, ruining families and whatnot. Come out from the mind cage, do what you like, own what you like, no explanation required, you are not answerable to any other man. Just don't harm anyone. Simple.

[@THARG67]

Uk knife laws are a bit daft,i had a 1 inch swiss army knife in my pocket when stopped by the police and they reacted like it was a firearm!!

[@grovesy333]

Idiots then you’re allowed it without a good reason whatsoever and they can’t take it off you

[@carolramsey8457]

Well, If I am ever unfortunate enough to have to visit London or Rochdale I think a Fairbairn Sykes would be appropriate at the very least.

[@SarthorS]

If you stay around the west end, the last thing you will need is a knife.

[@Interdiction]

@@SarthorS This week a pair of lovely lads were stopped by the police and in their possession they had not one but two SKORPION sub machine guns .kzbin.info/www/bejne/inanZ61qlJ6Zo9k

[@peterlawrence3152]

Great advice. Total nanny state especially here in Scotland.

[@buchan448]

fuckin right pal did Nicola loose iv no heard anything ??

[@TheLiamis]

@@buchan448 sadly fish lips is still in power.

[@buchan448]

@@TheLiamis :( fs

[@jamingaming9251]

If Sturgeon manages to pull a coup and make Scotland independent, all you true Scots are welcome to emigrate to England. You'll have to build yourselves a city as we have a housing crisis due to mass immigration

[@jamingaming9251]

If Sturgeon manages to pull a coup and make Scotland independent, all you true Scots are welcome to emigrate to England. You'll have to build yourselves a city as we have a housing crisis due to mass immigration

[@OldNavajoTricks]

Been waiting for this one, I find polite demeanour an essential companion carry but would cheerfully wear the Seax I made day to day if I could.

[@inregionecaecorum]

And if I could carry a sword, I am fairly sure that the majority of low lives would leave me alone and I would also be able to defend my honour against barristers in a proper gentlemanly duel, but those days have long gone, which is maybe just as well, because who knows what kind of trickery and knavish tricks your barrister opponent might come up with to make you forfeit the duel, coups de Jarnac and other such barbarities, oh the mind boggles.

[@OldNavajoTricks]

@@inregionecaecorum Shortaxe, seax and shortsword, probably a sgian dubh fer eatin afterwards :-)

[@davecooper3238]

If you can’t carry knifes & forks. Looks like the kitchen, dining table in a caravan, motor home or holiday tent have become redundant. Don’t know if things have changed. The Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition kit used to include knives & forks. Having to prepare & eat food with just a spoon & fingers must be a pain. The good lady & I used to go away camping. Sometimes for up to a month. Occasional miles from the nearest hot food outlet. I suppose being basically stilettos tent pegs could also be a problem.

[@tombackhouse9121]

I'm not particularly a 'knife guy' but I own a couple of penknives, a bush knife, a sturdy folding knife with a marlingspike for rope work, a couple of multi-tools and so on. They're just one of the fundamentally useful tools which I feel disadvantaged not to have to hand. I also collect various types of rope, string and cord, and I try to keep my knowledge of knots somewhat fresh. Once again, it's just a basic, useful thing to know. Some people from the city have always been uncomfortable if I have a knife on me. I've found that somewhat amusing, and put it down to the town / country split, but I'm more interested to find that, actually, some people get equally uncomfortable when they find out I can tie a knot. This I find more baffling, as I'm not aware of any spate of violent knot-tying assaults even in our roughest areas.

[@liammurphy2725]

Yeh... but rope and knots are used by serial killers so you just blew your cover.

[@dalewarren6271]

As a floor layer, I’ve many times walked to a shop with my Knives in my work trousers pocket . I just forgot I’ve got them and don’t see it as something I could use a weapon. There’re just tools to me. I’ve been lucky because I live in a big city and been in high street shops with them poking out my trousers and haven’t been nicked yet!

[@theravedaddy]

I walk round with work knives too, i often forget theyre in pockets until laundry time

[@Interdiction]

I walked to the ice cream van at Whitley Bay Lighthouse .I was wondering why people were looking at me funny .I 100 % forget I had an 9 inch bladed knife on my leg .I was diving using my older gear .:)

[@d3lta1]

This is an excellent explanation of good reasons and makes me wonder about my EDC. My follow up question though, what would be grounds to be searched and be found carrying a knife?

[@krissymarklewis1793]

A knife is only as dangerous as the persons intent that is carrying it.

[@MrMrmcook2008]

or the people that get hold of it

[@Aima952]

... and inversely proportional to the intelligence and skills of the user.

[@OutOfNamesToChoose]

@@MrMrmcook2008 Everyone can get ahold of a knife. I could as a child, by walking into the kitchen, if I so desired

[@Interdiction]

@@MrMrmcook2008 You could say that about the guns our police carry .Last week I walked around a place called " The Metro Centre " .I saw two police officers walking alongside each other and both of them were armed with mp5 sub machine guns and they both had glocks oh a holster .Now my first thought was do they represent the NORTHUMBRIA POLICE or THE LOLLY POP KIDS .They would have been very easy to handle and then a bad guy would be ARMED .Think before you type

[@tussk.]

I have a knife with a 4 inch blade, partly serrated on one side, that I usually keep in my fishing backpack. I've used it for cutting bait many times, and, once, for freeing myself from a length of rope that I got got tangled in when wading in a river. Now, the first example is perfectly acceptable, but the second might raise a few eyebrows as it's not something that will happen every day, and it's something thats ever happened to most anglers, so is it a reasonable expectation that I would get tangled again, and would I get tangled in such a manner that I could only free myself by use of a knife? I have spoken to both the police and my colleagues about it (I'm a lawyer) and they didn't have a good answer. Should I be able to carry such a knife if the possibility of needing it for its stated purpose is so remote as to be negligible, or, as I have used it in the past, should I be allowed to carry it in the future? If i didn't have the knife it's possible that I would have drowned, but other than that exceptional circumstance repeating itself, I have no real need to carry it, or at least, no need has presented itself since. The best answer I've gotten so far is 'Depends on the judge', but that is not satisfactory. What say you?

[@SoSimonSays]

completely dissatisfactory, we will need the legal definition of satisfactory, and if that means down to the judges discretion then its biased and should be ignored as an unjust rule to which you have the moral duty to disobey

[@allenglishknives6823]

Excellent video, thanks 👍🏻

[@stuartmccloud307]

Great video, thanks for your observations

[@9crutnacker985]

Very instructive. Thank you.

[@lingerslongest]

Never mind knives; just a few years ago I set off a security alert at St Pancras station, getting the Eurostar, because I had a folding saw in my rucksack. "It's alright he's a camper" was what I heard on one of the radios.

[@ThePsiclone]

so you were then a happy camper? I'll get my coat...

[@SarthorS]

I almost caused an incident at an airport when I was a pre-teen. They were worried about something they saw on the x-ray of my carry-on. It looked like a crowbar. It was my snorkle.

[@isnak907]

It’s strange to me for there to be any regulation on knives or the carrying of them. I revived my first pocket knife at age 5. Are these knife laws generally regarded as effective?

[@petermcallister107]

As a classical and medieval military historian the 3" blade rule should be considered on the basis that Roman Legionares were taught "two inches of the point" was all that was needed,anything else was simply overkill. Mercifully our streets are not filled with veterans of the Punic wars!

[@SoSimonSays]

gladuis, 2 inch deep, 2 inch wide cut, plenty, my knife isnt a gladius.............

[@billreynolds3227]

When I was a scout in the 70s I carried a 7-8 inch sheath knife.(As we all did) on my belt.We were only allowed to ,if we had passed out knife and axe badge!

[@johnregan3591]

Thanks for the video I carry a knife alot for work and leisure always keeping it legal and wouldn't even think about using one as a weapon to me they are only useful tools. 👍

[@emperorpicard6474]

Translation: This entire law is arbitrary as f**k!

[@matthewleitch1]

No, that's not what the video says. The video explains the sensible considerations that would be expected in real cases. The drafting of the rules is obviously intended to let people carry small pen knives but avoid larger knives and Stanley knives, which are powerful weapons despite their short blades.

[@natteft6593]

@@matthewleitch1 you can easily kill someone with a baseball bat or a hammer. Much easier than with a 4 inch knife.

[@natteft6593]

@@matthewleitch1 what is the purpose of banning knives in public places? If somebody use a knife as a weapon to commit a crime, wouldn't they be prosecuted anyway?

[@davidcramb5793]

@@natteft6593 our modern knife laws were a poorly thought out reaction to the Kung Fu/Ninja craze of the late 70's. To many idiots running about with Samurai Swords. The original Act actually names Nunchucks, Throwing Stars, and all the other Ninja style weapons, along with Switch Blades, Knuckledusters etc. The updated version added Zombie Style knifes just to keep up with the times.

[@matthewleitch1]

@@natteft6593 The overall objective is to reduce violent crime. Specifically, it is to stop people (typically young men) from carrying knives as a tool for intimidation and as part of gang culture. The laws on carrying in a public place work along with stop and search powers to make it harder for criminals and people with dangerous lack of self control to carry a weapon either intending to do harm or at risk of causing harm if they become emotional. Presumably the weapons targeted by the law reflect what is a 'fashionable' choice of weapon by dangerous people. If they had developed a pattern of carrying cricket bats as a weapon then perhaps the law would ban carrying cricket bats in a public place without a good reason. It is not arbitrary that the law targets the weapons most commonly preferred.

[@filfil9902]

In My country (Poland) you can carry whatever you want and only limitations are that knife need to look like bladed tool( no blades hidden i object). You can carry a saber or longsword into town. Butterfly knifes, OTF, spring opened Everything is legal. And now compare knife attacks in UK and Poland. Banning knives is not a working way to stop knife attacks!

[@MervynPartin]

I am getting older with arthritis now affecting my hands. It has become more common for sandwiches in cafes and takeaways to be be so tightly wrapped that I need a sharp knife to open them (Café cutlery is usually blunt edged). Similarly, I have not been able to open one of those silly Flora sachets without a sharp knife. So, If I do not have a pocket knife, then I starve (or end up with food everywhere). As regards the rule on locking the blade, I have had a knife blade fold back onto my fingers on a couple of occasions, so having a lock is something that I would class as a safety feature, thus the law, in my opinion, has made an error. Generally, laws of this nature are to control honest people, as it certainly hasn't stopped the surge in knifings, any more than all the firearms legislation has stopped criminals from getting and using guns.

[@garywillis1870]

I don't see how being able to make a decent cup of coffee qualifies you to give legal advice

[@ritajames7797]

Good to know that your channel deals with UK law. So much US legal advice out there that does not apply to the UK. Keep up the good work and thanks for posting your videos!

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Thanks! Hoping the channel grows! 😁👍

[@campervanman5340]

Thank you very much, I have been wanting to know this for years, when I go camping without tents I always take a small axe, a large heavy but quite dull bushcraft knife for skinning branches of small twigs, the axe is very sharp, I also carry a small sharp foldable lock knife for smaller jobs with twine rope etc, these are all kept in the bottom of my pack when travelling. Sounds good enough to me.

[@JonGadget]

Many thanks for that 👍 very informative.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DavidFraser007]

These laws are a bit silly. I live in Czech Republic, we have no knife restrictions here. A few years ago I bought a lock blade knife that was being sold cheaply if you bought petrol at a petrol station. I still keep it in the car, I even drove back to UK with the knife in the car.

[@gordonlawrence1448]

That could potentially put you in prison over here.

[@mikes9753]

@@gordonlawrence1448 silly isnt it. British are still serfs lol

[@Michael-4]

Of course it's silly. The people who are going around sticking people don't care about the silly laws and the average law-abiding person is just another easy conviction.

[@bwghall1]

now when we were 13-year-olds back in the early 1950s we all had sheaf knives on our belts 7" blades. that was part of who we were The third Chippenham Scouts, Our leader a Mr. Jagger. Super guy. I still carry a knife. see below. hard cheese.

[@rogerfrancis65]

Itd all dependant on whether it has a" mechanism" so lock knives come in to the same category as switchblades ( flick knives)

[@seany8787]

Im an off road driving instructor. In my rucksack I have things like cord, a torch, a magnesium strike firelighter, toilet roll (been caught short outdoors once, never again) and I have a penknife for various things up to and including opening bottles around a campfire, but also a super sharp 3inch locking knife. Its great for cutting rope, plastic, seatbelts, small branches etc. It stays in my rucksack when not in use, my rucksack goes with me when im working and stays at home when not. I have no doubt that if stopped, I will have reasonable excuse based on my job

[@bobadams7654]

Thanks. Very useful, and clearly presented. Would be good if you'd do the same for items which have now become illegal to even have in your own home.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Thanks for watching and yes will do!

[@johncothren603]

It's for sharpening pencils, pruning bushes

[@theoreticallyspeaking3377]

Very helpful for my criminal law modules!

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Great to hear!

[@StarlasAiko]

I have several knives as part of tool sets. My leather work set contains two straight knives of different sizes and two half-moon blades of different diameter, three pairs of scissors of varying size and strength and two swivel knives of different width...along with the threads, block of wax, a doused different needles, leather stencils, etc... My wood work set contains half a doused small whittling knives of different size and a secreted knife (pocket saw) along with other wood tools. All tool sets are properly packed and organised (lockable tool box for wood tools, leather roll-up for leather tools), and I only take them out of the house when I plan on using them for crafts. But I always have a mutlitool (Swiss Army Knife or other types) in my pocket or on my belt, and those contain two knives of different size and a pocket saw as standard.

[@steventaylor4867]

Thanks for the info on that I was wondering what the law is if you collect knives I suppose it's best not carrying knife in public places without a good reason

[@Growlerinthebush]

Correct 'Good reason' however, even if you had good reason a police constable may interpret this in a different way and haul you through the courts anyway others may just let you off.

[@GhostCallparanormal]

I have to ask this question being a chef, I’m get called out at crazy hours if someone could not make it to the job. Could I store the knifes in a safe bolted in the boot of the car, which I have been doing for years?

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

That would certainly be better than just in the boot but be prepared to defend the position! Is there no way to keep them indoors until you leave?

[@simonh6371]

I wouldn't worry here in London there are loads of agency chefs who just carry their knives in a roll in a rucksack, and use public transport. I took mine home for furlough and will be riding to work on my bike in 2 weeks with my knives in a rucksack.

[@timhaines8207]

The fixed blade bit is key. I remember the case of someone who was caught in possession of a Victorinox Swiss Card light which is a credit card size pocket tool with a small 1 inch fixed blade. Despite the blades small size it was still deemed to fall under the regulations.

[@donnyo65]

I am an outdoor activities instructor but also a retired police officer. The above is really common sense. If I go wild camping I take a fixed blade knife with me, this is not very big (The blade is a little longer than the width of my palm) and is obviously made for bushcraft. When travelling to and from my destination it is kept at the bottom of my pack in a closed container with other implements which would also hint to an officer its intended use. When cycle touring I take small Opinel folding knife for food preparation which can also be used for eating - again it is kept at the bottom of my pannier with other food preparation items so it can be seen that it is not readily to hand but is not being hidden. When travelling to work I sometimes have all manner of sharp pointy articles in my car but my manner of dress and my destination would indicate that I have a reasonable excuse. I would never carry, even a 'legal' pocket knife in any town unless passing through in a vehicle, to a camping/wild camping destination. I give this advice in my demonstrations and tell the people I instruct that I see no good reason to be walking through a town centre with any knife on my person - simple really. Good informative video.

[@sonny2593]

As an ex officer, what's your opinion on opinel knives? Are they considered locking knives because they have the option to be locked or are they classed as legal carry because it's a folding blade (providing its within the 3in limit)?

[@gordon861]

@@sonny2593 If they can be locked they are a locking knife.

[@b-beale1931]

I have a small hobby/business woodcarving and like to pick up wood that inspires me when i see it to carve it, would it be an offence to carry a locking blade of about 3 inches all the time (outside of the obvious exluding areas schools hospitals etc) for this as I value my fingers and do not want to expose them to the idiocy of unnecesary risk that a non locking blade is?

[@johnsim3722]

Those who made the laws have obviously never tried to carve wood with a folding knife and been cut by it!

[@Growlerinthebush]

It happened to me and cut my index finger down to the bone when it folded and will only use folding lock knives or a fixed blade. Folding knives are dangerous.

[@facelessgames94]

Me and my then girlfriend got stopped because we had a pairing knife for our wide assortment of vegetables and fruit. A few questions later they went on their merry way

[@pakamwagi]

Thank you for taking the time to make these videos, I have found them to be very interesting. I have a question which I've thought about approaching the police about, problem is I travel all around the country so I'd have to check with each police force. I make my own knives, yes I know, they'd lock me up over knives I've made just to prove I can heat treat a piece of steel that big. Anyway that's not my question, most of my knives (I dont actually know how many I've made anymore) are used while hunting out in the countryside with my eagle. I think I could argue being out with an eagle that's hunting things that need to be killed as quickly and humanely as possible would give me good reason for having the tools I use. What always concerns me is travelling to and from hunting, I make a point of keeping all knives in a proper sheath, in a bag, in the boot of the car, usually behind the eagle's travel box, I never get any knives out unless I'm actually taking the bird out the car to hunt, when I get back to the car the first thing I put away is my bag with knives and radio telemetry equipment. Where would I stand in terms of a good reason if I was stopped going to or from hunting ground, which bearing in mind may be hours away in Wales or Scotland?

[@simonc7947]

I can remember a couple of years ago, my mother (75 at the time) was concerned that she might get into trouble for carrying a kitchen knife home from the shop in its original packaging. Surely if that were illegal, they would have to stop department stores from selling such artefacts.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Of course that would have been fine if she was going straight home!

[@simonc7947]

@@BlackBeltBarrister that's pretty much what I told her.

[@survivortechharold6575]

A knife is one the most versatile tools ever made. That is why they have been around so long. maybe not in the city. Is a van a public place? guilty until proven innocent.

[@A.Martin]

Also if you are going for a picnic likely the knife will be with your food/picnic stuff and not stuffed in the waistband of your trousers or in a pocket.

[@Taeerom]

If you are stopped and searched, it doesn't matter where the knife is. You are "carrying" a weapon regardless if it is in your bag, your car, or your waistband. The biggest correllation to be punished is whether you are stopped and searched. Having it visible in your waistband, is a great way to be stopped.

[@deanalbertson7203]

It is completely ridiculous that a worker cannot keep his tools in his van overnight. The UK needs to reform its knife laws.

[@tooyoungtobeold8756]

When I was in my teens, quite a few years ago, we often used to wear a sheath knife (fixed blade, about 4-5 inces) on our belts with no concerns by anyone.

[@Tatterist]

I was involved in a case where a man had carried a large, heavy, combat style knife and said their good reason was that they had been robbed at knife-point a few months earlier and needed it for protection. Nice and easy case I thought, this should be quick. It took the jury hours to decide and then it was only a majority verdict. I lost a lot of faith in the jury decision process that day.

[@archygrey9093]

What did they decide?

[@Tatterist]

@@archygrey9093 Guilty by a majority verdict. Could not reach a unanimous verdict.

[@pauldavison7105]

Carrying a knife for defence is NOT a good reason. If you carry anything for defence you have then made that item an offensive weapon which is illegal. If you carry a baseball bat in your car for defence it ceases to be a piece of sports equipment and becomes an offensive weapon.

[@archygrey9093]

@@pauldavison7105 I carry an iron bar in my car to put down any wallabies i might hit on the highway, its either that or the rifle, driving back over them with the car is not as effective or humane as most poeple think. That being said if you're parked on the street in a bad neibourhood waiting for a freind and some guy starts running towards you out of his house with a bat or something because he's high off his face and thinks you're an undercover cop watching his house you're gonna be pretty darn happy having something nearby that can give someone a good bonk if need be. What are you allowed to use for defence may i ask?

[@NeilCWCampbell]

@@archygrey9093 we have wallabys in United Kingdom...I mean like how many are wandering around that you have to put them down

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

Following up from the last video, knife law is common sense really. Although my Opinel knife is within the legal length, it does seem crazy that the safety locking ring makes it illegal. Thank you for sharing.

[@Taeerom]

It's common sense in that it is vague enough and open enough for interpretation that the same offence (say, a construction worker at a kebab shop having a knife at his belt during his lunch), can punish a polish guy and a british guy differently. This is the point of "common sense" laws. They are tools to punish the "right kind" of people while the majority goes free. People that are not well versed in the specifics of the law or that are not native speakers of the language are far more likely to be punished for the same thing that is normal for people that normally do not encounter police.

[@rogerhargreaves2272]

@@Taeerom - that’s where “ignorance of the law” is no defence.

[@Taeerom]

@@rogerhargreaves2272 I know. I'm not talking about whether something is legal or illegal, but the application of the law and how it, in real terms, harms people differently. You should never justify your morality by clinging to legality. You need to question the legal framework by using your morality. Ignorance hould never be a valid defence when doing a crime. But a law that punishes unjustly, should not be a law. That's my point. The guys at the kebab shop with knives in their utility belt are breaking the law, it doesn't matter if they know or not - legally speaking. But they are not doing anything wrong, just because what they are doing is illegal.

[@JoeEvansSound]

Hi @BlackBeltBarrister and thanx for your channel. Can you tell me please is a "pocket handsaw" classed as a bladed weapon - thanks.

[@shadowynne]

In general saws are seen as being a bladed object.

[@DJ-vh2uh]

Good videos . Could you do some on lockdown fines and fines in general...

[@mikes9753]

@@pqrstzxerty1296 if the councils are skint maybe should stop wasting money on useless benefit families in council estates.

[@M584G]

Do you still need "GOOD REASON" for a legal folding blade within the 3" blade range?

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

No. But beware the restricted locations eg schools, courts, hospitals, airports etc.

[@gordon861]

@@BlackBeltBarrister I didn't think that schools etc were any different to the general 'public place' rules. They may raise more suspicions but so long as you keep the knife small and non-locking you should be OK legally, unless there are additional byelaws in place. Or at least that's my reading of Section 139, is there another section I should be reading? Most places may deny entry if carrying a knife, but is it an actual offense to do so?

[@tombackhouse9121]

@@gordon861 I used to carry a knife to school. If I'd ever got it out in view of anyone I might have found out if it was allowed.

[@kingkonut]

This is such a daft, vague law, as evidences by the frequency in thi video of terms such as 'more likely to be seen as...' I once wanted to take some knives from my mum's house to my flat and so I asked a copper as to how to be sure I wouldn't get nicked. He said 'you'll probably be alright' I was like 'Probably? Mate it's 5 years! 'Probably' isn't really good enough'.

[@HansVonMannschaft]

I know a guy who was moving house and was charged because his knives were in a public place.

[@kingkonut]

@@HansVonMannschaft exactly, that's what I was afraid of! ridiculous law.

[@TheSpeep]

I'm an amateur blacksmith, so I do occasionally carry around a knife in public, since that tends to be the only way to get them to the person they were made for.

[@crowbar9566]

Oh no officer, thats not a knife.....THIS is a knife

[@simonbroddle754]

While I wouldn't question any information it appears to be a classic "second cause". Knife crime has consistently risen regardless of regulations. Criminalising people has done nothing for those committing murder as they are unlikely to have considered the legality of the knife when they committed the actual crime. Great video as always, thank you.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

Except they can prevent the murder from occurring in the first place. Plenty of folk net a sentence for carrying an offensive weapon in a public place, plenty of folk get caught via stop and search too. Mugger on the street looking for his next victim, gets hit with a stop and search. Bam arrested for possession of a knife. No muggings take place by the mugger that day. Mugger also now has previous so next time he's caught with one, the punishment can be harsher. Whilst you want the act of murder to be illegal, you don't want to actually rely upon the act of murder being the reason for the police involvement. See the USA, guy with rifle on his back wandering around Walmart = A-OK. Guy with rifle in his hands shooting people in Walmart = not OK. That slim difference doesn't leave much room for prevention of a more serious crime taking place.

[@Taeerom]

@@lmaoroflcopter The prblem is when these measures to stop actual crimes harm more otherwise innocent people. Someone forgetting to leave their knife at work before going to lunch is suddenly a criminal. Or someone that didn't know how to properly form the argument that their knife is necessary for their camping trip. Or someone that just bought a knife and continued shopping rather than going straight home with it. All criminals now. Even though none of them never were about to mug or stab anyone. Their only offence is carrying a knife.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

@@Taeerom I think you'll find that's down to the courts to decide. All those people have to do is answer the question why they are carrying a knife. Which in my opinion (and thankfully that of the law lords) is the right level of checks and balances.

[@Taeerom]

@@lmaoroflcopter Exactly, you'll have to drag people to court for offenses no normal person would consider wrong. I don't know if you've ever been in trouble with the police, but let me tell you, even if you are completely innocent, and the court agrees, you'll still have a lot of shit to deal with. Late for work "Oh, I got stopped by the police and I'm facing a weapons charge", is not a very good excuse. Even if you're innocent. And that's not counting those that won't know how or have the resources to fight it. They'll be pressured by the cops to accept the fine on the spot, so that they can just go on with their life. Then, it doesn't matter if they have a good reason, it only matters if the cop thinks they do. It is a very privileged position to think that there are no issues with having to prove your innocence in court. Not to mention that you obciously don't give a fuck that these court hearings will drain resources better spent otherwise. That's your tax money financing figuring out whether someone needs to pay a 1000 pounds fine. If you saw the video, then it is clear that they don't just have to answer why they are carrying a knife. They need a legally good reason for carrying the knife. Any of the examples I listed, would make these people criminals, since none of them have a legally good reason. They might have an answer, but if that answer is "I need it for work later", then they are a criminal. Because they don't need it now, they need it later. Until then, they should store their knife safely at work or at home. A lot of workplaces do not have a safe way to store weapons, so they are legally required to go home to leave their knife there if they are to leave their workplace. You know as well as I do that nobody would ever do that. It is thoroughly a stupid notion. But that is what the law requires. You can't go into a kebab shop, or a convenience store carrying a knife. Even when you work across the street and you are there to buy your lunch.

[@lmaoroflcopter]

@@Taeerom not quite. Simply forgetting is sufficient. How do I know? I've done it. You've written war and peace without even any experience of what actually happens. I tell you what I did in fact to give you some context that appears to be much needed. I walked into a crown court as a witness for the prosecution attempting to prosecute a group of individuals with ABH, Assault, Battery and Affray. I was the victim of the case in fact. As you walk in, you get to go through a metal detector and unthinkingly I emptied my coat pockets and what should be in there but a locking Stanley knife I had been using for work earlier that day. I got manhandled, taken aside, searched further and given some rather stern wording and some questions were asked, and yes I pretty much shit myself throughout this process, but they saw reason and I surrendered it to the police who were questioning me and I went on to the waiting room to be heard in court.