UK Police Advice: Law on Locking Knives & Curved Swords in the UK (Offensive Weapons Act 2019)

[@scholagladiatoria]

Thank you for watching. This video is intended to help the current mess, and to be useful for police staff. Please don't use the comment space to abuse the police, or to discuss international weapon laws and rights. This is supposed to be a bridge-building and diplomatic video, which will hopefully be useful.

[@arnijulian6241]

I don't appreciate the police as they purposely stay out of my area! Last time I sighted a police fells he was on a bicycle & purposely crossed the street to avoid vagrants loitering. You can ring for them when the gangs have shiv in 2 to 4 times a year on the block but they won't show up till after the collateral. The police are utterly useless & spend more time after non existent crimes then real one because they cowards with a mandate of arrest's to fill. Easier to confiscate items, harass the public, fine & granny state to get an arrest then go after actual criminals. Amount of police that tried arresting me for hate speech, but I hate every one as a misanthrope so no claim can stick because I kind of hate my self as well,

[@theodoresmith5272]

No ask people to call parliament and end this crap.

[@theodoresmith5272]

Seems like this is a fishing expedition to see what happens when the take a crumb of the cookie that is our freedom and in a way to... I dont know how to say it but some hate history/there own country and would like to see less people into its history?

[@lyooyiylklykyokyklky]

Great video - I think it's a great shout for us to be engaging with law enforcement and law makers to make sure our employment and hobbies remain safe, and education is easily accessible so they can be better informed about who we are and what we do.

[@johndemaria9408]

You would think the police whether in UK or here in the US would explain clearly like you did to avoid all this mess. Swords of good quality that are in the antique range are very expensive. To have it taken away by whim , can be more devastating emotionally more than financially because of what it might have taken to purchase it. Excellent explanation

[@97wolffang]

In regards to the law being difficult to understand, more people should readily accept that the law hasn't been written with the express purposes of being clear and understood. Governments love vague and broad laws for a multitude of reasons.

[@soonerfrac4611]

Every time I hear about these laws I truly thank God that I live here in the States, and more specifically, in a free state. That allows and encourages me to carry for utility and protection.

[@97wolffang]

@@bigredwolf6 sounds more like heaven to me lol

[@MrBottlecapBill]

The purpose is open ended seizure without consequences. They want the weapons gone. Period.

[@Treblaine]

It's always strange when they have a government representative on the radio they repeat "these laws are clear and easy to understand" over and over again like a mantra without any basis.

[@georgehh2574]

@@soonerfrac4611 America, free? It always seems in the USA, that the more free some people are, the less free others are.

[@cassandranoice1563]

"They've got curved swords!" Formerly random Nord in Whiterun. Currently constables in England.

[@bigmanbarry2299]

CURVED. SWORDS

[@PartTimeGoblinSlayer]

Well apparently whiterun guards typically deal with petty theivery and drunken brawls or finding lost sweetrolls. They just don't know how to deal with curved swords. I guess that's why they don't like redguards.

[@Likexner]

Cuckstables

[@orangutangarama9870]

@@PartTimeGoblinSlayer yeah that's why

[@bradleyhollon6085]

Have you meet jorland graymain?

[@bloochoo2870]

The law on locking knives is ridiculous! The blade locks for SAFTEY, the are literally called safety blades anywhere else in the world

[@nathanaelsmith3553]

I guess the logic surrounding our knife laws Is that being stabbed by a 3" blade is unlikely to be fatal and being stabbed with a non locking folding blade is less likely to be fatal as the blade might fold and hurt the assailant instead.

[@SuperFunkmachine]

Its a follow on from the ban of fixed blade knifes without good reason.

[@Likexner]

Surely its meant to be easily concealed in order to be used in assassinations!

[@MonkeyJedi99]

@@Likexner Pfaw. Use a spoon.

[@mr.nobody1081]

@@Likexner assassination by knife? maybe a few hundred years ago...

[@Wanderer_of_Sol]

As an American, I can't imagine not being allowed to carry a locking knife. When I was a child learning proper knife safety while camping, one of the first things my mother told me right after "Don't cut towards yourself or anyone else" was "knives with locks are always safer than knives without locks" and I was strictly forbidden from owning any non-locking knifes, or knives with shoddy locks. So many accidental closes happen when using non-locking blades. It's absolutely ridiculous that people who want to use a knife are forces to us the most unsafe readily available option in the name of safety.

[@dynamicworlds1]

There are really poorly-written and insufficiently thought-out knife laws everwhere, even in the US. They're usually at the municipality level, here though. In some places in the US blade laws are pretty loose. In others they're strangely restrictive (though the UK is known for exceptionally strict knife laws). In still others they're disturbingly ambiguous. Be aware of your local laws in the US.

[@kswindl]

@@dynamicworlds1 Yes, and then you need to think of city vs county vs state, and if you're in a "state park" vs a "national forest." Absolute shit-show.

[@dynamicworlds1]

@@kswindl yeah, personally, I wish they'd just make cut/stab resistant uniforms standard for police so the authorties could stop being quite so twitchy about blades, but that's a whole other conversation. I'm just encouraging people to always check local laws. Don't presume anything makes sense. In some places knives, battons, tasers, shuriken, nunchucks, etc can be more far restricted than guns. Like going through an airport, a lot of it is just security theater to make it look like something is being done but that doesn't mean that you can apply logic to assume "well, if I'm allowed X I must be allowed Y" or "there's no was Z could be seen as a weapon" and have any confidence that will conform to any of the legal jurisdictions you're in, much less all of them. Always verify because sometimes the rules are totally arbitrary, but "this law is pointless nonsense" won't help you in court.

[@dme7689]

Scariest knife I've owned... and I own a lot... was my boy scout folding knife. That thing had no lock and snapped closed like a bear trap. I should say that I never made it past cub scouts, don't want to be accused of stolen valor.

[@Wanderer_of_Sol]

@@dynamicworlds1 Oh yeah, knife laws in the US are probably some of the worst written laws I've seen. Like, I'm currently living in New Jersey, which has dramatically different knife laws than other states I've lived in. But also I noticed some fun things like no mention of legal blade length, no definitions of the banned weapons, and the terms used in the laws (namely "Dagger" and "Dirk") are basically defined as "whatever the court feels like they mean on that particular day. Where some other states will at least have the decency of defining a "dagger" as "any fixed bladed knife of X blade length and above, that is sharpened on both edges of the blade." In NJ a fillet knife can be considered a "dagger" if the fish and game warden really wants to ruin your day. Which leads me to another thing Matt said. Do police in the UK not intentionally want to cause costs and damages to the people? He mentions that things cause transactional costs for everyone involved. In the US our cops have quota of tickets to write and fines to give out, and they typically don't even care if it'll be thrown out in court because they'll never see repercussions personally, and generally the people pay more than the state loses, so it's profitable to just mess with the citizens :/

[@UtahSustainGardening]

I work at a US hospital that has a ban on weapons, and every single maintenance worker has a locking blade supplied by the hospital. Locking blades are important safety tools for us.

[@neoaliphant]

Probably because hospitals would realise the injuries caused by weak hinged non locking knives, i always use locking multitool knife, been injured too often, and im not going leave in car, i would forget it when i need it, no know when need for going to see client on a job. ( im in UK)

[@David0lyle]

@@neoaliphant too right!! I’m certain the emergency room sews up lacerated fingers from non locking blades a few times a day.🙄

[@johnhermann7498]

@@grievuspwn4g3 Wait... So the UK Health and Safety Executive recognizes that locking blades are Safer but you can't legally carry one outside of work?

[@Evergreen1400]

My dad works at a hospital that doesn’t allow knives or anything. The obviously have security there but I told my dad to talk to his head of security and to ask him what their plan is for an armed individual in the hospital and the security is instructed to try and help people locate the exit but their supposed to leave the hospital and meet up across the street so the security is instructed to run from the problem. Ever since my dad learned that he’s been bringing a knife to work. I also made him a monkey fist paracord necklace that has a 1oz lead musket ball in the middle of the monkey fist it won’t set off metal detectors or be attracted to magnetic machines he can use that as a last resort weapon

[@neoaliphant]

@@johnhermann7498 you can carry on you while carrying out work, or camping etc. but if you are tarvelling then you are supposed to leave in safe container. people have been arrested for having boxcutter knife in glovebox, or even dropped by accident down the side of car seat/doorwell. So if youre camping, while travelling to campsite/woods etc the knife needs to be buried in bag out of site, not on belt or pocket, and taken out when you get there. so if youre walking where you may encounter members of public, you cant have knife on in an accesible way. which is an issue if risk of losing backpack etc and being without anything is an issue. if youre travelling to clients house, and stop to go in to shop for food, having leatherman on belt would be a problem, but the right police officer might let it slide.

[@gamer85p]

Have experienced a police misunderstanding first hand, had most of my collection seized and had to take it to the crown courts to get it all back. Glad that the mistake was rectified and I got it all back

[@scholagladiatoria]

Sorry that you had to go through that.

[@Candlemancer]

And they wonder why more and more law abiding citizens hate their guts, when they spend more time trying to hurt us than actually policing real crime.

[@zolikoff]

Kinda funny though that the responsibility is on you, while police will not face any sort of consequences for not knowing how to apply the law properly. You struggle for a year or two through courts, and by the end of it they just have to say "sorry our bad, here's them stuff back!".

[@Spetulhu]

@@zolikoff Aye, but then again the police might fear being put on report if they aren't being thorough. Or they might even be protesting unclear directions by some so-called "malicious compliance".

[@Likexner]

Did you get any compensation?

[@johnstuartkeller5244]

Heartening to hear this argument; disheartening to have to hear it. Thank you, Matt.

[@JackBlack-gh5yf]

Probably falling on deaf ears unfortunately. I had some knives taken from my house about 10 years ago. No charges were ever brought. Half the items taken 'went missing', and it took me 3 years to have the other items returned. The police are a law unto themselves.

[@LOCATIONREDACTED]

If you were very wealthy, they would have had them back to you within a few days.

[@Ve-suvius]

They act like the mafia. Many cops steal what they find on people. This is well known. There are good people among the police force. But there are also quite a few who love to misuse the badge, because their morals aren't as it should be. And that's pretty bad . The cop becomes the rapist so to speak.

[@G-Mastah-Fash]

I hope a cosa nostra forms because of this. The police deserve the headache.

[@killaken2000]

True. Seizing things that aren't illegal is not a mistake. They simply don't care and never will.

[@granddukeofmecklenburg]

The UK is a pathetic state...your laws are so far beyond absurd, it's hard to believe it even exists.

[@RVMTube]

Remember kids, always blame the object (the inanimate object), never the assailant. The assailant we protect and their motivations, intentions and identity we hide and protect. Another law that oppresses and alienates law abiding private individuals and does nothing to prevent crime.

[@GunChronicles]

Exactly. Why punish individuals when the powers that be can take advantage of the situation and demonize inanimate objects that they don't won't the general population to have access to. Remember people, kings and tyrants prefer unarmed peasants.

[@timogul]

Inanimate objects are not people, they have no rights to protect. Punish people who commit crimes wherever possible, but if you can keep innocent weapons out of those mean criminals hands in the first place, you can stop crimes _before_ they happen.

[@timogul]

@Eric Nunya The UK violent crime rate is tracked differently than in the US, they consider things like bar fights to be a "violent crime," whereas the US does not. Most importantly, their crime rate did not go UP in any significant way when they banned guns, so the idea that "guns keep crime down" is definitely wrong.

[@BlastedKat]

As an American I can't wrap my head around this. In high school practically even one of us had a knife in our pocket or in a case on our belt. In my four years of high school there was not a single problem.

[@timogul]

@@BlastedKat Yes, knives typically are not a problem, and "knife control" is typically only raised as a bad faith whataboutism against gun control. Guns, on the other hand _are_ a very serious problem.

[@danioshea]

This is something that - as someone who makes and sells knives and axes, which sometimes need posting to the customer - I come up against fairly often. For example, in the service you mention - ParcelForce - their "general prohibitions" show bladed items (including swords, scissors, kitchen knives, etc.) as "cannot be sent". There is no mention of an exception to this on an age-verified service, and that service isn't listed in the sending options (I presume it's something you select as part of another service). I've also had the Post Office/Royal Mail who DO allow knives and other items to be posted refuse me at the counter, pointing to a large picture of a knife on their "Weapons" category, as some sort of proof that knives cannot be sent. The picture of the knife was of a Bowie knife, which CAN BE SENT under their rules! It's baffling.

[@scholagladiatoria]

With a Parcelforce Business Account you arrange with them the things you will be sending. You can send firearms and ammunition with Parcelforce, if that's what you have arranged with them under your Business Account agreement. It's a good service and I have never had any problems with them.

[@zoiders]

Last time I sent a parcel I did not have to answer a single question as to the contents?

[@morriganmhor5078]

Tried to obtain specific moon clips - completely harmless - from US and GB to no avail. It´s somehow a weapon??

[@zoiders]

@@morriganmhor5078 Ammunition component from another country? yeah good luck with that. 😂

[@kez0o9]

@@morriganmhor5078 I was told it's illegal to import any weapon components from the us to uk I tried buying a metal stock for a deactivated uzi I once owned

[@charliedurnford3277]

“A man's natural rights are his own, against the whole world; and any infringement of them is equally a crime, whether committed by one man, or by millions; whether committed by one man, calling himself a robber, (or by any other name indicating his true character,) or by millions, calling themselves a government.” - Lysander Spooner

[@M.M.83-U]

Natural rights do not exist. Right exist by law only.

[@dlmiller7873]

Yes. The more people understand that, the more freedom humanity will enjoy.

[@datpolakmike]

Isn't it fun when police enforce their whims instead of the law? And that's to say nothing of how objectively pointless laws can sometimes be

[@atom8248]

@Edohiguma quit what?

[@Metatropian]

Sometimes? Try virtually always.

[@4hedgesfamily]

I have a lot of friends who are LEOs (Law Enforcement Officers). On the whole, most law enforcement people are pretty decent, men and women who volunteer to do an often thankless job where people are pissed off when they show up. I won't deny there are some with very heavy badges who abuse their authority. Either way, they are all human, and subject to human error. And sometimes they are misinformed, which is why I hope they'll take Matt's advice to heart.

[@Leftyotism]

One time I forgot to check the new weapon law changes, and they took away my locking one-handed-opening knife, and then sent me a letter that it will get destroyed. Even though I was allowed to own it legally at home, I should have gotten it back. Thank goodness it was only a cheap knife back then. And of course they didn't file any charges. I guess I should have felt lucky that I didn't get any charges but "only" the knife would be destroyed. Or maybe it just fell under "too little to put in the work" and "being missinformed". I can't honestly tell, maybe a mixture of both. lol

[@datpolakmike]

@@4hedgesfamily that's a false pretense. Being misinformed and "human error" has nothing to do with it. There's been far too much overt malice and authoritarianism expressed by police for me to be willing to accept that excuse anymore.

[@karllambert2350]

When laws are illogical , they should be removed.

[@scholagladiatoria]

I agree. Having worked as a civil servant for many years, we enacted policy based on evidence. But UK law doesn't seem to work like that - it seems rarely based on evidence, and once enacted it seems to rarely be assessed for effectiveness. If a policy doesn't work, then it should be corrected or reversed, but that barely ever happens in UK law as far as I can see.

[@JamesBiggar]

They should be disobeyed first and foremost, otherwise they're legitimized. The only authority anyone really has over you is what you relinquish.

[@ExtraVictory]

@@JamesBiggar I'm assuming you're an American citizen like me, since you seem to be making a libertarian type of argument. Well as Americans we have the right to own and often carry concealed firearms. And yet criminals don't have those rights lol. Do you really want to disobey the law for no reason and put your ability to defend yourself with lethal force into jeopardy? I was born in Japan, born abroad, in a country where about 15 people die from gun violence every year. In a country of 130 million, it just doesn't happen. Maybe it's possible to take a risk like that in a country where nobody else has guns either. But it just seems really stupid to me to intentionally disobey a law just to make a point and potentially put yourself at the mercy of everyone else around you who will still have the ability to carry and own guns. At that point what's your plan? Continue to carry and own guns now that you're a criminal and risk even more, like your freedom? That seems to be a death spiral. Just obey the law lol.

[@Leftyotism]

They definately should! But who would do it? Politicians usually want to be popular with the masses, in order to be able to make decicions. And the so called masses, well I don't want to get startet on that.

[@fatpad00]

But think of the children! /s

[@spinningdragontao]

Beware: One of my students was prosecuted for a Tai Chi Chuan straight sword aka Jian/ Gim. He had been practising his sword form in a quiet area of meadow near a forest. A member of the public had seen him and reported it to the police. They would not listen to his protests that it wasn't a curved sword and even though he got a weapons expert testimony he still ended up with a caution to save him going to court as his solicitor told him they'd convict him. It is crazy that in China you can have these swords and broadswords plus other weapons and they are very serious about law and order but here "in the Free West" such a thing will lead to a criminal conviction.

[@knightmareza9478]

As much of a mess as my country is, at least in south africa the law for melee weapons is that you can have whatever you want just don't harm or threaten people with them. Kind of necessary considering how many different cultures here use various spears and effectively swords as part of their traditions and culture.

[@ShuRugal]

The West has always been exactly the same amount of "Free" as the DPRK is "Democratic"

[@Kumari_44]

In a country where at an alarming rate, kids are stabbing up other kids with zombie knives like its a game of gta… are you really surprised about the changes to the laws?!

[@ShuRugal]

@@Kumari_44 ah yes, "We don't want to hold people accountable for their actions, so we're going to make their possessions illegal and pretend that solves the problem." always a timeless classic.

[@Shyhalu]

@@knightmareza9478 That is only law because your government is pushing the masses of brainlets to commit genocide against its immigrant white and Indian suburbs.

[@citizenoftheninthdivision]

"Please sir, if it please the crown, could I possibly use a butter knife for me toast?"

[@Jacob-W-5570]

In the mean time the pictuer of the queen cutting a cake with a sword keeps going round the internet. It's a kitchen tool officer I promise!

[@andrewnorris7642]

You can't make this shit up

[@robertpatter5509]

Them: No. Use a toothpick Also them: That's a toothpick rapier!

[@thenoblepoptart]

To us it might sound draconian, but for them its just another chewsday

[@charliemeade8642]

I guess taking vegetable peelers off old people doesn't do it for them anymore.

[@DavidNefelimSlayer]

Your finger and toe nails and teeth are dangerous, your fingers may lend themselves to holding instruments of blunt force or other traumas, they should be seized immediately.

[@ukmediawarrior]

Because its a well known fact that the majority of knife crimes in the UK are done by samurai swords, right? I mean they blend in so well, no one would ever know your carrying one. Ok, I know there have been idiots who have attacked people with a sword, but if you compare those to people who die by say, a kitchen knife, or an axe, or anything else you can buy legally at a DIY store or through Amazon, then they become inconsequential. It boggles the mind that the police spend so much time on this rather than actual crimes taking place. If you need a police officer when something is happen good luck on that after they keep you on the 999 call for half an hour as they try to find a police car willing to take the call!!!

[@fuckgoogle2554]

Or, you know, people who die by cars and trucks. Is the government going to ban these too?

[@vorynrosethorn903]

The katana and the machete are particularly the only two you will ever see outside of the humble kitchen knife. The katana because it is the most prominent sword in popular culture and appeals to nobheads (which most gang members are) and the criminally insane (the law came in when a nutter tried to kill an MP with one, occasionally they are seen in the most batshit gang skirmishes and a terrorist attacked police with one a few years back). The machete because it's brutal, cheap and something which doesn't draw much heat to own (unless you live in a flat without garden access or like posing for photos on social media with it) or buy.

[@jasonbrody8724]

Pretty much word for word argument against gun control in the US

[@ukmediawarrior]

@@jasonbrody8724 You have a point, but that would be like saying 90% of the British public own a samurai sword for protection, which they don't. Also a gun, of any type, can kill multiple people at range and quite easily whereas you have to catch your victim to hurt them with a sword. Gun control in the States is out of control despite the constant mass shootings.

[@Leftyotism]

And as if a ciminal would give a damn about carrying a legal knife anyways. -.-

[@robertmiller2831]

I believe seizing something that is legal to own is called theft wether it is seized by police or civilians.

[@docstockandbarrel]

Law isn’t concerned with facts.

[@DjDolHaus86]

If they give you a receipt and a legal means to reacquire your possessions then it's not theft, it's kind of like the difference between taxes and racketeering

[@pestisthebestspaghettikeys6944]

@@DjDolHaus86 So if I go into a shop and take a TV without paying and leave a little note telling them to come fight me in court to see who should have it, that's okay?

[@DjDolHaus86]

@@pestisthebestspaghettikeys6944 If I stab you with a scalpel can I get away with saying I was performing emergency surgery? No, because I'm not a doctor.

[@pestisthebestspaghettikeys6944]

@@DjDolHaus86 Just proving my point buddy, without a genuinely acceptable reason to do things to other people, it is wrong. Taking someones personal belongings before ensuring they are actually a bad person/shouldn't have those things is not a morally correct thing to do.

[@Boatswainbill]

Self defense is a human right. Having access to the best self defense tools is a human right.

[@theaccount628]

UK doesn’t agree with you. Neither did the Founding Fathers of the United States. And neither do I!

[@tannergeldert7705]

I am confused are they just going to people's houses to confiscate, or is it more like they are there for unrelated reasons then find the knives and swords and then confiscate them? As an American (and longtime viewer of you content) every time i watch one of your videos on UK laws pertaining to weapons and such, it is always strange and frustrating to me what you guys have to go through.

[@alec4025]

I would imagine its happening during shipping at the post office or wherever else. Police wont just randomly walk into your house and go ooh a knife

[@AntonGully]

@@alec4025 Yet.

[@zoiders]

Its not happening at all. Just how do they know what you ordered? even if customs open a parcel they are not known for retaining legal knives. I think Matt is being bullshitted by people who were actually visited for other reasons. Very likely probationers or people on licence who are obliged to disclose internet browsing history.

[@zoiders]

@@alec4025 That requires a warrant. So no its not happening with Royal Mail or Parcel Force.

[@cazador1022]

They deserve it, they are subjects of the crown

[@hattyfarbuckle]

I have also worked for the UK Civil Service and seen appeal and financial decisions made that don't follow the law because the training and guidance doesn't follow the law. I expect in many cases UK police officers are assuming the directions from senior officers have a legal basis or don't want to rock the boat.

[@scholagladiatoria]

I have personally had an exchange with a young police officer who had been told something completely wrong by his superior. He thanked me for the clarification.

[@Leftyotism]

Kinda sad how citizens are supposed to read the law, but officers are seemingly just supposed to take orders.

[@wulfgreyhame6857]

I use a device capable of causing massive injury or death on a daily basis. Nobody stops me. Apart from traffic lights obviously.

[@zumbazumba1]

Thats why they have metal detectors and car barriers in germany for cristmas fairs .Cultural enritchment!

[@Regolith86]

The Nice, France terrorist attack with a truck still has a higher body count than any mass shooting in the US. That includes the Las Vegas shooting.

[@davidradich9342]

Anything can be a weapon. The most deadly is the human mind.

[@Lemonjellow]

Technically the light doesn't stop you, just your willingness to not risk the consequences of running it. Ie. Wreck, death, ticket...

[@danielskipp1]

For the record: UK Customs and Police forced me [by plea bargaining with another "offence"] to confess to importing an automatic "flick knife" when it was a legal-to-import and possess folding lock knife with flipper and thumb stud that gets sold by the score in the UK every day. No surprise the police were utterly ignorant of the law and didn't give a damn that they had zero evidence of it actually being a flick knife, not even a picture. Contemptible.

[@kevinmorrice]

your nowhere near the first person to take issue with the police here, so just get in line

[@jeffprice6421]

Never ever plea. You take the b urden of proof of the police when you do that, and you are admitting guilt...

[@danielskipp1]

@@jeffprice6421 Seems like you don't appreciate how and why plea bargaining works. They threaten a greater charge for something you will be convicted of if you don't confess to a lesser charge.

[@BeetleBuns]

@@danielskipp1 if they could actually convict you of the greater charge, they wouldn't be bargaining with you my dude

[@kevinmorrice]

@@BeetleBuns had a buddy got arrested for buying a machete, police said it was "a dangerous weapon" but my buddy was a farmer and bought it to clear overgrown bushes to ready a field for sheep. he appealed the charge, and got 6 months for "perjury" judge said "only reason anyone would need a machete is to attack someone"

[@canadianeh4792]

There need to be serious consequences for police officers who seize property illegally, even if it is just a result of ignorance.

[@olympusentertainment2638]

Isn't it that ignorance of the law doesn't exclude you for being punished.

[@OutOfNamesToChoose]

Theft is usually a punishable crime. Theft while in a uniform should be considered even worse; a form of corruption.

[@dashcammer4322]

Hanging would deter this kind of PC Plod behavior.

[@Candlemancer]

They should lose their jobs immediately and be barred from working so much as supermarket security. Police officers don't get to be ignorant of the law when it's literally their job, any illegal act they commit should *always* be treated as malicious.

[@SirKanti1]

Just an apology and re-training should be enough

[@arlen_95]

As always I'm deeply impressed by your calm rationality, professionalism, and assumption of good faith! You're speaking to police and presuming that they were well intentioned but simply misunderstood various technical aspects of the law. And you're pointing out how wrongful seizure isn't only a problem for the owner of the locking knive(s) and/or curved sword(s) but it also presents a host of challenges to police, from time and money wasted to damaging community trust. If you just started trashing the police for their wrongful seizure then they wouldn’t listen to you and the problem would persist. But your professional communication strategy is the best way to correct a false assumption and address the issue. Keep up the great work!

[@Simon_Nonymous]

well said Arlen.

[@beachday4439]

With the high number of officers who have to be retrained on new laws to uphold. They probably just watched a brief PowerPoint slideshow on the new edged weapon law. Spending the time and money to sit down and retrain any type of large workforce is bound to have a large number of people misunderstand it.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes. I did not state this in the video, but I have seen police training materials that listed 'lock knives' as prohibited illegal weapons. Which is wrong. Someone got their facts confused and then issued that advice to various police forces around the country.... In any other industry, that would definitely lead to someone high up losing their job.

[@fatpad00]

Police misunderstand the law? "Oops. Sorry, we already melted it." And yet if the common citizen misunderstands the law? "Throw the book at em. Ignorance is no excuse!" Welcome to the police force, where our standards are so high, they've doubled!

[@daniel-zh9nj6yn6y]

Just give them photos of legal/illegal items, with a ✅ or a 🚫

[@MorgenPeschke]

I really don't want this to come across as condescending, and I acknowledge that it's probably going to, but it's really not meant to: As an American watching this, your utter faith in the goodness of the system was kind of adorable.

[@jarkkovahamaa7272]

Systems are different in different countries. Many countries have good systems. I have never lived in either America so can't comment on those.

[@lukedaniel7669]

The video's aimed at police officers who want to interpret the law correctly. Pissing off those officers is highly unlikely to make them listen to what he's trying to say.

[@cargo_vroom9729]

Yeah this. To the extent that I have trouble believing Matt believes that the police are actually well intentioned. Saying they are seems performative, a polite flattery no one believes. The actual arguments he presents are that their lives will be easier and involve less paperwork if they don't oppress people.

[@tevarinvagabond1192]

@@lukedaniel7669 they aren't listening anyway, lmao.

[@Child_of_the_lie]

Shut up then, lol

[@SigurdStormhand]

The thing is, almost every folding pocket knife has a simple flat spring that locks the blade so you don't cut yourself. My father actually had one without a spring-lock and it was a certified finger nipper when you put your thumb on the back of the blade.

[@TF_NowWithExtraCharacters]

I do hope more people see this video. Not because of the topic (which is ultimately UK-focused), but the approach. If you want to see what a genuine attempt at opening conversation looks like, this is a good example.

[@jmbsoutho]

*UK Police watching this video* ... background full of offensive curved swords...hmmm...*adds to visit list*

[@RamsesTheFourth]

Im glad we don't have any knife restricting laws like this in my country. Not that I own any swords,... but I can if I want to:)

[@zolikoff]

There should be a public push/advocacy to remove restrictions on existing things. Otherwise, if you only ever fight against the introduction of new restrictions, eventually the anti-people push through, bit by bit. If you have any kind of laws that restrict anything that is a "weapon" or "dangerous tool", unless you fight to remove them, you will find yourself with knives made illegal too. Once the precedent is there they will just use it for more restrictions. So, if eg. gun ownership is restricted in your country, you should think about what can be done to undo that. Seriously.

[@skepticalbadger]

So can we in the UK. The only restriction is on curved blades over a certain length, and the 'traditionally made' exemption, while vague, means you can buy basically anything.

[@Regolith86]

Where do you live? Because if it's in the US, there are a lot of dumb knife laws, but it's state by state. New York for instance has some really dumb knife laws, and the police in New York City are notorious for interpreting the laws far more broadly than warranted. Many states have laws that ban or restrict the carry of knives like switchblades, daggers, dirks, sword canes, etc. I'm lucky to live in one of the few states that has pretty much no ownership restrictions, and very few carry restrictions (basically, carry what you want, but if it's a "restricted" knife like an automatic knife or dagger it can't be concealed).

[@dynamicworlds1]

@@Regolith86 often municipality-by-municipality even.

[@RJLbwb]

@@Regolith86 the laws on nunchucks just have to be the silliest. One of my friends was almost arrested once coming back from camping because some dimwit sheriff's deputy though his three legged, collapsing camp stool was "that be deadly numchucks' " Apparently US police goes by movies for what are the naughty weapons when lobbying for weapon restriction laws.

[@ktoth29]

What gets me is when my local park ranger tells me I'm not allowed to practice in public, with a plastic waster that is clearly not a sword. And I live in a state where it is perfectly legal to carry a concealed handgun in that same park without a permit.

[@hirsutuscanis]

America is world amirite? There are no other countries only other states.

[@WessexBladesHandMadeKnives]

The hours I spent writing to the Home Secretary(both of them...) the Post Office etc during the consultation of this act, I even got the knife icon changed to a machine pistol on the Post Office "Weapons" sections as knives/scissors are "restricted" not "prohibited" and the counter staff always looked up "a knife" on their icon help sheet and placed "knife" as "weapon" therefore BANNED!!! I had to get this sorted just so the whole "delivery to a home address" notion had a chance of being saved and between yourself and others such as me busting our balls trying to defend fixed blades, folding knives, sabres, katanas, machetes, from being not just being unable to be posted to a home address but also getting made illegal in a nanny state knee jerk, but lately it is the "import" problem where UK Border Force open any and everything (banggood, aliexpress and Ganzo etc) so a lock knife being imported is "not allowed to carry" so it gets seized, then they get the Police to call around, then they can photo a table of surrendered and seized lock knives along with the pizza cutters, cheese knives and froes and claim they're saving lives. Keep on fighting the good fight Matt, as there are always people out there who misread, misunderstand or don't know what they are on about but are in positions of power and won't be told.

[@MonkeyJedi99]

You don't NEED a knife, axe or machete. Do all your cutting with a herring! (According to a documentary I saw on King Arthur)

[@WessexBladesHandMadeKnives]

@@MonkeyJedi99 haha, or indeed your 'sharp ' wit, 😄

[@Rikortez]

What a joke of a country.

[@dp0004]

The laws to cover the fears of others is impossible.

[@rbrpvk9166]

A deterrent example of what laws and police practices are not supposed to look like

[@garywheeley5108]

If you want a deterrent how about stadium someone to death you hang no if no buts......no your out in someone cases 10/12 years....

[@garywheeley5108]

Stabbing ###

[@AndyColglazier]

Well, good luck speaking truth to power.

[@Ve-suvius]

That's how things like the Mafia come to life: "The Mafia, a network of organized-crime groups based in Italy and America, evolved over centuries in Sicily, an island ruled until the mid-19th century by a long line of foreign invaders. Sicilians banded together in groups to protect themselves and carry out their own justice. In Sicily, the term “mafioso,” or Mafia member, initially had no criminal connotations and was used to refer to a person who was suspicious of central authority. By the 19th century, some of these groups emerged as private armies, or “mafie,” who extorted protection money from landowners and eventually became the violent criminal organization known today as the Sicilian Mafia. The American Mafia, which rose to power in the 1920s, is a separate entity from the Mafia in Italy, although they share such traditions as omerta, a code of conduct and loyalty." If the authorities start to take away rights of the people. What are the people supposed to do? Act like slaves? I'm not supporting the Mafia. But there's a limit to what the law enforcers can do without having negative effect on the people. Action = reaction.

[@Likexner]

The government is basically just the most powerful gang occupying a certain territory.

[@MercutioUK2006]

Black Belt Barrister has some exacting videos on this subject...and he IS a lawyer. Worth checking out.

[@scholagladiatoria]

He has some very useful videos on knife law, but not on either of these issues as far as I have seen. I have suggested that we do a collaboration on this. Feel free to suggest it to him.

[@MercutioUK2006]

@@scholagladiatoria I'm sure he covers locking knives in one of his videos (may have been under self-defence but he does address the right to carry etc) but you're correct, nothing on curved swords. The fact that the likes of yourself have to make the offer to "educate" the Police is rather indicative of the murky state of the current laws. Hope some clarification is in order!

[@moreparrotsmoredereks2275]

"We have to apply common sense to these things." How long have you lived in the UK, Matt?

[@piotrmalewski8178]

Common sense is that anyone will be far less eager to attack you with a knife, when they know you can pull out a knife as well. The current UK's law only serves criminals, leaving decent people defenceless.

[@MarkJones-el4gn]

I had a client with a sword stick at home it was surprising that the police and CPS never considered if it was an antique until a not guilty plea was entered and they obtained an expert report which placed it at over 100 years, and the case was discontinued

[@GjVj]

Working exactly as intended, feature not a bug, and all that. In case you haven't been paying attention for the last two years (to pick a timeframe totally at random) the ruling class is simply fucking with us, the plebs, at this point, and pretty much daring us to do something about it. Which is alarming. And, the fact that I may have to worry about a knock on the door for expressing my opinion in this way ought to tell you something about the state of this 'free' country. Anyway, changing the subject - rope is cheap, in plentiful supply, and has many interesting uses....

[@jcumber4341]

@@bigredwolf6 Who do you think the rope's for?

[@daniel-zh9nj6yn6y]

Not an exact quote, but a politician said something similar, when talking about the pandemic: ''...the positive is that we, the elites, have learned to cooperate more effectively''

[@jamesgurr7678]

I, for one, really appreciate the efforts you are going to to save our community (small as it is) of people who have an interest in edged tools whatever their legal purpose. I have a foot in two camps here as both a martial artist and a knife collector and enthusiast. It almost seems like border control seize whichever knives THEY might think are 'dangerous' willy nilly, without the buyer having much recourse to claim them back even if they are legal. It's an uphill battle, but as you said- we need to stick together on this one. Thanks again for being a voice of sanity in this mad situation. All the best, Jim

[@dimebagdarrel00]

"THEY HAVE CURVED SWORDS.... CUUUURVED SWOOORDS"

[@kacperwoch4368]

Meanwhile here in Poland you can buy all kinds of knives and swords on a almost every shopping mall.

[@zolikoff]

What's still needed is to have constitutional gun ownership too and then it's all fine.

[@jakekillify]

Did you hear about those Hoodlums from Manchester? They have Curved swords. Curved. Swords.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

Are you talking about the Peterloo Massacre?

[@knottheory79220]

I came looking for this, was not disappointed.

[@paulancill3872]

The assistant Chef Constable of either Wiltshire or Gloucestershire was on the local news points west some months ago and said that locking knives were completely illegal even in your own home!

[@andytopley314]

Everybody share this with their MP! If we all shout at once we have a greater chance of being heard.

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Matt: I am in the States. I still watched. Splendid video. Good info, simply explained, without talking down. Top marks

[@tonybell771]

I am still a little confused in respect of "assisted opening knives" and regarding curved swords, the defence you described relating to Martial Artists. With over 45 years of martial history under my belt it may not be surprising to learn I have over the years acquired various tools of the trade, none of which see the light of day anymore, all of which are now in off site storage. I understood we had the defence of martial practice under previous guises of the laws, but I cannot identify where that actual defence is under current Acts. Equally we sought clarification in respect of assisted opening knives (which your knife in the video could be mistaken for?).. As a high level practitioner I am one of those who does take his actions and teaching seriously but on this I have no defined answers, only vagueness. ( and I should add, our solicitor was no further help) Any takers for a referenced - plain English - answer?

[@nilo70]

Good afternoon Matt , and Cheers from California ! I read your pinned comment , makes sense to me. However , most of the comments did Exactly the opposite Ha ha ! “You can lead a horse to water , but you can’t make them drink”. Ain’t it the truth .

[@ThatGuysProject]

I've always seen most of the firearm and blade laws as being mostly useless laws that were only made so as to be soon to be doing something. They recently tried to sneak a restriction on .50 cal ammo and crossbows in a weapons bill after an acid attack. Collectors knives have been a sore topic for a while. As most knife crime is done with kitchen knives because they're the cheapest, most easily available and leave the same signature as most kitchen knives. As opposed to a unique one that would be left by say a curved blade. Not to mention self defence laws are deliberately a grey area.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Barrister here, great video! One rather important thing to add re curved swords. It is a defence to show that the sword was made before 1954 **OR** at **any other time using traditional methods of making swords by hand** Quote: _ a defence … to show that the weapon in question was made before 1954 or was made at any other time according to traditional methods of making swords by hand.]_

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

Happy to hop on as a guest if that would be useful to you?

[@prabshiro]

So basically any modern katana made of carbon steel or traditional steel is legal.

[@BlackBeltBarrister]

@@prabshiro It's the method, not the material that counts - but if it's good steel, chances are it's made properly.

[@prabshiro]

@@BlackBeltBarrister if you are a sikh. Are exempt from all of this ie. Curved swords even being japanese in origin. Seems so

[@ivanharlokin]

Excellent video, Matt. Any idea, what constitutes a "curved sword"? I'm thinking specifically about single edged examples (such as messers), which might be ostensibly straight, but the blade curves towards the tip.

[@inregionecaecorum]

The clue is in the word "messer" they are machetes, not swords, simples. I wonder if plod have ever tried to measure a garden sickle?

[@2bingtim]

Any curved blade 19" long or over. At least that was the measure when first bought in 2008.

[@bobstitzenberger1834]

I think a straight back would make it legal. Else almost all swords would be "curved swords"

[@gc2696]

You've literally saved my (modest) collection of folders & fixed blades I'm moving to the UK & was thinking I'd have to get rid of them. You know how attached we knife nuts can get .... and there is NO way I'd commit a crime with an expensive piece of cutlery ....😂😪🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@daniel-zh9nj6yn6y]

UK police could assign more patrols to dangerous areas, but they'd rather treat inanimate objects as if they have supernatural powers. I wonder what they would do if people started using rocks and socks.

[@КолаРашаЛукашук]

Non-realeted topic comment. Today, in my basement I found my wooden greatsword that I've made when I was younger and I swang it couple times remembering old times when me and my friends trained "fencing" with "grappling" but it was more a fun game. Then I thought that is not very convenient to swing zweihander in that small room, so I position my self in Ox guard, then in posta de fenestra and pflug guard, then I used half swording so I fought that best way to use that kind of weapon is to use it more like a spear. It would be interesting if you as a HEMA practitioner would pondered the subject of using long weapons such as spears, two handed swords, poleaxes or daneaxes in small spaces: corridors, tower stairs, or caves, mines, thick forrest for more fantasy setting. I think it might be interesting and fun to think 'bout it.

[@charliedurnford3277]

If an action doesn’t have a victim, it is a *natural right* . It doesn’t matter what some people write down and call ‘law’ “Since no individual acting separately can lawfully use force to destroy the rights of others, does it not logically follow that the same principle also applies to the common force (state force), which is nothing more than the organized combination of the individual forces?” - Frédéric Bastiat

[@davidmao6538]

Thank you for this video matt. We all appreciate your efforts 👌👏👏👏

[@jasondclark]

How many people will just decide it may not be worth it even if it is legal? After all, authoritarians never accidentally enforce non-existent laws, so it's probably a total accident. You all have my sympathies across the pond.

[@matthewkirk]

That's the point.

[@kriegerkeepbees5881]

I enjoyed this video. We love to visit your beautiful country. We call Texas home. I am a fifth generation Texan and my kids and first grandchild are sixth and seventh. We have an almost unlimited right to openly carry any weapon or firearm. It is sad to me that this is a problem in the UK. I am also a member of the Armored Combat Worldwide team and hope to come fight in the future in the UK. Best wishes sorting out this issue.

[@cargo_vroom9729]

Matt, they aren't going to give up a pretext to hassle people at will. Police don't do that voluntarily. It's one of the primary ways they operate, even if it's just a petty leverage and intimidation to secure some goal they actually care about. I understand you may feel you had to make the attempt for the record. But it's actually depressing me to think you're looking at a situation this convenient for them and believe this is all a misunderstanding that can be cleared up. Police only listen to the courts, and then under protest.

[@PhillipBicknell]

Matt, I'm fairly sure the kitchen knife brand you showed isn't generally to be found on the High Street :-) But I'm so glad you've made this video and promoted the topic, thank you.

[@robertgross1655]

🎩Hi, I’ve owned a small lock knife, under 3” blade for over 30 years. Mainly for my safety because when I was 11 I was whittling a piece of wood with a normal folding knife and the blade folded back on its self and cut my finger down to the bone.

[@Leftyotism]

I literally feel that! xD I also learned painfully as a young lad to never to push or drill a slipjoint-knife into something relatively hard. xD

[@BeetleBuns]

yup, I only use lockbacks for that very reason lol

[@ziggarillo]

Hmm, If you're in the UK its probably best not to advertise that. The consequences of being caught are potentially considerable. Possession of an article with blade or point in a public place: section 139 CJA (Either way, maximum term of 4 years imprisonment on indictment) This section applies to any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed except a folding pocketknife, unless the blade of the folding pocketknife exceeds 3 inches (7.62cm).

[@bobrobinson1576]

I have a large scar on my thumb where a non-locking knife closed up on me severing a tendon. Non-locking knives should be the illegal ones.

[@Ve-suvius]

Tri-Ad Lock for the win. Same reason I went as a kid from slip joints to locking knives. Nowadays I just carry a 9mm snap-off blade. To cut cardboard. It's work related. But also at home. And it's always on me, like the keys of my house.

[@nicholausbuthmann1421]

Thank You Good Sir For Laying Down The Letter of The Law For Everyone Involved !

[@Paracelsus93]

Simple question. Am I allowed to have an outdoor/bushcraft/survival knife when I'm camping in UK?

[@b-beale1931]

Depends who stops you, and what they think

[@Stigstigster]

To use one of Matt's favourite words, it depends on the context. But yes if you are outdoors doing outdoors things that require a bushcraft knife, fixed blade or locking folder, you would be able to give a lawful defence for its possession in public. It is unfortunately impossible to give a true, 100%, answer to your question because of context in which you are carrying or using it but out in the field whilst camping would be legal by the letter of the law. How any individual police officer would see it is another matter. That is indeed a problem and a hassle even if nothing ultimately comes of the situation.

[@Kraven83]

I suppose you should bring also a copy of the specific law that protects your right in that specific situation, in that specific context. Police have harder time if you are prepared with some written stuff. If they still object, require them to do so in writing and sign that declaration.

[@georgenewlands9760]

Probably legal while actively doing bushcraft tasks…the problem comes when you finish the task, put the knife in the sheath on your belt and go down to the local shop to buy supplies. Going into the shop with a knife on your belt, or even hiking on a public road could well be construed by the police as you not having a sufficiently good reason for carrying your knife, confiscating it and likely charging you with possession of an offensive weapon.

[@BeetleBuns]

@@georgenewlands9760 yea, they want you to instead leave it lying around somewhere where any kid could grab it and hurt themselves!

[@grahamwelby]

It can all depend on the context of the seizure. Speaking as a retired Police officer, I have seized legally held firearms from persons following domestic incidents and although this is catered for within the firearms act where a firearms licence holder must be a fit person to keep weapons, and this may not be the case when a highly charged and emotional situation may give cause to concerns about continued possession whilst the situation still exists, the same arguement could be made for bladed weapons. The Police often find themselves "damned if they do and damned if they don't", so the seizure of whatever potentially lethal weapon may be the safest course of action (to prevent any potentially serious offence) until the matter is resolved, be that at court or by other means. No Police officer wants to seize things unnecessarily as they have to both justify it and ultimately have a means of lawful disposal in due course. I recall many years ago that having a "samurai" sword hanging on your sitting room wall was virtually a fashion must-have for a certain type of person, but if it posed no real threat, that was fine. We'd still advise the owner on what not to do with it though!

[@awilson2385]

I keep hearing how the police "can't prevent crime", up to and including the cowards in Uvalde, yet when in a position to bully someone far too many cops will do so (Like seizing legally owned property) under the guise of "preventing" xyz from happening. I don't automatically assign some form of police mentality, though, it's societal. The police come from the same population pool as everyone else and we have fewer and fewer good people to choose from. And I am absolutely not one of the "defund the police" morons. We need them, we just need more of them to be better.

[@peach8685]

They need to keep ther noses out of our legal hobbies.

[@tzazosghost8256]

Many thanks for this video. It's really important that to try to clarify this matter for everyone.

[@David0lyle]

I find it all rather odd that the locking knives are considered particularly hazardous. If one were really anticipating violence a fixed blade would almost certainly be the first choice. Actually the inexpensive kitchen knives with a sturdy thick blade would really probably be more suitable for violence than any blade on any common multi tool that I know about. 🤔

[@timexplorer9708]

I think it's a consequence that once locked, they are effectively fixed blade knifes, but with the advantage that they can be nefariously concealed. But it doesn't practically make any sense when most are normal tool knives that would be useless as a weapon.

[@awilson2385]

Over here it's common practice for police forces to not hire anyone who scores too high on an intelligence test. I sincerely hope that is a problem unique to my country, and that your calm and rational attempt to improve things has a positive result in your country. Your frustration is evident, but you made a a well reasoned attempt to improve the situation that, even if it doesn't work, won't make it worse. Well done.

[@althesmith]

Now if I'm a bladesmith but not a reenactor, is the Damascus sabre I'm forging illegal for me to have in my shop upon completion of heat treatment, mounting the guard or peening down the end of the tang?

[@pluemas]

no, if its traditionally made (IE not CNC machined) its legal.

[@megadesu69]

@@pluemas Do you mind expanding on that? Are you saying I can in fact own a 'curved sword' here in England (without being part of a fencing club etc) as long as it's traditionally made (whatever that means)?

[@pluemas]

@@megadesu69 Yes. as per the 2019 act "There is also an exemption for swords with curved blades of 50cm or longer made before 1954 or those made at any time by traditional methods by hand."

[@megadesu69]

@@pluemas Awesome, thanks mate.

[@SuperFunkmachine]

@@pluemas is grinding a traditional method? stock removal has been used to make swords for a really long time.

[@danielmarshall4587]

The "Peelers" don't want the rank and file having any sharp things, and will take any and all opportunities to have such things off the public. Great video MANY THANKS.

[@robertmanson5922]

05:20 they will be after nail clippers now 🤣

[@carbon1255]

You think that's funny but you want to bet they haven't seized them?

[@TheAtomicCross]

Legal teams often consult experts when creating a defense. If anyone in the UK counts as an expert in edged items, pretty sure it's you.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Yes I have been contacted by lawyers for this - specifically in identifying whether a seized sword was antique or not.

[@MrCmon113]

@@scholagladiatoria Also in whether a sword is curved or not?

[@MarkSproson]

I am a retired builder and a retired Army officer. I have a few screwdrivers with 10 inch shafts, they can be so much more dangerous and deadly than a four or five inch folding knife. I have practiced in throwing these screwdrivers and have become very proficient. It is not the tool but the person behind the tool. Make the penalty suit the crime, you cannot reduce crime by banning tools

[@randyson9631]

av u got a loisens to be makin videos about the legality of curved swords?

[@keithhinke3277]

What curved swords do you fence with, sabers? I took fencing in high school and we used only foils with the tips padded and bent [to allow flexing]. I thought anything with a regular blade would be called sword fighting.

[@alexhunt7810]

Fencing *is* the technical term for sword fighting

[@NecroBanana]

Oi m8 u got a loicense for ur curved swords? Curved! Swords!

[@Flamewolf14]

big props on this video it was very reasonable and understanding of the polices side of this situation also interesting as someone in a different country hearing about other laws in places

[@yanhunt]

How would this relate to the Zombie knife laws? They refer to anything that may, or not be brightly coloured, that may or not have a serated blade - so an apple, a chair or a machete.

[@gentlemanzackp6591]

a friend bought a longsword form USA, he lives in Leicester UK. He got in trouble with customs and eventually the police for having a longsword. He keep commenting it is for decoration and HEMA only. He heven has a secure showcase and large safe (hunting safe) they had to remind him that the law was implemented a few years ago regarding all that. I really feel for him because he paid 2400+ USD total not counting the secure showcase and hunting safe. I am most certain there is a lobby combating that hare brained law. it took a few bad apples to ruin everything. :(

[@Treblaine]

It's only a matter of time before locking knives are banned simply because they can ban them with minimal resistance and the only reason kitchen knives aren't banned is because there will be resistance to such measures. There is a clear trend that may occasionally slow but it never ever reverses of: more and more restrictions on anything remotely dangerous. It will end up like living in a prison, where an inmate can only have any sort of tool if it's necessary for the work that's approved by the warden.

[@LupinYonderboy]

I work in the film and TV industry and carry to work, for use at work, and carry home again, a kife that has a locking blade of longer than 3 inches. This is totally legal. I do not carry it for any other reason than to and from work. I've been told many times by other crew members that they are illigal, they are not. Thanks for the video Matt, a very mis understood subject

[@thegeneral123]

Worth noting that it's cutting edge of 3 inches or less, not blade length. Regarding "street legal" knives in the UK. Must be non locking also. "Readily foldable at all times" The reason most people are getting visits about importing locking knives. Is that HM Customs are pushing for the angle of gravity knife based on the letter of the law. Which is open to interpretation that if you can flip or wrist snap open, it's a gravity knife.

[@JamesBiggar]

....that's the opposite of gravity. Maybe they need to repeat grade school...

[@thegeneral123]

@@JamesBiggar Sadly it's the wording of the legislation that is the issue. "any knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath thereof by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and which, when released, is locked in place by means of a button, spring, lever, or other device, sometimes known as a “gravity knife”," Taken literally, that's most locking folding knives. If you can wrist snap or flick a locking knife open, that's a gravity knife by the letter of the law.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

that sounds like a 1903 pattern bayonet with (sacrilege!) the first 9inches of blade ground square would be legal but it would be a long and expensive day in court I'm sure

[@thegeneral123]

@@hattyfarbuckle Incorrect, only applies to non locking folding knives.

[@hattyfarbuckle]

@@thegeneral123 thanks

[@GenStallion]

There is a similar law in parts of the states. In the state of New York, "gravity knives" are illegal. A "gravity knife " can and has at one point included ANY folding knife held by the blade and then mechanically accelerated with a flick of the wrist.

[@GenStallion]

@Jay M Exactly. It was a few years ago when they made that law, I'm unaware of any newer ambiguous law and what they are being aloud to get away with.

[@Daveed56]

I'd like to see unarmed UK Police trying to relieve the Royal Horse Artillery of their "curved swords".

[@setoredan]

Very interesting. Part of me wishes gov'ts would promote all citizens to learn and use a sword/dagger. Along with open carry of such blades. I'm just being fanciful. Thinking of when such items were part of a more "civilized" time. Seriously, this was very eye opening as someone from the US.

[@alanrogers8535]

I thought it was ok to own a "flick knife or gravity knife" as long as it was always kept indoors. I had one when i was a teenager (40 years ago) but i knew to never ever take it out side. Can any one advise on this. Also, what describes a collector ? Owning one sword but you intend to buy more ? Owning a minimum number of swords ?

[@WeaponCollector]

They are illegal own now, even in private property, the 19 items on the offensive weapons list plus 2 more are banned now.

[@scholagladiatoria]

Flick knives and gravity knives are illegal to buy, sell or OWN. Unless they meet a specific exemption, such as being used in a movie, or are antique. The collector question is irrelevant - being a collector or not a collector has no relation to UK law in this case.

[@pluemas]

No, it is now an offence to possess certain items such as flick knives or gravity knives, even in private. This was the main purpose of the 2019 law.

[@user-ue6iv2rd1n]

First they banned them but you could keep what you already owned, recently they totalled banned them look tough on crime.

[@alanrogers8535]

@@scholagladiatoria Thank you everyone for your replies.

[@lachlanjohnson9884]

I’m going to be doing a bicycle tour in the Uk and Europe next year and I carry both a Leatherman Surge and Signal, one for general use and repairs for my bicycle and gear and the other explicitly for camping. I also keep a Rough Ryder Sous folding Chef knife in my kitchen kit for food prep only (I never use my leathermans for reasons of food hygiene) . Would these reasons be classed as “Good Reasons” to keep stored in my bike bags as prescribed by UK Law?

[@stocktonjoans]

I can confirm this is true, had cause for the cops to come to my house, showed them a locking knife relevent to the situation and the officer interviewing me said it was "fine" to own

[@user-ue6iv2rd1n]

Why were they there in the first place?

[@stocktonjoans]

@@user-ue6iv2rd1n my housemate hanged himself, the knife was the one i used to cut him down to see if he could be saved

[@01Sassoon]

I’ve never met a Sensible Copper… never, not once. Funny thing is, a lot of former British Bobby’s and military, emigrate to the States. The very first thing they buy, after the issued Green Card, is a gun, and a Benchmade knife.

[@thorin693]

The biggest problem problem with knife and weapon laws is the criminals don't follow them, with some scrap metal and a few simple hand tool's I can make a weapon, if I need to get rid of it for any reason I'm not out anything.

[@Richard.357]

I recently visited the victorinox store in London with the intention of purchasing their new camping bushcraft knife. ( fixed blade full tang ). I was told that they are not available to sell in the UK as they are seen as a deadly weapon. But they were happy to sell me a large locking knife or a kitchen knife. I did mention, what's the difference with the law , they didn't know. And just said that's how it is.

[@gaiusjuliuspleaser]

I have a Cold Steel machete in the (rough) shape of a gladius. It's nothing special (It's Cold Steel after all) but the fact this double-edged stabbing sword legally qualifies as a tool in Belgium is just hilarious to me.

[@mikesiley4897]

Are Belgium’s sword and knife laws as restrictive as the UK’s?

[@theecapitan]

Very important info in this video. Thanks Matt.

[@mastercharlesdiltardino8058]

Whenever I feel bad I like to think about how some nations are less free than others and that cheers me up

[@brianknezevich9894]

When I made blades, I specifically looked up all the regulations for my customers possible before shipping. Well, at least the ones I can find. Don't want to make someone an expensive blade and then have them get in trouble for it, I'd feel really bad about that. I forget from the year I lived there if the UK has local weapons laws, as well, which can make things very confusing.

[@zumbazumba1]

Its a birocratic clusterfuck ,most of time people cant find the law they are braking posted online,or it is so badly written you dont understand half of it.When you have a question about it and you actualy get a person that should know answer they are clueless. .How can people abide by the rules they dont know ?Not to mention that some governments change laws over night . Its a rigged system made to make a profit from fines. When they do sieze "illegal"knifes on customs of yours do they return it to you? They should do that if its legal to own in germany for example and you tried to sell it to someone in UK.

[@Leftyotism]

I think those apply mostly for carrying, not for transporting or using it on a plot that alows it. Or with (as we in Germany have it) "special purpose".

[@freqeist]

they havent a clue, they took away my spyderco UKPK I said its a knife made for UK ! They came back the next day and apooligised I said "do you actually know the law? He said " I`m learning !!"

[@Isambardify]

We could get all American about it and start carrying self defense swords everywhere. School stabbings could be prevented by having trained teachers with their concealed katanas! The only way to stop a bad guy with a sword is a good guy with a sword... And probably a half cloak just for the aesthetic. The news would be so anime!

[@M.M.83-U]

That would be Dope!

[@tackyman2011]

"An armed society is a polite society."

[@ventura1893]

The London bridge terror knives were ceramic kitchen knives ?