Can I carry a knife in public?
Mostly no — it's an offence to carry a bladed article in public without a good reason or lawful authority. The basis is section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and the burden is on you to prove the good reason. The one general exception is a non-locking folding pocket knife with a blade of 3 inches (7.62cm) or under, which can usually be carried without a specific reason. Crucially, a lock-knife is not exempt — a locking blade always needs a good reason, even if short. Some knives are banned outright to possess even at home: zombie-style knives and machetes (banned 2024), ninja swords (banned August 2025, "Ronan's Law"), flick knives and butterfly knives. "Good reason" examples are work, fishing or religion — but self-defence is never one. In short: no, unless you have a genuine good reason.
📋 The rules
- Bladed article in public needs a good reason (s.139)
- Exception: non-locking folder ≤3 inches
- Lock-knives are not exempt — always need a reason
- Banned outright: zombie knives, ninja swords, flick/butterfly
- Self-defence is never a good reason
🔓 Exceptions
- Good reason: tool for work, fishing, religion (e.g. Kirpan), genuine recreation
- Some antiques/items made before set dates may be exempt from bans
- Carrying for work isn't automatic — must be reasonable for the occasion
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Possessing a bladed article in public without good reason is an either-way offence carrying up to 4 years' imprisonment and an unlimited fine. Possessing a banned weapon in private (e.g. a ninja sword) carries up to 2 years under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (raised from 6 months). A second possession offence for over-16s brings a minimum 6-month custodial sentence unless there are exceptional circumstances. Beware a myth: "any folding knife is legal to carry" is false — only a non-locking folder of 3 inches or under is exempt; lock-knives and longer blades need a good reason. There's also a UK-vs-US trap: there's no general "self-defence" carry right in the UK. To stay legal: don't carry a blade in public unless you have a genuine, specific good reason, and never on the basis of self-defence.
📎 Official sources
- GOV.UK — knives and the law →
- CPS — knife and offensive-weapons offences →
- Criminal Justice Act 1988 — s.139 →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I legally carry a knife in public?
Generally no. It's an offence to have a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place without a good reason or lawful authority, and you have to prove the good reason. The main exception is a non-locking folding pocket knife with a blade of three inches or under, which can usually be carried without a specific reason.
Is a lock-knife legal to carry?
Not without a good reason. A locking blade is not covered by the exemption for small folding knives, even if its blade is under three inches, because it doesn't fold freely. So carrying a lock-knife in public always requires a genuine good reason, such as using it for work, and self-defence does not count.
What counts as a good reason?
Good reasons can include using the knife for your work, for fishing or other genuine recreation, or for religious reasons, such as a Kirpan. The courts assess each case on its facts, and convenience or a general wish to be prepared isn't enough. Carrying a knife for self-defence is never accepted as a good reason.
Which knives are banned outright?
Some weapons are illegal even to possess at home, including zombie-style knives and machetes, banned in 2024, ninja swords, banned in August 2025 under Ronan's Law, and flick knives, butterfly knives and knuckledusters. Possessing a banned weapon in private can now carry up to two years in prison under the Crime and Policing Act 2026.
What's the penalty for carrying a knife?
Possessing a bladed article in public without good reason can lead to up to four years in prison and an unlimited fine. A second such offence for someone aged 16 or over carries a minimum six-month custodial sentence, unless there are exceptional circumstances. Carrying a knife is treated very seriously by the courts.
🔎 Common searches
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