Age Restrictions and UK Knife Law

Knife Age Restrictions and the Law

By placing an order with Absolute-Snow (The Boarding Company Ltd.) the customer verifies they are over 18 years of age and are aware of all laws regarding the possession and/or carrying of the products they are purchasing.  Absolute-Snow shall not be held liable for any infraction of laws by the purchaser.

By placing an order with us you agree to our undertaking age verification or further checks and you agree to our providing details to United Kingdom law enforcement agencies.  We reserve the right to refuse or cancel any order at our own discretion.

The knives and multi tools we sell are designed with a specific application or activity in mind; from rock climbing and camping to trekking and mountaineering.  With correct and proper usage these products form an essential and appropriate part of any individual’s kit.  However, knives can be dangerous if improperly handled; making it important to know and comply with the law regarding the carrying and use of knives (Criminal Justice Act 1988 & Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 in England and Wales).

Basic Laws on Knives

It is illegal to -

• sell a knife to anyone under 18, unless it has a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm) or less

• carry a knife in public without good reason, unless it has a folding blade with a cutting edge 3 inches long or less

• Carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife.

• Use any knife in a threatening way (even a legal knife, such as a Swiss Army knife).

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

• have blades that can be locked and refolded only by pressing a button

In Scotland, 16 to 18 year olds are allowed to buy cutlery and kitchen knives.

Children are permitted to use knives appropriately (such as a safety knife when sailing) under adult supervision.

Good Reasons for Carrying a Knife

Examples of good reasons to carry a knife in public can include -

• Taking knives you use at work to and from work e.g. as a farmer or chef.

• Carrying knives you use for recreational purposes, such as an angler, sailor or any other reasonable grounds for expecting to need a knife whilst pursuing a lawful activity.

• Taking knives to a gallery or museum to be exhibited.

• The knife is going to be used for theatre, film, television, historical re-enactment or religious purposes, e.g. the Kirpan some Sikhs carry.

A court will decide if you’ve got a good reason to carry a knife if you’re charged with carrying it illegally.

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife is 4 years in prison and an unlimited fine. You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife more than once.

Need further advice? We're here to help!

Visit our Help Centre to speak to our experts.