Knife no no
Question
Can I legally carry a lock knife for protection?
Answer
Other than a folding pocket knife (with a blade not exceeding three inches), it's an offence to carry any item that is sharply pointed, or has a blade, in a public place. If the blade locks into position, and can only be released by a button it doesn't count as a folding knife and is therefore illegal to carry.
Even if the blade is under three inches long and you were to use it in a fight you could be charged with carrying an offensive weapon and, depending on how serious the injury to the other person was, possibly other offences.
If you do carry a knife and can show a good reason why, e.g. religious purposes or work, then you can use that as your defence but it will be for the courts to decide.
Updated: 09/06/2008
Question answered by CAB
