Carrrying pocket knives in UK

[Piper]

I've had a knife in my pocket almost every day of my life (except when flying) since I was about 10 years old. In the course of my employment, I work with 1/2" and 3/4" rope, and I prefer to have something that will get through them with a minimum of fuss, so my regular knives over the years have had blades of from 3 1/2 to 5 inches. When I have to be "dressed up" I carry a small pen knife, with a blade of about 1 1/2 inches or less. Even if I'm not carrying a sgian dubh, I have a small, very sharp pen knife in my sporran. I've frequently found the knife to be handy for a multitude of things, opening packaging, peeling fruit, shaving chanter reeds, sharpening pencils, etc. Even automotive repair. I ran an old CJ5 jeep for years. They can be as problematic as old sports cars ( and just a satisfying to work on.)
I've found carrying a knife to kind of a generational thing. Most of my younger (45 and under) coworkers do not carry a personal knife, and seem to find it a foreign concept.

[Pleater]

I have carried knives around for years, but always in a pack out of harms way. If I was ever attacked I would never think of using it - until afterwards - many years ago I was advised that karate was not for me, as it would make me even more dangerous to unsupecting muggers.

The thing is that whilst you stay out of trouble then you can carry anything at all - but come to the notice of the authorities and carrying anything at all can be your downfall.

Anne the Pleater

[The Barry]

But what about his original question about the sgian dubh? Do these laws apply to sgians as well?

[Jock Scot]

I am no legal expert ,but I understand that as part of "traditional dress" the S D is within the law. You must bare in mind that England,Wales and Northern Ireland may have a differing view on this to Scotland as they have different legal systems. In nearly 70 years I have never had a problem with officialdom and a SD . Just bare in mind that knives of any sort are not regarded with favour here by many these days.

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Long before 9-11 I was flying between London and Edinburgh. At Heathrow, where security was at high alert due to the IRA terrorist bombing in Warrington, the lady inspecting my carry-on bag asked if I had a knife in my shaving kit. I thought for a moment and said "no".

"Ah Ha!" she said, producing my sgian dubh rather like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat. "Then what do you call this?" she asked triumphantly.

Before I could answer the very big lady manning the x-ray machine walked over to her colleague and said, "Och, that's nae a knife. It's a wee skeen doo. Put it back and let the gentleman be aboot his business."

I suspect things may be slightly different nowadays.

[fortcollinsjerry]

Well, many thanks to all you gentlemen and your prudent information. I shall leave my knife at home and, as one Gent suggested, buy one over there. I'm coming over for the Tattoo & I'll be cruising the flea mkts and antique shops anyway so I might find an especially nice one. About 25 years ago I was in London and came across a well carried Gurka kikri in an antique shop to bring home.

[Rab Gordon]

Worth remembering that you can carry a pocket knife so long as it's a non-locking folder with a sub 3" blade without having to give a reason, although there are areas which I wouldn't take one - courts, schools, airports spring to mind.
A locking knife or a folder with a longer blade would require a good reason for carrying - and you may have to defend this reason in court.....

No problem with the Sgian Dubh when worn with the kilt however.

Here's a good source for up to date info;
www.britishblades.com

enjoy your trip,

Rab

[MacMillan of Rathdown]

Rab,
Thanks for the over view of the law, and the link to more precise information. I really must buy something from you one of these days!

[fortcollinsjerry]

yes, thank you Rab. And I will be carrying my sgian dubh I bought from you recently.

[Standard]

Thanks for all the good information. The missus and I are planning a trip to Scotland next summer, and this information will definately come in handy for me.

As another poster commented I've had a pocket knife of one ilk or another in my pocket except when flying commercial since I was in about 6th grade. Home, school, church, work, always a small folding knife that has come in so handy for everything from cutting cheese and fruit to carving to opening packages and digging for property corners. In fact I never quite feel dressed without one. The thought of using one for self defense has never really entered my mind as to me the knife is just a tool like a hammer or a wrench is a tool.

The suggestion of buying a knife whilst visiting the Homeland sounds like a capital idea. Not only will you be assured that it is legal to carry said tool there, but you will have a nice memento of your visit to enjoy for years to come.