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Old 16th September 2009, 09:28 AM   #45
kronckew
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Room 101, Glos. UK
Posts: 4,145
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here you can carry a 3in. edge or smaller non-locking folder without a good reason, as long as you do not take it out and use it in an offensive manner (self defence is still offensive according to the law). just taking out out to cut something can be considered 'threatening' if some member of the public gets frightened.

you can carry a fixed blade or locking knife only with good reason, being a chef would be one, or being in a profession where you regularly cut open boxes is another. going fishing would allow you to carry a filleting knife in the tackle box.

however, you must proceed DIRECTLY from your home to the place of the activity, if you stop for fuel, for a wee, or to pick up a take-away, you have then broken the reason and can be prosecuted for carrying an offensive weapon, even if it was locked up in your tackle box, glove box, etc. if you enter a prohibited zone, a public building, court, subway system, train, school, etc. even the under 3in. otherwise legal carry suddenly is not legal.

the police get to decide if your reason is a good one, and may confiscate your knife, and arrest you if they do not like it. you may get off a few months later,after court and lawyers fees, etc. you won't get your knife back tho. and you might not get off. if the non-locking folding knife is borderline, ie. the edge is 2 7/8" and there is a 1/4 unsharpened ricasso, if the cop decides he don't like it, you can get arrested and argue it in court.

i heard of a guy with a little under 1 inch keychain knife that was not even sharpened, it had a button lock and looked like a flick knife, cop noticed it on a traffic stop when it was dangling from the ignition. he got arrested, and convicted of carrying an offensive weapon, tho he did get a suspended sentence and a fine on top of the other legal hassles and expenses instead of jail - and of course he's now a convicted felon.

ah, well, 'nuff said on the subject, we best not stray into politics...
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