FAQ'S
What sort of punishment can I expect
for having a knife in my possession?
Those found to have a knife in their
possession can expect to face a prison
sentence of up to four years.
I'd like to dispose of some kitchen knives.
How can I do this?
Knives can be recycled at your local household
waste recycling points.
Before the knives are recycled they should be
well wrapped in order to prevent causing harm.
Leicestershire County Council recycling point
Leicester City Council recycling point
I carry a small folding knife, am I breaking the law?
No. You can carry a knife in public if it has a folding blade that is 3 inches (7.62cm) or less in length.
However if any knife is used to threaten or intimidate it is considered an offensive weapon.
Please note, lock knives are not classed as folding knives and are illegal to carry in public.
What about if the knife is used
to scare but no injury is caused?
It is against the law to use any knife
(even those legally allowed to be carried in public)
or offensive weapon in a threatening way.
Can you be arrested for having a knife even if you
don’t use it?
It is an offence for any person who,
without lawful authority or reasonable excuse,
has with him in any public place any offensive weapon.
This means it is illegal to carry a knife in public
without good reason (such as religious purposes).
Is a knife an offensive weapon?
What is the official definition?
Yes, a knife is classed as an offensive weapon.
The definition of an offensive weapon is any article made or adapted for use to cause injury to the person, or intended by the person having it with them for such use by them or by some other person.
(This definition includes a disguised knife).
Are there any cases when I am allowed to carry a knife?
It is down to YOU to prove that you had good reason or lawful
authority to be carrying such an article in a public place.
Reasons are: - for use at work
- for religious reasons
- as part of any national costume
- an exhibition at gallery or museum
- theatre/ TV/ historical reenactments
How old do you have to be to
buy a knife?
It is illegal to sell knives to anyone under the age of 18. (Note that in Scotland there is an exception allowing those that are 16 years old or over to buy kitchen knives.)
The general ban includes any knife, knife blade, razor blade or axe and includes any other article which has a blade or which is sharply pointed and which is made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person.