[Closed] UK legal knives

It's got to be a non-locking folder under 3". So a fixed doesn't count. Nor does an opinel as they lock.

I got stopped and searched in the peak district on a bike.

Yeah, it's the other way around. It's fixed blades which were banned, a folding knife has to be non-locking because it was later ruled that a locking one essentially converts it into a fixed blade. As Yak says, your Opinel is also an illegal carry I'm afraid.

There's a degree of common sense to be exercised here though. Carrying a penknife in a rucksack when halfway up a hill is a different scenario from having it in your back pocket in the middle of Manchester Arndale. What are you gonna do, shiv a sheep if it looks at your burd a bit funny?

As Yak says, your Opinel is also an illegal carry I’m afraid.

I'm sorry but its really not illegal.

IF you have a valid reason.

being out on the hills with a porkpie... legal.

being in the woods with a half carved spoon... legal.

walking to your chef job with a wallet of knives... legal.

carrying your knives from shop to car to house... legal.

standing by your sailing boat/canoe whatever just about to set off... legal.

Wandering round tesco with it in your pocket. Not legal and stupid.

no such laws for axes I think so when I am out with the PeeblesFleet its grandfors for me

^That's all fine, but once the pie is eaten you have an illegal knife.

I would err on the side of caution and get a legal carry.

I would err on the side of caution and get a legal carry second pie.

What about diving knives which are a short fixed blade?
OK on you person when doing activity (for me kayak/fishing fixed on my PFD), even when you're messing about on beach/car park putting out or in.

I always have my leatherman wave that locks in my rucksack, for work and when out walking, and I may be wearing it when I go to shops for food. Though on a recent day trip to Aberdeen I did deliberately remove it.

Make your sandwiches before you set out, problem solved.

That’s all fine, but once the pie is eaten you have an illegal knife.

I had it to eat my pork pie. Its still a valid reason to have a knife.

I mean thats probably the weakest reason on the list. Because you can cut a porkpie with a creditcard.

I have a fee fixed blades for carving and stuff and a Massive opinel i cook with when camping.

Other than that though not sure why you would want more than a swiss army knife which i do carry alot. Best use for it ever so far was cutting zipties after a wee girl managed to ziptie her wee brothers wrists together HARD and the dad was a little bit worried about how he was going to fix it 😁

I’m sorry but its really not illegal.

You could still be arrested for it. It's only legal in a "court would almost certainly decide that you had good reason to be carrying it" sort of way.

Like I said, common sense should apply and one would hope that your average copper would recognise the validity of carrying a rope knife when you're going mountain climbing, and it's my understanding that for most practical purposes this is exactly what happens. But you could still be lifted for it and generally be given a bad day and things of that nature if you had Constable Savage on your case and you were being particularly irritating. Or brown.

Other than that though not sure why you would want more than a swiss army knife which i do carry alot.

That's the silly thing with all this. If you have a knife for none-murdery reasons, a locking knife is considerably safer than a SAK. You're not going to accidentally fold it back over your knuckles.

I understand the need for legislation, but your average scrote isn't going to be carrying an Opinel which takes several seconds and both hands to open and lock out. Doubly so in the bottom of a rucksack.

Because you can cut a porkpie with a creditcard.

I think if the police saw you doing this, they'd certainly have more questions... 😁
RM.

Because you can cut a porkpie with a creditcard

Do that within twenty miles of Melton Mowbray and you'll be hanging from the nearest gibbet within minutes.

What about diving knives which are a short fixed blade?
OK on you person when doing activity (for me kayak/fishing fixed on my PFD), even when you’re messing about on beach/car park putting out or in.

Its legal to carry any sized knife in public if you have "good reason". Ultimately it will be for the courts to determine if you have a good reason at that particular time. Clearly diving, fishing, etc where knives are part of the routine kit used or have a safety role you'll not face a big difficulty doing that (and its unlikely to even go to court). If you were kayaking yesterday and put it in your jacket, forget and wear the same jacket again today that might be a harder battle (although I think a credible witness whos jacket was for the outdoors rather than "fashion" might stand a good chance).

I think Rik carrying a fixed blade knife on a day cycling / hill walking trip might find himself struggling to justify why. To make sandwiches will probably test the courts imagination! Just in case - might also struggle - although the context would be relevant: how big a hill, how far from help, where (bottom of bag with other tools might support a just in case - in your hip pocket - not so much), etc. The probably with bottom of bag just in case is when you forget to take it out and are cycling through town a few days later, or take that bag to tesco. If that's a possibility - either don't carry a knife (I've never bothered on day trips, but do when camping) or just take a small folder.

no such laws for axes I think so when I am out with the PeeblesFleet its grandfors for me

applies to any article which has a blade or is sharply pointed

Context is everything. Obviously if an outdoorsy pursuit that normally involves a knife; diving, fishing, climbing, camping, yachting, hunting etc, is being travelled to or actually undertaken, then the lawful purpose is easily established by the other kit being carried and an officer isn't going to consider action. 'Forgetting' that you have a Rambo knife in your best jaiket when 'up the dancin' is somewhat different and right up there with baseball enthusiasts who keep a bat in the car but strangely never carry a mitt or baseballs... Rule 1 applies.

EDIT - Pretty much wot Poly said above!

Because you can cut a porkpie with a creditcard.

American Express? That'll do pastry, sir.

If you're looking to be truly legal, then it has to be a non-locking folder. I have a lovely Hultafors chisel knife which I got for camping, but it stays in the camping box... The law is (understandably) quite short on loopholes because it has to give Police the chance to arrest a yout' with a knife without allowing them to say they were opening boxes and forgot... You technically have to be on your way to where you need that knife, using it, or on your way back from using it (and you'd better have the pork pie wrapper...)

I have a tiny little non-locking Opinel for bike packing, made sure it was very very legal in case I ever forget I have it in my pocket or something.

It's flippin' sharp though.

Cool thanks for the clarification and yes i always carry a second pie! Who doesn't, that and an emergency mars bar. Fixed blade is no go

Making sandwiches in advance is just not an option, i wouldn't want my apple to go brown with my brie baguette

I have just swapped out the opinel for a swiss army knife.

I was always under the illusion that the opinel was okay, as you manually have to move the locking mechanism into place unlike a framelock knife which is automatic upon opening the blade. But no worries swiss army knife apple slayer it is.

OK on you person when doing activity (for me kayak/fishing fixed on my PFD), even when you’re messing about on beach/car park putting out or in.

The only way to be sure is to be searched by a cop and see what happens. Then possibly repeat it again the next day with another cop in a slightly different mood.
The "good reason" is vague and highly subjective.
I wouldnt carry a locking knife for my porkpie when hillwalking since whilst it does have advantages they arent going to be obvious enough to pass that test.
I do carry a locking knife for my porkpie, bread and cheese when paddling whitewater. Sorry, to correct that, I carry a locking knife since in a rescue situation in fast flowing water I really dont want to worry about the blade folding on my fingers. Other people I know carry fixed blades.
Since its tucked away in the BA and that in turn is in a bag in the boot or buried under other things I dont feel worried about being found with it when driving to a location. As opposed to having it sitting in the centre alcove.
Likewise when getting on and off the water I would feel happy justifying my actions although obviously would prefer not to.
However if (as has happened) when waiting for the shuttle run have walked to the local town/village for a quick snack I would leave the knife behind with the kayak. It could probably be justified but why risk the hassle.
So for your beach example I would feel fine going from the car to the sea and back again but if I felt like an icecream I would probably drop the knife off in the car before walking the half mile down the beach.

no such laws for axes I think so when I am out with the PeeblesFleet its grandfors for me

Go on try that theory. Let us know what it’s like to be pepper sprayed.

That’s the silly thing with all this. If you have a knife for none-murdery reasons, a locking knife is considerably safer than a SAK. You’re not going to accidentally fold it back over your knuckles.

What I meant by that is that you can carry a perfectly legal alternative and if you are able to fold a swiss army knife on you knuckles cutting a pork pie you probably shouldn't be allowed more than a blunt spoon 😀

there are some non locking EDC knives that have such a ridiculously strong springs there is no way you can close it accidentally

Something like https://heinnie.com/boker-plus-worldwide

In case the information is useful to anyone, this is my post from 5 years ago with links to the relevant section of the Criminal Justice Act and the precedent setting legal case.
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/penknife-law/#post-7505732

Also worth reading the subsequent post from ‘Scapegoat’ who IIRC may have been a serving police officer.

I normally carry a small Opinel locking knife in my work rucksack for various job related tasks (I never forget my lunch box, so I can be sure it's with me). I only have a short bike commute so don't worry about that, but on occasion I will need to take a train to collect my car from a garage so try to remember to take it out just in case they're checking at the station which they often do if there's a home football match.

Does anyone make a Swiss Army style folding knife with a spring loaded safety peg? So it is still folding / not locked but can only fold shut to 90 degrees without lifting the peg to let it fold further (and therefore can't snap shut on your knuckles).

In case the information is useful to anyone, this is my post from 5 years ago

Oh, I remember that. That's the one that was going relatively well until Dogstabber McGraw turned up, isn't it.

Because you can cut a porkpie with a creditcard.

Its possible but just try getting it up your nose.

a couple of years ago i went to Amsterdam for work meetings, i had just come back from Scotland the day before flying over, only going for 3 days so just had a carry on bag with me.
I put a small daypack in my carry on bigger bag.
When i got to the hotel and unpacked and put stuff in the smaller back to take to the meetings, i noticed there was something in front pocket of the small bag, instantly knew it was my folding knofe, which had been with me in Scotland.
it was a UK legal carry one like this https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DcM_v9YXkAAJvpa?format=jpg&name=900x900

Been right through Heathrow security with that in the bag, would have been "interesting" if they had been awake in security.

Reminds me of the time several years ago I set the alarms off going

INTO THE HOUSES OF COMMONS

with a little locking pocket knife in my coat.... eek!
I was soo nervous, but calmly explained to teh armed police sat about that I'd been doing up my house, and that was the knife i'd been using to cut all the webbing straps and must ahve put it in my pocket.
I guess cos I was a middle class white guy in smart clothes I didn't fit any 'profiles', and they just gave it back to me when I finished my tour...!

DrP

I have a staff team who regularly walk into schools with three or four field knives. I have knives in buouyancy aid, first aid kit and by the back door.
My kitchen has half a dozen. My kids have one each.

It's all about context.

If you've got good reason that they are a tool, you can carry them.

Its possible but just try getting it up your nose.

Coke and porkers?

You can pop the wee steel locking collar off an opinel, then it has no locking mechanism?.

I'm always amused by the fact that these are UK legal carry 😀

https://heinnie.com/lansky-madrock-world-legal

I've got one of the slightly less bonkers looking ones, but even that gets the odd raised eyebrow when I'm slicing fruit in the office...

https://heinnie.com/lansky-world-legal-knife

Been right through Heathrow security with that in the bag, would have been “interesting” if they had been awake in security.

It will have been noted. And they will have profiled you too. It's perfectly OK to take a folding knife of 6 cm onto a plane through LHR. Son2 has finished two years in that role.

Screwdrivers of ANY form are an absolute no-no. That goes for bike multitools with a screwdriver attachment too. Check those in.

TiRed i know the rules say you are allowed to take one through the airports, but its not the reality in most airports as most security staff do not know the details of the rules.
Most places they will not let you take anything like scissors etc even though they have big posters showing that you are allowed if under a certain size.

To think as an 8 year old i never went anywhere without my sheaf knife..

as most security staff do not know the details of the rules.

And that is based on what?

Those screens you see them looking at - The operatives have repeated daily testing. His best confiscation was a standard issue US Marine Ka-Bar Knife from a traveling Marine who forgot to check it in. That one was definitely not legal.

In case the information is useful to anyone, this is my post from 5 years ago

But beware that the law has changed since then:
Offensive Weapons Act 2019
I think the main change relevant to carrying is the change in definition of a flick knife

I’m always amused by the fact that these are UK legal carry 😀

I have a sword peasant and a sword peasant mini.

they are essentiall a fixed blade as the tang sticks out and folds into the handle. Its impossible to close it on yourself if you are holding the handle and you can open it one handed.

ITs completely legal, well the mini one is the normal one fails the blade length test. You could proper **** some one up with one, its mad. it doesn't look remotely tactical though.

Think I have told this before.

Two policemen once did the blues and twos to get to me as I had a 24" machete in a public (ish) place.

Some old duffer had seen me and my mates with axes and knives wrecking the place and called the police.

I was 15 and a scout senior patrol leader (in my uniform top and necker) leading two patrols (Similarly attired) to clean up the laneway to the county campground before the buses arrived for an international jamboree.

I was clearing undergrowth to let the lads with the saws and axes get to the big jobs that crossed the lane.

Old man had lost his rag because the land that backed onto his garden that he had snaffled was now obvious.

Police were happy to let us carry on (we all had the knife and axe badge and solid toe boots) despite me being the oldest.

There was a letter of complaint in the local paper about all the scouts loitering and making the place messy. The following week there were loads complimenting the work we had put in to make everything look immaculate. For 6 weeks before every scout troop in the area had descended and polished anything that stayed still for 30 seconds.

So I suspect, as ever, it's all about context.

Most days I carry an Enzo PK70 but have a Lanskey World legal as well as around 30 other pocket knives that all get carried at some point.

Having a locking knife while out hillwalking and having a reason to use it (pies) makes it perfectly legal to carry.

I'm just amazed that I've made it to 62 years of age without having to carry a knife on a daily basis. Probably because I live the UK and aren't living out some Bear Ghrylls fantasy.

To think as an 8 year old i never went anywhere without my sheaf knife..

Even outside of harvest time?

Regardless of context, I would never carry a non legal knife on public land purely because I am not white. I am half Chinese. I have had stop and searches whilst on trails on a bike and in a city. So a SAK is my useful pocket tool should I need to carry one that day.

That is wrong and upsetting Yak. However I know you're right and being white and professional class I've never ever been concerned carrying my topeak alien multi tool everywhere. It's a great tool although the lockable serated blade is not something I've used in the 20 or so years I've had it. However it lives in a pocket of the commuter Day sack I use cycling to work, which often went to the pub and all over Central London.
If I were not white I guess I'd have binned it when I was first given it as a thank you present. Wtf topeak ever put the blade on it I don't know... And then made it locking?! The rest of the tool is great though.

I’m just amazed that I’ve made it to 62 years of age without having to carry a knife on a daily basis. Probably because I live the UK and aren’t living out some Bear Ghrylls fantasy.

I'm half your age but use my penknife regularly. Its 4cm long and would last about as long as it takes beargrill to get back to his hotel after shooting a stunt. I could on almost every occasion have found an alternative to it but wouldn't be as handy.

My other slightly bigger swiss army knife goes camping because it has vital tools aka the cork screw. My other knifes are for whittling or full campsite chefing.

Why anyone would have 30knifes though! Thats crazy.

Spyderco UK Penknife (UKPK). Created specifically as the name would suggest as a UK legal carry.

Byrd (same company as Spyderco) do a cheaper version as well.

a locking knife is considerably safer than a SAK. You’re not going to accidentally fold it back over your knuckles.

Been there, quite a lot of blood, but a nice clean cut. I don’t carry my SAK these days, I have Gerber MT800 which I usually have at work, which is heavier duty, and the pliers and wire-cutters are outstanding, the tungsten carbide replaceable cutters will cut through wire that left deep gouges in a pair of 8” hard-wire cutters!

I’m just amazed that I’ve made it to 62 years of age without having to carry a knife on a daily basis. Probably because I live the UK and aren’t living out some Bear Ghrylls fantasy.

Well, nobody makes anyone carry a pocket knife, and as I’ve carried a pocket knife for well over fifty of my 66 years, it’s because I came to realise that it’s a very useful tool to have handy. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked if I had a knife on me to cut something, these days it’s often zip ties or plastic packaging.
Tell me, how do you manage to cut zip ties, or open the sort of thick sealed plastic that things like SD cards come in?
The knife I’ve been carrying most, up until very recently, was a CRKT Pilar, named after Earnest Hemingway’s boat, designed by Jaesper Voxnaes, who’s designed knives for other makers, his blades have a distinctive sheepsfoot shape, but Heinnie have had their own version made, with red G10 scales, and no liner-lock, so it’s now U.K. legal.
Really nice knife to use, there’s a bit of a click once it fully opens, but it’s smooth to close, and there’s no back-spring, the blade is held open by a finger choil at the foot of the blade.
Really solid, sturdy blade with a very smooth and solid pivot, would cut a pie with ease, and the blade is broad enough to be able to butter bread and spread the filling of choice for your sandwiches. 😁

Interesting thread and has got me pondering whether the Opinel kids penknife my daughter has is UK legal, as it has a locking collar.

looking at Gov.uk, https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives , they say;

'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
can include multi-tool knives - tools that also contain other devices such as a screwdriver or can opener'

From that definition, I would think that an opinel with the collar lock is OK, and my old leatherman tool is probably not ok, although that does not lock or refold with a button, but by opening another blade / tool to release the 'pin'

Tell me, how do you manage to cut zip ties, or open the sort of thick sealed plastic that things like SD cards come in?

I've never had to do either of those things while away from home or a workshop, other than  when I've specifically set out to remove hundreds of temporary signs for an event in which case I carry a decent pair of snips. Much better than a knife.Do you go around randomly removing zipties and opening other folks mail?

I assume you carry your knife in your [s]hand[/s]manbag?

From that definition, I would think that an opinel with the collar lock is OK,

No. The stated case mentioned a separate action to allow the blade to be closed. Turning the collar to allow the blade to close is a separate action.

I've just learnt that the assisted opening knife I have will be classed as a switchblade/flick knife from the end of next March thanks to the 2019 Offensive Weapons amendments. I thought when I first saw one that it was only a small legal step away from being a switchblade, as you only have to nudge the thumb stud on the blade to get it to spring into a fully open (and locked) position, but because the previous legal definition spoke specifically of a button or other device in the handle of the knife an assisted opener falls short.

It's a shame, there are times when a one-handed opening knife is a real convenience. Still there's a surrender and compensation scheme up and running, so I might not be too much out of pocket.

It’s good to see the NHS is managing to roll out its TRT programme despite the pandemic 🤪🤣😂 I’m looking forwards to naked fireplace wrestling as per Women in Love (to continue the literary reference).

And I quite like the look of that pilar, might be tempted to get one just to wind up Scotroutes on one of our deep Backcountry bivi trips...

However, reason I popped on here wasn’t to drop the casual insults, but that facewest have a 20% off and free engraving for Leatherman stuff at the moment. Not much legal EDC but if you’re on here you’re probably interested...

https://www.facewest.co.uk/Leatherman.html

I assume you carry your knife in your handmanbag?

Yes. Or as I prefer to call it, a "bag." It's usually over my manshoulder as I make my way to the mancar. Did you have a point to make or were you just trying and failing to be randomly offensive?

Because,

it’s a very useful tool to have handy. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been asked if I had a knife on me to cut something

IME, people rip the piss right up until the point they need something. It's all hilarious until the arm falls off your glasses in the pub and I have a set of small screwdrivers on me. Or, "anyone have a pen?" one might ask, patting their pockets like they'd every had a pen in them during their entire existence. Yes, I do.

I started carrying a bag in the early days of tablet computers. Most people here will have some form of iPad or Android tablet I assume. Does it ever leave the house? None-mobile mobile tech seems a bit of a pointless waste if it doesn't, might as well use a laptop. And if it does, how do you port it about?

And yes, I carry a SAK. I was gifted one as a leaving present from work in the mid-90s, at the time I thought "lovely thought but I'll never use it." It then had if not daily then certainly weekly use for two decades until I lost it (I have a sneaking suspicion that I left it on a desk at work and someone filched it). I was absolutely gutted. My best man got me a replacement as a wedding gift a little while later and that now goes everywhere with me instead.

It’s a shame, there are times when a one-handed opening knife is a real convenience.

A spyderco or similar works well enough one handed and are still allowed as far as I can tell.

Spyderco UKPK is the best pen knife for me, easy single handed opening, pocket clip and uk legal to just leave in your pocket all the time.

I would prefer a lock knife, but just leave them with specific outdoor gear as its not worth the potential hassle.

I’m just amazed that I’ve made it to 62 years of age without having to carry a knife on a daily basis.

Dont then, who cares what other people find useful.

Some people always have pens, or a torch, or all sorts of random things they find useful.

I find a pen knife useful. It can be removed from my pocket, opened single handed, used and returned to my pocket whilst holding something else, and its always in my pocket so I dont need to find it.

Opening boxes at work every day, opening letters every day, (its faster than finding where somebody else has left a box cutter).

Removing things from packaging I want to use immediately (bulbs, wiper blades, things that have been zip tied onto packaging etc)

Cutting food on a walk. Cutting out a splinter on a day out. Forgot a knife on a picnic

Abusing it as a chisel, scraper, lever when I just want to get something done. Using it as to mark something I cam going to cut as I have lost my marker.

It think mine is probably used for opening things most of the time, I also get asked to open things for other people, to save them trying to find whatever they use to open things, that is further away or they dont know where they left it.

Reminds me of the time several years ago I set the alarms off going

INTO THE HOUSES OF COMMONS

with a little locking pocket knife in my coat

A few years ago I was in and out of the HOuses of Parliament, Portcullis House, MI5, New Scotland Yard and the Home Office for work. Forgot I had a tiny penknife on my keyring. The only place that had an issue with it?

A magistrates court when I went for an adoption hearing for a friend.

@scotroutes

Is there some reason you are being ignorant ?

Why anyone would have 30knifes though! Thats crazy.

I collect them. Much the same as anyone collects any other object. Hardly crazy really is it ?

Carrying a knife is an everyday normal thing to do. Just because we are fed garbage about how it's "illegal" and "dangerous" to carry "lethal weapons" doesn't make it so.

Last time I used mine was in Currys to help a sales girl open a box to show me something.

Neither of us died.

Much the same as anyone collects any other object. Hardly crazy really is it ?

I'll stand by it. I'm wary of any collectors 😀

Despite the fact I carry a penkife most of the time I do find a fascination with knives slightly odd for eg the one above of CountZeros a blade on its own I'd lose the blade before I'd loose the scissors and, tweezers and corkscrew/bottle opener.

Oh I love a penknife!

[img] [/img]

I’ll stand by it. I’m wary of any collectors

TBF I'll give you that one lol.

I have shot all my life so ended up with loads of knives through that and I can't help buying old pocket knifes when I'm in junk shops etc so have ended up with a few.

^That’s all fine, but once the pie is eaten you have an illegal knife.

I would err on the side of caution and get a legal carry.

Or always carry a spare pie

Your knife is still legal after you have eaten the pie by the way.

This really is a perfect example of the scaremongering that is being drilled into us all.

Try walking down a street with a billhook in one hand and a chainsaw in the other. You sure do than get some strange looks. A leatherman on my belt was the least of my worries 🙂

Your knife is still legal after you have eaten the pie by the way.

This really is a perfect example of the scaremongering that is being drilled into us all.

+1

So much utter paranoia on this thread.

Yet another day passed yesterday when I neither had to cut anything or stab anyone while out and about. I'll let you know how today goes.

There haven’t been any changes to legislation in the last 5 years that would affect anyone in most circumstances. There are now minimum sentences for second offences and the introduction of new offences in relation to threatening people with weapons.

Flick knives and butterfly knives are still banned under virtually any circumstances in a public place which includes cars. The good reason defence is not available as they are offensive per se.

I put a small screw through the collar of my opined so that it no longer locks but for most purposes find a Swiss Army knife far more useful.

Do you go around randomly removing zipties and opening other folks mail?

I assume you carry your knife in your handmanbag?

Do you ever leave the comfort of your bedroom and lounge? Do you ever actually leave the house?

Yet another day passed yesterday when I neither had to cut anything or stab anyone while out and about. I’ll let you know how today goes.

Yup, you clearly lead a very sheltered life. We regularly use zip-ties at work for various things, and zip-ties, not infrequently need to be cut; I could carry a pair of cutters, but it’s easier to carry a small Spyderco hawksbill knife on a lanyard with a pen and a small flashlight to cut them.
I usually carry three or four small flashlights around with me, where I work, I need to go collect cars from a compound that’s completely unlit, it’s dark for the last two hours of a late shift, and there’s a 1000+ cars in the compound, and batteries die at inopportune moments, but I guess that’s something else you never bother carrying, either.
As regards things like plastic packaging, you obviously never go anywhere with a camera, then found the memory card has filled up, and had to buy another one. And then tried to open the packaging they’re sealed in.
Even a bloody pen, I carry quite a few, Sharpies and ballpoints, and the number of times a day I get asked by platers and other drivers, who have to sign paperwork on a regular basis, and don’t carry a pen, beggars belief. I’ve even had a need for a Torx wrench to access something on a car.
I’ve lost count, over the years, of the number of times I’ve had people ask me to fix something because I carry a few simple tools around, while they, like you, can’t see the point; until they need to fix something.
And ‘manbag’ is such a cheap insult, like something from the Daily Mail...
#rollseyes

I used to have a Spyderco Bug (on a key ring with my car keys), I say used to as I had to go to court a few weeks back (as a witness), it never occurred to me they'd have airport style security checks on the way in. I detached the knife and put it alongside the keys/phone/wallet etc. into the plastic tray, the security guy didn't actually notice it but I thought I best point it out after at which time he confiscated it and gave me a form to complete I had post somewhere asking for it back - haven't bothered as I rarely used it.

I went through airport security sometime in the mid 00s with a 3-4 inch knife in my bag which I had forgotten was there. I got the "whose bag is this" so went back and the lady said "you can put it in this box" (indicating behind her to a 35l ish box full of knives) behind her "for destruction" or get an envelop and post it home. I did the latter. I'm not so sure it would be plain sailing today though.

I have a small 1 1/2 bladed folding knife in my saddle bag, but like many on here am loth to use it in case I fold it over on my knuckles especially when cold. I'm more inclined to leave trail fix cable ties and puncture repairs with flapping ends then cut them with scissors when I get home.

edit:

‘manbag’

I think the youths call them pouches these days which I find even funnier for some reason. I've not used mine for years except on holiday.

Reminds me of the time I was pulled over and searched by a bunch of very angry police in a van when I was about 18. "He's got a knife, he's got a knife!!!" Cue lots of lights and even more angry police. "Why have you got a knife" "been working on a farm" "how do we know that" "well I'm covered in cow shit". Never did find out why the police van was driving about the Worcestershire countryside with coppers in such an angry state.

Anyway, I kept my knife and was eventually unpeeled from the bonnet of my mini and went home for a shower!

A few years ago I was in and out of the HOuses of Parliament, Portcullis House, MI5, New Scotland Yard and the Home Office for work. Forgot I had a tiny penknife on my keyring. The only place that had an issue with it?

A magistrates court when I went for an adoption hearing for a friend.

To be fair, whilst the HoP and Civil Service are full of criminals they aren't usually the type to be literally knifing each other, whereas Magistrates Courts... However, it more likely is that security is so lax/bored in these places that they never noticed your knife rather than thought "ah that's ok".

I went through airport security sometime in the mid 00s with a 3-4 inch knife in my bag which I had forgotten was there. I got the “whose bag is this” so went back and the lady said “you can put it in this box” (indicating behind her to a 35l ish box full of knives) behind her “for destruction” or get an envelop and post it home. I did the latter. I’m not so sure it would be plain sailing today though.

It's still the same protocol today. Interestingly I did this in Copenhagen after a camping trip in Sweden. After much searching of the bag she was finally able to find the knife my son (~14 yo) had put in the wrong bag (it's his penknife he has for scout type stuff). He made numerous grovelling apologies - and she looked at its <2" blade. Looked at him, and then popped it back in the bag and told him not to worry about it!

Yup, you clearly lead a very sheltered life. We regularly use zip-ties at work for various things, and zip-ties, not infrequently need to be cut; I could carry a pair of cutters, but it’s easier to carry a small Spyderco hawksbill knife on a lanyard with a pen and a small flashlight to cut them...

...I usually carry three or four small flashlights around with me, where I work, I need to go collect cars from a compound that’s completely unlit,

No doubt someone in your elf n safety department is having kittens right now, and if they were aware you'd all be getting proper cutters that are less likely to result in cuts to fingers. I think you are misunderstanding Scotroutes - just because you need a torch at work when its dark (needing 3 is clearly bad planning!) or need to cut stuff at work is not really a logical reason for carrying knives and multiple torches around in public the rest of the time. A police officer needs handcuffs but most don't take them down the pub on a normal night out; a doctor needs a stethoscope quickly whenever they are working, but they don't carry it walking round tesco, I need my laptop but don't take it up the hills just in case someone wants me to knock up a spreadsheet to split the fuel and lunch costs for the day... That's not to say that carrying a penknife, multitool or torch isn't occasionally going to be useful, but it's not so frequently a crisis not to have a bladed object that I think everyone should carry one all the time versus the increased risk of random Mr Angry turning into Mr Armed and Angry.

FWIW, those of us who have forgotten a pen (or in my case often have lost or has said pen pocketed by someone else) are just as likely to have forgotten/lost our utility knife. My pen will cost 50p to replace.

It’s still the same protocol today.

Someone I worked with borrowed her boyfriend's climbing backpack as her 'cabin bag' a couple of years ago. She thought she'd emptied it but there was a fairly well hidden pocket with a knife in it. She ended up being escorted to an interview room by armed police, being interviewed and then given a leaflet on knife crime before just about making it to the plane in time.

Update: I as out and about yesterday and popped into a cafe for a coffee and a scone. The latter arrived with jam and butter but I had no knife! By chance, the previous person at my table had left one behind, in a strange little upright wooden box thing (in fact, there were a couple of knifes and some forks and spoons too). I had a look around, used that knife to cut my scone and apply the butter and jam, then licked the knife clean and put it back in it's wee holder. I think I got away with it.

Hmmm....

What an obnoxious little nothing.

just because you need a torch at work when its dark (needing 3 is clearly bad planning!) or need to cut stuff at work is not really a logical reason for carrying knives and multiple torches around in public the rest of the time. A police officer needs handcuffs but most don’t take them down the pub on a normal night out;

It's not really comparable though, is it. If someone in the pub asking if you have any handcuffs on you is a likely occurrence then you need to tell me where you go drinking.

and if they were aware you’d all be getting proper cutters that are less likely to result in cuts to fingers.

My little spyderco is a lot better for cutting than a package cutter. However its a tad more expensive and needs sharpening.

just because you need a torch at work when its dark (needing 3 is clearly bad planning!)

It might be overkill but isnt bad planning. If I was planning on being somewhere dark I would generally have two torches plus a third on the keyring.

My EDC because I find that having a pen and a knife is useful. I don't carry a torch because I'm not outside much so can get by with my phone.
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