[Closed] Who carries a knife in their back pack ?

redthunder - Member

I hope it's legal ?

I wouldn't have thought so.

It looks to have a locking mechanism which means it doesn't count as a folding pocket knife and isn't automatically legal. It can still be carried if there is a good reason, but that's for you to satisfy the courts about if charged.

What possible use could you have for that in the UK on a bike ride, other than stabbing someone and stealing their bike.

[img] [/img]

you would need a very good excuse if it was found on you. a butterknife is illegal if you havent got a good reason to have it on you.

What possible use could you have for that in the UK on a bike ride, other than stabbing someone and stealing their bike.

for cutting your own arm off if it gets jammed under a rock and you haven't told anyone where you were going

No locking knife is legal. I have a leatherman squirt in my tool bag. You won't kill a bear with it but it's small and useful.

Only for softie Yanks. If that guy was Antipodean he would have bitten through his arm days earlier.

I've always carried a Swiss Army knife in my camelbak an used it on loads occasions. But the blade is getting a bit duffed up now as it used to be my grandads.

I'm always getting stuff stuck in my cassette and knife has always worked well.

Anyways, if it is illegal I shove in in my shed toolkit.

MSP - Member
What possible use could you have for that in the UK on a bike ride

To look/feel cool and proper Grylls.

I've always carried a Swiss Army knife in my camelbak an used it on loads occasions. But the blade is getting a bit duffed up now as it used to be my grandads.

I'm always getting stuff stuck in my cassette and knife has always worked well.

Anyways, if it is illegal I shove in in my shed toolkit.

the law is an ass.

Pretty much all the knives I use regularly are locking knives. Even my stanley knife is a folding locking one.

But then I dont go carrying it around urban centres or in my suit pocket. If Im carrying a knife its because Im either off camping, riding, walking or working.

The locking blade distinction should be dropped. A simple test of intent or reasonableness should suffice regardless of the type of blade. I could do more damage with a Jack Saw than a locking bladed knife

It is not made as a weapon per se so not an offensive weapon unless you intended to use it as a weapon.

but it is a lock knife and possibly the blade is longer than 3 inches so it does not fit into the exception to the bladed article prohibition . That means if you have it in a public place you are committing an offence unless you have "a good reason or lawful authority" The guideline sentence is custody.

First offence you may be cautioned and asked to forfeit the knife

Hm.

I carry a locking penknife everywhere with me. It's a 4.5cm blade (so under 2", just measured it) and hangs on my keyring. I've removed the thumbscrew that makes it easy to open (in truth, it unscrewed itself and fell off) so in order to use it realistically as a weapon I'd have to detach it from my keys and use both hands to open it (before using it to give someone a slight scratch).

Where do I stand legally on this? Is it illegal? Is a copper likely to apply some sort of common sense over it? If it came to it, the huge bunch of keys in themselves would probably be a far more effective weapon than the knife.

Only for softie Yanks. If that guy was Antipodean he would have bitten through his arm days earlier.

If he'd been a Scot, he'd have deep fried the boulder, eaten it for breakfast and washed it down with two pints of home(bladder)-made Irn-Bru.

For what it's worth, I pretty much always have a 'gentlemans' folding pocket knife' somewhere about my person. Just force of habit really, and it does get used daily. I could do without it - use my teeth, get up and find some scissors or whatever, but it's handy and looks very inoffensive. Obviously doesn't come down the pub with me.

Ah, Cougar.

You've given us a nice little insight into your persona there.

Is it unfair to judge a man by the amount of keys on his keyring - and a penknife to boot....

😉

As for usage, you might as well ask "why do you carry a screwdriver?" I'm a geek, carrying a small knife is incredibly useful and it probably gets used for something random on a weekly basis, but I don't have a specific reason for it. It's a lock knife because I've had it for donkey's years and I don't like cutting my own fingers off.

Where do I stand legally on this? Is it illegal? Is a copper likely to apply some sort of common sense over it? If it came to it, the huge bunch of keys in themselves would probably be a far more effective weapon than the knife.

The chances of getting caught are slim. But, replace it with a 2.9" non-locking folder and you don't have to worry.

I always carry a .45 in my camelback. Saves on arguments as to what it's intended purpose is 🙂

Stoner - Member
the law is an ass.

Pretty much all the knives I use regularly are locking knives. Even my stanley knife is a folding locking one.

But then I dont go carrying it around urban centres or in my suit pocket. If Im carrying a knife its because Im either off camping, riding, walking or working.

The locking blade distinction should be dropped. A simple test of intent or reasonableness should suffice ragardless of the type of blade. I could do more damage with a Jack Saw than a locking bladed knife

Agreed. Locking knifes are popular because they are usually safer in use.

Is it unfair to judge a man by the amount of keys on his keyring - and a penknife to boot....

It's been argued that a fit ninja could hurl my keys through a tree trunk.

I use everything that's on there though. Door keys for home, car keys, bike lock keys, work keys; the rest are tools, knife, torch, USB pendrive, bottle opener and the like. Uh, and a Lego Indiana Jones. You never know.

The keyring itself is a climbing carabiner, could save my life one day (-: Everything's modular on there so I can snap things out if I need, say, just my door key.

Hey, do we need a "get your keys out for the lads" photo thread?

elephant - this is my swiss knife. the forrester has a locking blade.

Its a good knife and much safer to use IMO than an non-locking bladed one.

[img] [/img]

Locking blades are considered more dangerous ans they are easier to stab someone with.

There is an exemption for small non locking blades. Otherewise all knives are illegal unless being carried for good reason.

Illegal. Simple as that.

The chances of getting caught are slim. But, replace it with a 2.9" non-locking folder and you don't have to worry.

Male hens.

I'll give some thought to replacing it. Open to recommendations.

There is an exemption for small non locking blades.

Define "small"? Is mine ok, then?

I am indeed a fit ninja and I so could hurl your keys through a tree trunk, and I would, just for a laugh.

i do take my gerber quite often, never actually had cause ti use it though

Open to recommendations.

always.

On my big walk i always had a gerber multitool blade.
However at about 50mm, wasn't efficient for alot of uses.

I managed after a fair distance to then get an Opinel No. 7 with was a much better tool and an handy deterrent as i found out on occasions.

I lost that and now carry in my pack a No 10 with carbon steal blade and a No.120 for sawing purposes.

For travelling my Mora roe knife comes along too.

As far as i care, the illegally lengthed No 10 serves a lawful purpose in my pack as a foraging/hunting tool.

I have a Gerber lock knife on my keys so it goes everywhere with me. I think the blade is just under 3in but TBH I couldn't care if it is legal or not. If, say, I was in the park with my two young daughters and someones dog decided to attack, the dog would get it I'm afraid. If you could see the amount of supposed 'status dogs' we have up here, you'd understand my reasoning...

Cougar - Member

There is an exemption for small non locking blades.

Define "small"? Is mine ok, then?

IIRC under 3"

I can't see my knife being much use in a dog attack. I'd probably be able to brain the sod with my keys though.

In fact the three knives I own are:
[img] [/img]
Locking box cutter

[img] [/img]
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Locking Swiss Army knife and

[img] [/img]
Locking Opinel.

That's not a knife

Ah yes.

From http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_legislation#England_and_Wales

The special exception which exists in the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (s139) for folding knives (pocket knives) is another "common sense" measure accepting that some small knives are carried for general utility; however, even a folding pocket knife of less than 3" (76 mm) may still be considered an offensive weapon if carried or used for that purpose.

However, the next bit is less clear (quelle surprise)

It is a common belief that a folding knife must be non-locking for this provision to apply, but the wording of the Criminal Justice Act does not mention locking and the matter becomes a question as to the definition of "folding pocket knife". In the case of R. v Deegan (1998) in the Court of Appeal of England and Wales, the ruling that 'folding' was intended to mean 'non-locking' was upheld. As the only higher court in England and Wales is the Supreme Court the only way this ruling could be overturned is by a dissenting ruling by the Supreme Court or by Act of Parliament.

I think since no one has heard of anyone getting into trouble for carrying a knife in a outdoors capacity, its probably overlooked. Since farmers and folk on shoots get to carry guns, a knife seems a litle insignificant.

Leatherman charge FTW

It goes on,

Swiss Army Knives with locking blades are illegal to carry 'without good reason' in the UK and the crown prosecution service have attempted to prosecute policemen, hikers and picnickers who possess such weapons without a specific and immediate reason.

So much for 'common sense' then. 🙄

what 77 ^ says is my defence anyway 🙂

I have something like this, but cheaper, in my Camelbak:

[img] [/img]

The whole knives thing has fallen foul of the hysteria lobby.

A knife is a tool.

??
double post - how does that happen?

epicyclo - Member

The whole knives thing has fallen foul of the hysteria lobby.

A knife is a tool.

I have never needed or even wanted a knife while riding, walking or backpacking in Europe, its an unnecessary tool carried by survival fantasists, who are not people who should be trusted with a sharp pointy object.

I needed a knife for my bike earlier this week. Split a tyre and while I could lash it up with cable ties, I had nothing to deal with the loose ends that were flailing around - not exactly life threatening but annoying. Now looking for a suitable knife to stick in my backpack...

In my pack I have a 'mon premier Opinel' it's a n°7 blade that is rounded at the end. Perfect for slicing sausage, spreading cheese and paté, etc.

A more than useful tool in my book. It has saved me from certain starvation many a time in the countryside. 😆

who needs a knife ? i say carry a spade, build trails, chop meat up etc etc..hehe

I concur!

...Pirate-esque belt buckle holstered throwing stars on the other hand 😀

[img] [/img]

Got one of these in mine

[img] [/img]

I have a swiss army knife in my camelbak. Comes in handy for chopping your melted softshell jacket off your hot disc rotor 😳

MSP - Member
...I have never needed or even wanted a knife while riding, walking or backpacking in Europe, its an unnecessary tool carried by survival fantasists...

Ever been outdoors?

I have never needed a knife beyond a swiss army knife / small penknife- and yes I have been outdoors lots - many many unsupported treks thru remote and wild areas for weeks at a time in Europe and beyond.

AS for the average MTBer - really - what on earth do you need a big locking knife for? You are going out to play int eh woods on your bike. You are not crocodile dundee

My multitool has a small blade on it. I doubt I have used that more than twice

I carry a swiss army in my rucsack. They were a right bugger to pack and they do tend to wriggle about, but they're quiet enough so long as you keep them in cheese. I'm sure they'll be invaluable should I ever get involved in a war that doesn't require a navy.

Might as well get one of [url= http://www.leathermans.co.uk/Leatherman-Skeletool.html ]these.[/url]

Wasn't he the enemy of He-Man?

If I am out and about, then my camelbak will hold my normal Gerber Suspension. It is just far too handy to leave behind given that just about anything that can go wrong with a bike can be fixed or bodged with it.

It never goes out in town with me and I never carry anything similar in the car. The exception is when I go shooting rabbits and then I carry a sub-3" fixed blade sheath knife with me for paunching.

"I have never needed or even wanted a knife while riding, walking or backpacking in Europe, its an unnecessary tool carried by survival fantasists, who are not people who should be trusted with a sharp pointy object." ??????

how do you cut up food? what do you use to shave kindling? how do you cut cord to repair your tent or rucksack? what would you use to cut up a bit of inner tube to pad out a slash in your tyre ? how do you open a tin or robust packet? do you really carry a corkscrew, screwdriver, bottle opener, can opener, wire cutter and thing for getting boy scouts out of horses hooves as separate items?

anotherdeadhero - Member
I have a swiss army knife in my camelbak. Comes in handy for chopping your melted softshell jacket off your hot disc rotor

Good day that. So funny as for the smell.. 😆

Mines about 6" and i carry it everywhere.
Have always found it to be a useful tool.

The whole knives thing has fallen foul of the hysteria lobby.

A knife is a tool.

Agreed.
I carry a Leatherman sometimes, and it does come on very handy from time to time. I've regretted not having it more than once.
But, yes, tha's got 2 pretty big locking blades and a nasty looking saw. I've used the blades, the saw, the pliers, screwdriver and the bit kit I've also got with it.

The thing is, as well as a knife being a tool, there are some people who are 'tools that have knives' and that's what spoils it for the rest of us that use them legitimately.

I guess a copper would have to have some reason to search me to find it though, and I can't see me being caught in the middle of deepest Tunnel Hill by The Law anytime soon! 🙂

I carry a knife and use it to kill and dismember ramblers and horse riders that offend me.

I have a Leatherman Wave and I have taken it around the world, backpacking, trekking, mtbing etc etc etc. It's by far the most useful thing I have ever owned. Last ride out it helped get myself and another rider home (due to it's pliers).

I got the blade sharpened by a knife-smith (right phrase?)in Chamonix and the blade is now crazy sharp, which makes it safer.

I got my first penknife when I was about 8. I plan to get my sons small knives for whittleing and such when they are a similar age.

Waffle bike on youtube.

Years ago i got stoped by local police on way to work at silly o'clock in morning , looked in back of my van ,sir what are those knives for ?
I work at local slaughter house/meat factory,i take em home at night to stop the scousers nickin em!ok sir ! was his reply.on your way then .

But when i got to work boss said ,did u get hasseled by cops today then ,laughing at same time ,they rang here to verify your ID .

Anyway i allways carry a pocket knife now, so many uses,from eatin me apple to opening a packet to despactin a rabbit .

Yep I'm a carrier 😀 Got a micro leatherman on the car/house keys for every day stuff and it gets used loads.

On the other hand I also carry a knife with me in the leg pocket of my shorts when I'm riding. It's pretty handy actually I've used mine to -

Open food that's really difficult to open...
Cut off my camelbak when I got stuck in a bush and the pack wouldn't let me go...
Turn a shredded innertube into a new strap for a Camelbak that someone had inconveniently cut up...
Eat apples - not sure why I like this but eating it from a knife makes me feel outdoorsy...
Cutting small twigs of a stick used to jam my front mech in place when gear cable snapped...

I have one of these for rabbits,

http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Sentou-Knives/Sentou-Shi-do/p-92-183-1591/

always have a Wenger swiss army knife in my backpack when travelling both at home and abroad, it goes through airport customs in my hold luggage tucked inside my washkit, as soon as i get out the airport it
goes in my backpack again, wouldn't go anywhere without it :-),

i take a leatherman wave most places

Since I was about 10 i've carried a knife with me most days most places, strangely enough I seem to be in a minority where I haven't felt compelled to use it to stab anyone with

I had a discussion recently about this with a work collegue and stated that even if someone "jumped out on me" I wouldnt even consider use of the knife for my protection - its not a weapon - its a tool

I live in a fairly rural location and work in horticulture so use it several times a day, but carry it every where

The only bits I've used on my swiss army knife in 15 years are the tweezers, toothpick, scissors and corkscrew.

knives don't kill people - people kill people 😯

I always carry my Blackie Collins buddy "Safety knife"
[url= http://www.knifepros.com/html/meyerco/buddysystem.htm ]<KNIFE>[/url]

I have my ~3" locking pocket knife on me nearly all the time. Needed daily for farm work but tend to keep it on me wherever I go. Always been curious as to how that would go down if i ever got stopped/searched.

Small blade on a 20 year old leatherman goes out most of the time. About twice in the season I clear the nettles and brambles from a stretch of singletrack bridleway on one of my regular runs and go out early on a Sunday carrying a 20 inch billhook in my pack. I must admit I have given some thought as to how I might explain this if I meet the local police dog handler giving K9 its morning run out in the same bit of woods. Currently tending towards chopping off a handy length of branch, throwing it down the path and shouting fetch.

http://www.hygienesuppliesdirect.com/products/prod147606

I carry this4 inch razor for work is it legal or not?

TJ doesn't need a knife, he's that 'ard he just bites through the toughest item, he can bite through a zip tie. The rest of us mere mortals have to resort to mundane tools like knives to cut through zip ties.
I carry one of those Rolson box cutters that stoner showed. £7 from Maplin, and one of the most useful bits of kit I've owned for the money. Use it at work continually for cutting up boxes, cutting zip ties, out riding I use it for hacking back brambles and briars on cycle paths if I haven't got my secateurs with me. If a blade breaks just stick a new one in. Take the blade out and it makes a small but handy scraper for getting stickers off. I've even used the back edge as an impromtu screwdriver. Carefully, I might add. I'm ashamed to have to resort to such a tool, but then I'm just an imperfect mortal.

Swiss army knife and Crank Bros 19 bike tool. Both of these have been life savers. I reckon if you do stuff, tools make that easier. I'd prefer that the main blade locked as then I wouldn't have needed so many plasters.

P.S.
If you have no requirement for tools at all in how you live your life, I can only assume you have a support team constantly following or you live like a cork, bobbing along the river.
I have hardly ever killed or maimed anyone. honest...

Cut off my camelbak when I got stuck in a bush and the pack wouldn't let me go...

Maaaaaaaaaaaannn - that must have been some gnarly bush, dude!

Either that or you are weaker than a kitten.

CountZero - Member

TJ doesn't need a knife,

Did you actually bother to read what I wrote?

TandemJeremy - Member

I have never needed a knife beyond a swiss army knife / small penknife
My multitool has a small blade on it. I doubt I have used that more than twice

For a mtber no one needs a big locking knife. I do have a couple but I don't carry them around

In my backpack when I'm trail finding is a big folding saw, a large machette and a big rambo knife. When I'm guiding I only have the rambo knife. People often say wtf but it's got me out of bother a few times where I don't think a wee penknife would. The last time was when someone crashed and their saddle rail popped out of the plastic, it wouldn't go back in so we whittled the plastic with my knife until it did. Used it lots of times, and it doubles up for cutting up the chorizo at lunchtime 🙂

I don't know what would happen if I got stopped. I guess I'd have to do some explaining but would hope for common sense to prevail!

I've got a leatherman in my bike tool / repair kit that comes on the commute, or when out with dog / family though the woods or up on Ashdown Forest etc an old-school whittling penknife with two blades, one larger than the other. Great for whittling whistles for my daughters, trimming up adhoc walking-sticks and other such things you do to keep them entertained and interested in the outdoors (much as my Dad used to do with me and my siblings). When fishing or gardening I've got a handmade sheath-knife I was given as a present - I wouldn't carry it out and about though.

The OP's is a bit too 'tactical' for my tastes to be honest but each to his own.

I really can not ever see the need to be carrying a knife while your out mountain bking, certainly in 20 odd years of riding a bike I have never needed one, but then again I have carried a bike multi tool, perhaps thats where folk are going wrong ??!?

Anyhow it is an offence to carry even a swiss army knife as it is an offensive weapon, and in court I think you would struggle to link how it is necessary whilst riding a bike.

There is another law which covers blades and sharp pointed objects under 3 inches and makes it illegal to carry them without good reason. I was told by a solicitor that under that law technically you could be prosecuted for carrying a biro as it has a sharp pointed end!

I worked in a shop a while ago which sold swiss army knifes and I had a guy come in for a replacement knife. He had gone camping abroad (before the heightened air security) and while going through customs/security had his backpack searched and they found with all his camping gear a swiss army knife with a blade under 3 inches. They prosecuted him for it. Fair enough I can see them taking it off him and giving him a warning but prosecuting a 60+ year old guy in those circumstances is imo wrong but it does show how tight they can be.