At Steel City Knives, we are committed to ensuring our customers understand the laws surrounding the sale, ownership, and carrying of knives in the UK. Knife laws exist to promote safety and responsibility, and as a retailer, we strictly adhere to all legal requirements regarding age-restricted sales, carrying regulations, and safe use.
Below, we outline the key aspects of UK knife law, helping you stay informed and compliant.
Purchasing & Age Restrictions.
You Must Be Over 18 to Buy a Knife
Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, it is illegal to sell any type of knife to anyone under the age of 18 in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, the age limit for buying a knife is 16 for certain blades, but 18 for others.
To comply with the law, we age-verify every purchase at checkout and require an age-verified delivery upon arrival.
UK Legal Carry Knives.
What Knives Can You Carry in Public?
UK law strictly regulates carrying knives in public places under the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and the Offensive Weapons Act 2019.
You are legally allowed to carry a folding pocket knife without a lock and with a blade length of 3 inches (76mm) or less without needing a specific reason.
✔ UK legal carry knife = Non-locking folding knife, blade length 3 inches (76mm) or less
✔ All A. Wright & Sons Ltd folding knives that we sell comply with this law.
⚠️ Important: While carrying a legal pocket knife is permitted, it is always subject to the circumstances in which it is carried. If law enforcement believes you have it for an unlawful purpose, they can still take action.
Knives You Cannot Carry.
It is illegal to carry the following knives in public, regardless of blade length:
❌ Locking knives (without a valid reason)
❌ Fixed-blade knives (without a valid reason)
❌ Butterfly knives (balisongs)
❌ Automatic (flick knives/switchblades)
❌ Gravity knives
❌ Zombie knives, disguised knives, push daggers
❌ Sword canes or concealed blades
These are classed as offensive weapons and carrying them without a legitimate reason is a criminal offence.
Self Defence
Under UK law, you CANNOT carry a knife for self-defence. Even if you are carrying a legal pocket knife, if law enforcement believes you are doing so for defensive purposes, you could face prosecution.
Selling & Delivery of Knives Online
Under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019, there are strict rules for selling and delivering knives online:
✔ We age-verify all purchases to ensure compliance with the law.
✔ Our knives are shipped using age-verified delivery—the recipient must be 18+ and provide ID upon delivery.
✔ We do not deliver knives to lockers, PO boxes, or unverified collection points.
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in severe legal consequences for both the retailer and the buyer.
Penalties for breaking UK Knife Laws
Carrying an illegal knife or possessing a blade in public without a valid reason can lead to:
❌ Up to 4 years in prison
❌ Unlimited fines
❌ A criminal record
Selling a knife to someone under 18 (without age verification) can result in:
❌ A fine of up to £5,000
❌ Up to 6 months imprisonment
Responsible Ownership & Use
At Steel City Knives, we believe in responsible knife ownership. Our knives are designed for outdoor use, craftsmanship, and practical purposes—not for weapons.
✔ Always store your knife safely and out of reach of children.
✔ Never carry a knife in public unless you have a legal reason to do so.
✔ Use your knife responsibly for its intended purpose—outdoor activities, camping, fishing, or work-related tasks.
By understanding and following UK knife laws, you can safely enjoy the benefits of a high-quality, handcrafted Sheffield knife while staying compliant with legal regulations.
Have Questions?
If you have any questions about UK knife laws, legal carry options, or how we ensure secure, age-verified shipping, please contact our team below — we’re happy to help.
Stay safe, stay informed, and enjoy your Sheffield-crafted knife responsibly.
