British Knife Laws

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When I was living in London I was often carrying multiple bags (camera gear), I was usually ignored by plod both generally and when they had the portable metal detectors out at a random station, the only time I was searched was when a couple of younger individuals complained that both of them were being checked but I was not, so they had a look through my gear, including a multitool, and had no questions or issues.

Part of my current work involves working with rope, I have a mini multitool and little swiss army knife in my pocket all the time but when working I also have a Gerber E-Z zip (around 2 inches, fixed blade but in a configuration that makes it very difficult to cut anything bigger than around an inch), thats also been noticed and ignored as it was within a bag with a context.

I also tend to get out of the car and approach plod, giving him time to get out too or wave me into the back (where I sit with a leg dangling out of the open door), I'm quite big so I keep the face smiley and friendly and the manor helpful and compliant. Only happened a handful of times but it makes sense to me.

As an aside, if I feel I need an item for personal protection it's usually a Parker Jotter Pen, I can seriously ruin someones day with one of those.

I agree with the consensus that the law regarding knives is somewhat vague, if it's folding non-locking and under 3" it's not likely to be an issue unless you're waving it about in a bar or something similarly stupid. If it's locking or fixed or longer than 3" you need a good reason to have it, and if you're in an urban area with it tied to your hip I doubt you have a reason THAT good.

Whatever you carry that can be perceived as a weapon can get you into the sh!t if the policeperson at the time thinks you might be breaking a law.

To quote a policewoman friend of mine, 'carry whatever you want, just don't get caught with it if you're even vaguely suspected of anything'.