Legal UK Pocket Knives: What Laws Should You Know Before Buying & Carrying?

Disclaimer: This article is intended as a friendly guide for enthusiasts. It does not constitute legal advice. Knife law can be complex and it is your responsibility to understand and follow the law in your own circumstances.

Introduction

At Arctic Knife, we love talking about blade steels, ergonomics and design but if you’re based in the UK, one of the first questions that often comes up is: what pocket knives are legal to carry?

It’s an important question. Knowing the rules helps you enjoy your knives without worry, and it ensures we all use and carry knives responsibly. In this quick guide, we’ll explain the essentials of UK legal carry knives, clear up some common misconceptions, and show you some great options like the new Spyderco Metropolitan, designed specifically for strict European and UK carry laws.

The Basics of UK Legal Carry Knives

UK knife law is strict compared with many other countries, but it is straightforward once you know the rules.

You can legally carry a folding knife in public without needing a reason if it meets two conditions:
  - The blade length is 3 inches (7.62 cm) or less.
  - The knife is non-locking i.e. readily foldable at all times.

Knives that meet these requirements are often called UK legal pocket knives or slip-joints. They fold, but they do not lock in place.

Locking Knives: Legal to Own, Legal to Carry With 'Good Reason'

A common misconception is that locking knives are “illegal” in the UK. This isn’t true.

- Locking folding knives are perfectly legal to own.

- You may also carry a locking knife in public if you have legally 'good reason'.

What could count as a 'good reason'?

• Carrying the knife at work (e.g. on a building site).
• Using it for outdoor activities like camping, fishing or hiking.
• Transporting it safely to and from a place of use.

What definately doesn't count as a 'good reason'.

• I forgot it was in my pocket.
• It's for self defence.

What you cannot do is carry a locking knife in public without a good reason. Whether or not your good reason is valid, is decided by the attending Police Officer/s. If you want a pocket knife you can always carry in and out of public places, stick to a UK-legal non-locking knife under 3 inches.

Why UK Legal Carry Knives Are Popular

Because the law is kind of unclear on this 'good reason' stuff, many knife enthusiasts in the UK enjoy owning a selection of legal carry knives. These give you the freedom to carry a high-quality folder day to day without needing to justify it.

This demand is why brands like Spyderco produce knives specifically to comply with UK and European regulations.

One of the reasons Spyderco’s UK legal knives stand out is the thoughtful way they address the traditional weakness of non-locking folders. Most slip-joint designs can, under pressure, close unexpectedly on the user’s fingers, a very serious drawback that has always limited their appeal. Spyderco overcame this with a design innovation that is as simple as it is effective: the finger choil. By integrating a curved cut-out at the base of the blade that cradles your index finger during use, Spyderco not only enhances ergonomics and grip security but also creates a natural safeguard. If the blade begins to close, your finger in the choil physically blocks it from snapping shut, preventing injury. It’s a hallmark of Spyderco’s design genius, combining superior control, comfort, and safety in a knife that remains fully UK legal.

Spotlight: Spyderco Metropolitan — Designed for UK Legal Carry

One of the most exciting new arrivals we have in stock is the Spyderco Metropolitan. This knife was created from the ground up to fit within strict European and UK carry laws:

- Non-locking slip-joint mechanism
- Blade under 3 inches
- Premium steel and ergonomics, experience the incredible edge retention properties of M398.
- Stylish, compact and ideal for everyday carry

If you’ve ever felt limited by UK knife law, the Metropolitan shows that compliance doesn’t have to mean compromise. It’s practical, premium, and perfectly suited to modern everyday carry.

Choosing the Right Knife for You

When deciding which knife to buy, ask yourself:

- Do I want a knife I can carry every day without needing a reason?
  → Choose a UK-legal non-locking folder, like the Spyderco Metropolitan or UK Penknife.

- Do I need a tougher tool for work and/or outdoor use?
  → A locking folder may suit you better, but only carry it when you have a clear reason.

Final Thoughts

UK knife laws can feel strict, but they’re easy to navigate once you understand the basics. For everyday carry, choose a non-locking folder under 3 inches. For outdoor use or work, locking knives are perfectly legal with good reason.

At Arctic Knife, we stock a wide range of premium pocket knives, from UK legal carry knives like the Spyderco Metropolitan, to high-performance locking folders for the outdoors. Whatever your needs, the key is to carry responsibly and enjoy your knives with confidence.