Is this allowed?

TheYoungster · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:18

A year ago I was walking to the bust top to go to college and on the ground i noticed a swiss army knife, i took it to the police station for them to take it and hopefully return it too its rightfull owner. However, the custody sargent or the bloke at the desk told me to take it home because there was no space, baring in mind this thing is three inches long and about and inch wide, is that right? i was 16 then so if i was caught with that on my way home id be in big trouble right?

Van Hellseek · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:19

3 inch non-lock blade is legal.

TheYoungster · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:23

Van Hellseek said:
3 inch non-lock blade is legal.

Oh right, thanks for that

Van Hellseek · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:25

Have to be 18 to buy one though.

Castiel · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:26

Is there not a 18 age restriction however?

Van Hellseek · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:27

Castiel said:
Is there not a 18 age restriction however?

Sales, yes. Not to carry one as far as I'm aware.

Strife212 · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:28

It's not an illegal item in its own right but wouldn't it be counted as an offensive weapon if someone was carrying it on the streets?

TheYoungster · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:41

thanks chaps, the only time i take it out of the house is when i go cycling or out and about away from the population, i.e. camping

Sin_Chase · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:42

Depends if there was suspicion of intent to use as a weapon I guess.

Worst case the station could corroborate why he had it and why he was carrying it at the time.

TheYoungster said:
thanks chaps, the only time i take it out of the house is when i go cycling or out and about away from the population, i.e. camping

I cannot think of many things you would want such an item for even when away from populace. Camping, I get. Cycling, why?

Six7th · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:50

Sin_Chase said:
I cannot think of many things you would want such an item for even when away from populace. Camping, I get. Cycling, why?

Maybe in case he forgets the key to his bike lock and needs to cut through it

MouthBoy · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:52

When I was in Scouts, all those years ago, we were allowed a knife for scouting. Although we had to prove, if 'caught', we were on our way to or from scouts, or on a camp. I was about 13 when I was told this.

Kosmiche · 22 Jun 2011 at 23:54

To cut through overgrowth in forests like a machette

daz · 23 Jun 2011 at 00:11

I carried a pen knife with loads of useful tools from the age of 11 to about 17 without any intent of stabbing anyone.

R.C.Anderson · 23 Jun 2011 at 00:14

All depends on the reasoning & how you carry it if I remember correctly. For example, if you just carry it for the sake of it, in your pocket etc, you could get in trouble. However if there's a reason (camping etc), and you are carrying it in a rucksack, it should be fine (as it's not quickly accessible, it won't be considered a weapon.

For example, there are quite a few times I have a 3 1/2-4" locking knife (not flick knife though), half serrated, half standard blade, around with me. But that's because it's my safety knife for when I go kayaking, and it's always in my Buoyancy Aid, so it's not an issue. I know people who carry 6" serrated in their BA, but due to the reasoning etc, it's not an issue.

EDIT: I'm assuming the reasoning for the OP taking it out for cycling, is for the extra tools, to adjust stuff, should it be required. And not to threaten passers by to give a lift home when tired

Mark A · 23 Jun 2011 at 00:32

Sin_Chase said:
I cannot think of many things you would want such an item for even when away from populace. Camping, I get. Cycling, why?

I carry my Leatherman Charge multi tool with me when on my bike as I've needed to use the screwdriver and also the pliers from time to time.

Also, if you watch 127 hours you will see why its important to have a sharp blade with you :eek:

.

Its a decent tool though and as such has a 3" lockable blade so i could probably be done if I was searched, but I could never see this happening.

Vonhelmet · 23 Jun 2011 at 00:35

Strife212 said:
It's not an illegal item in its own right but wouldn't it be counted as an offensive weapon if someone was carrying it on the streets?

Not if you have good reason to carry it. If you can't think of a good reason to carry a penknife then you're not trying hard enough. Most of them come with about 16 good reasons built in.

TheYoungster · 23 Jun 2011 at 00:44

R.C.Anderson said:
All depends on the reasoning & how you carry it if I remember correctly. For example, if you just carry it for the sake of it, in your pocket etc, you could get in trouble. However if there's a reason (camping etc), and you are carrying it in a rucksack, it should be fine (as it's not quickly accessible, it won't be considered a weapon.

For example, there are quite a few times I have a 3 1/2-4" locking knife (not flick knife though), half serrated, half standard blade, around with me. But that's because it's my safety knife for when I go kayaking, and it's always in my Buoyancy Aid, so it's not an issue. I know people who carry 6" serrated in their BA, but due to the reasoning etc, it's not an issue.

EDIT: I'm assuming the reasoning for the OP taking it out for cycling, is for the extra tools, to adjust stuff, should it be required. And not to threaten passers by to give a lift home when tired

exactly, as they say, rather have one and not need one, that need one and not have one.
But its handy for tightening up loose screws ect, im not going to pay 20 quid for a tool that does the same job

Tefal · 23 Jun 2011 at 00:47

Anyone find it odd the police told him to keep a lost item and not take it?

Van Hellseek · 23 Jun 2011 at 00:49

Tefal said:
Anyone find it odd the police told him to keep a lost item and not take it?

Not really. For a small relatively worthless item it isn't suprising at all.

TheYoungster · 23 Jun 2011 at 00:49

Tefal said:
Anyone find it odd the police told him to keep a lost item and not take it?

Thats what i mean, its not mine, its a knife, its tiny so they could easily store it and i bet if i was stopped randomly on the way home i would have been in rouble, i think he couldnt be arsed to do the paperwork IMO