Hi I was just wondering if anyone knows the laws about carrying knives in London and in Paris? Blade length, serrations, automatics, folders, and fixed. I'd appreciate any help. I'm going to London very soon and I might be going to Paris either then or later on in the year, but I can't find anything on the net.
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Anyone know knife laws in London and Paris
- Thread starter Maximus
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Maximus,
I'm planning on travel to Italy and France this May, so I emailed Nemo, a BF member who lives in Paris. This was his reply:
"All locking blade are now illegal.
But if you carry a little blade less than 3 inches, you should not have any problems unless Police check you.
but mostly Police never bother any tourist especialy american people.
If you are looking like an Arab or a black guy... Police is very racist!"
Hope this helps. If you search the forums, I think you'll find that British knife laws are very restrictive.
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Dave
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of More Knives
I'm planning on travel to Italy and France this May, so I emailed Nemo, a BF member who lives in Paris. This was his reply:
"All locking blade are now illegal.
But if you carry a little blade less than 3 inches, you should not have any problems unless Police check you.
but mostly Police never bother any tourist especialy american people.
If you are looking like an Arab or a black guy... Police is very racist!"
Hope this helps. If you search the forums, I think you'll find that British knife laws are very restrictive.
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Dave
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of More Knives
In the UK you won't have a problem carrying a knife as long as the blade is under 4 inches, this applies to both fixed and folding blades. Automatic knives are banned, but locking blades are fine. It is legal to own a blade over 4 inches in length, it's just that they don't want people carrying them around unless they have a legitimate reason e.g. for work purposes. Customs officials can also confiscate any knives from you that they don't want entering the country, automatic knives etc.
Gerald, I think you are wrong. As I understand it, this is the law in the UK :
ANY, locking blades are illegal. A blade, less than 3 inches, that does not lock is fine.
FIXED are a NO-NO.
Exceptions are when you have a valid excuse ie: work etc...
CHECK THIS : http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/law.htm
Although if you are correct, I'm chuffed.
JD
[This message has been edited by Llamedos (edited 02-18-2000).]
ANY, locking blades are illegal. A blade, less than 3 inches, that does not lock is fine.
FIXED are a NO-NO.
Exceptions are when you have a valid excuse ie: work etc...
CHECK THIS : http://members.aol.com/knivesuk/law.htm
Although if you are correct, I'm chuffed.
JD
[This message has been edited by Llamedos (edited 02-18-2000).]
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Try to do some search on www.Knifeforums.com. There were some debates about the same topic. My experience in UK: Very bad. One of my students spent half a day in jail for usind ordinary small kitchen knife to cut fruits he bought on farmers market. They are very strict about carrying (using) ANY knife in public.
David
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David
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Dsvirsky, I spent 3 months in Italy last summer, and I did never encounter any problems. I am not 100% sure, but among the people I met, the common opinion was that any knife was ok, except for butterflies and "stilettos" as long as the blade length did not exceed "4 fingers". Which means that if the police examined your knife and held it across the palm, it would be confiscated if it was longer than that. So, be sure to avoid "Carabinieri" with small hands
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Tea drinker and hellraiser from Northern Sweden, above the arctic circle.
[This message has been edited by Cousin Cinnamon (edited 02-19-2000).]
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Tea drinker and hellraiser from Northern Sweden, above the arctic circle.
[This message has been edited by Cousin Cinnamon (edited 02-19-2000).]
A small none locking folding knife for London with a blade length under 3 inches. I doubt you would have any problems with a Swiss Army knife. An automatic will see you arrested and deported.
I dont want to even get started on the intelligence of such laws, I will only say that violent crime is on the increase regardless. Go figure,
On a funny note, some officers in London did a stop and search on the Commissioner of the Metropolitan police! Apparently they did not recognise him and were not very polite. He wasnt very happy. He has a reputation for being intollerant of fools so I guess they will be on the beat 'till they draw their pensions. What a shame.
I dont want to even get started on the intelligence of such laws, I will only say that violent crime is on the increase regardless. Go figure,
On a funny note, some officers in London did a stop and search on the Commissioner of the Metropolitan police! Apparently they did not recognise him and were not very polite. He wasnt very happy. He has a reputation for being intollerant of fools so I guess they will be on the beat 'till they draw their pensions. What a shame.
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Cousin Cinnamon,
Thanks for the info. Just to be safe, I bought myself a small slipjoint folder since the word I have is that the limit in Italy is 2" -- this came from a webpage containing legal advice for USAF personnel visiting Italy.
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Dave
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of More Knives
Thanks for the info. Just to be safe, I bought myself a small slipjoint folder since the word I have is that the limit in Italy is 2" -- this came from a webpage containing legal advice for USAF personnel visiting Italy.
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Dave
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of More Knives
Maximus:
Have a good time but be careful.
The remarks about Britain are true - its very difficult to carry anything there.
But the point I keep making remains true nevertheless: if you dress like a gentleman, and act like one then your 4 inch knife becomes a gentleman knife. If, on the other hand, you dress and behave like a jerk - then your SAK suddenly becomes a menacing weapon.
Further - refrain from pocket carry - go for IWB (behind the belt) so it is allot harder to notice the clip and realize you are Carrying some sort of knife.
On top of that - as my gunsmith likes saying: as soon as you land, go to any supermarket, get yourself a good cooking knife - a 5-6 inch blade - Victorinox is a good choice.
Wrap it with brown paper or the paper given in the store, and put it in your bag.
If questioned - you just bought it and are on your way to the hotel..
If in need - you have a 6-inch knife - more then enough for fighting
If it gets confiscated - well - its just a plain kitchen knife and not your decorated one in a million Sebenza...
BTW - if you always have your super tool or some other multi tool with you then you have some blades for general use. They are just a little harder to get to.
And for god sake - don't take out any knife you may be carrying for any reason apart from defending your life. If you will use it to cut the stake in a restaurant - well - you may get grilled yourself.
Have a good time but be careful.
The remarks about Britain are true - its very difficult to carry anything there.
But the point I keep making remains true nevertheless: if you dress like a gentleman, and act like one then your 4 inch knife becomes a gentleman knife. If, on the other hand, you dress and behave like a jerk - then your SAK suddenly becomes a menacing weapon.
Further - refrain from pocket carry - go for IWB (behind the belt) so it is allot harder to notice the clip and realize you are Carrying some sort of knife.
On top of that - as my gunsmith likes saying: as soon as you land, go to any supermarket, get yourself a good cooking knife - a 5-6 inch blade - Victorinox is a good choice.
Wrap it with brown paper or the paper given in the store, and put it in your bag.
If questioned - you just bought it and are on your way to the hotel..
If in need - you have a 6-inch knife - more then enough for fighting
If it gets confiscated - well - its just a plain kitchen knife and not your decorated one in a million Sebenza...
BTW - if you always have your super tool or some other multi tool with you then you have some blades for general use. They are just a little harder to get to.
And for god sake - don't take out any knife you may be carrying for any reason apart from defending your life. If you will use it to cut the stake in a restaurant - well - you may get grilled yourself.
WHoa! SOunds like England is NOT the place for knife lovers. I dunno I'm probably gonna bring my SAK and Gerber, but definately not any of my other "fun toys"
I am worried a bit about self-protection. Anyone think an ASP baton is OK? or am I just fooling myself.
Blilious, I definately will take your advice in consideration and get myself a good kitchen Knife. I didn't know SAK made kitchen knives. I'll look into it though.
Blilious, I definately will take your advice in consideration and get myself a good kitchen Knife. I didn't know SAK made kitchen knives. I'll look into it though.
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Under the UK "Offensive Weapons Act," any object of any kind, even a rolled-up magazine, that is carried with the intent of using it as an offensive or defensive weapon is a violation. Presumably one may still have a walking stick or a solidly built flashlight, for walking support or to light up dark places, but don't admit to thinking about defending yourself with an object in the UK.
Toasting the success of high treason in the rebel colonies . . .
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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
Toasting the success of high treason in the rebel colonies . . .
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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
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Hate to burst your bubble Maximus, but ASP's are considered on the level of firearms in most places, and if you're in another country, I wouldn't. Most police forces around the globe aren't as restricted as in the US, and doing something like that is just asking for it, especially if you're an American Citizen (it's been my experience that most of the world doesn't really like us
).
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"I can go over to your mama's house, and start a small fire in her panties." -G. Busey
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"I can go over to your mama's house, and start a small fire in her panties." -G. Busey
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I thought that the universally accepted knife in Europe was the Opinel with the twist collar lock. A friend of mine took one with him everywhere he went in Europe, and used it for cutting food, tape, and the other routine chores. Has this changed?
Walt
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Walt,
we are talking about UK, not the rest of Europe. In our country you can carry almost anything without problems. In UK be sure to trim your finger nails very well before you go out
.
David
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we are talking about UK, not the rest of Europe. In our country you can carry almost anything without problems. In UK be sure to trim your finger nails very well before you go out
David
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DIVERTI NESCIO
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My Photopoint pictures
Kevin Wilkins
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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Don't take any kind of a knife other than a tiny non-locking pen knife or small SAK into England. You won't need a knife and your chances of getting into a jam over it are very real.
One poster's idea of buying a kitchen knife and carrying it around in a bag is very dangerous.
If you get into a jam with the police, at the very besy your vacation is over. English law is not like the USA.
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Totally new website!
www.wilkins-knives.com
One poster's idea of buying a kitchen knife and carrying it around in a bag is very dangerous.
If you get into a jam with the police, at the very besy your vacation is over. English law is not like the USA.
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Totally new website!
www.wilkins-knives.com
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I always (unless I am going down the pub somewhere I do not know and there is a chance of a search by bouncers on the door) a sub 3" locking folder.
It, unfortunately, depends on how the police force you come under interprets the law.
I have seen a poster in a police station that stated you were not allowed to carry any knife without good reason with the exception of a "small folding pocket knife with a blade length less than 76mm"
Case law seems to enforce that that means it can not lock. I will take my chances on that one but of cource I do not risk being deported and having my holiday ruined.
As for ASP type batons, as James said, they are a big no no, although I have a cheap one in the bedroom next to the 5 D cell Maglite, just in case. Just do not take it outside.
It, unfortunately, depends on how the police force you come under interprets the law.
I have seen a poster in a police station that stated you were not allowed to carry any knife without good reason with the exception of a "small folding pocket knife with a blade length less than 76mm"
Case law seems to enforce that that means it can not lock. I will take my chances on that one but of cource I do not risk being deported and having my holiday ruined.
As for ASP type batons, as James said, they are a big no no, although I have a cheap one in the bedroom next to the 5 D cell Maglite, just in case. Just do not take it outside.
Hey Kevin - wake up and smell the coffee!
"you won't need a knife? " are you sure? then why is it that all the people in this forum think they NEED a knife on a daily basis?
What if some thug will try to rob me? Will the possibility of presenting a knife help deter him? Or fight him? I think so.
"One poster's idea of buying a kitchen knife and carrying it around in a bag is very dangerous..."
Yes - and so is being stabbed by some drunk/racist/doped #$&%%!!
Maybe its just me - but Id rather be judged by 12 then carried by 6...(old but true)
And I am a lawyer - so I know there is a risk there - you know: getting deported ruining your vacation - well - shoot me - I'd rather loose my vacation then my life, my limbs or see any of my loved ones get hurt.
Also - read carefully what I suggested - be discrete, have an explanation ready (wrap it with the shop's paper and keep it like that so you can say that you are a tourist and it was recently bought)
And above all - dont get into trouble, dress, talk and behave like a gentleman - and the police will most likely won't have anything to do with you.
If - on the other hand the brown smelly stuff does hit the fan - at least you'll have something to use for self-defense.
If you survive - you can do the explanation later. If you survive.
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My dear GreenJacket,
I have been staying away from trouble all my life successfully
BUT - I do know that it is not always up to me, and sometimes I can get caught in something beyond my expectations.
This is especially true being a tourist - you know less about your surroundings, know less where to go and when to go there, and also you ARE a target as a tourist.
In order to live and let live you first have to live..
I have been staying away from trouble all my life successfully
BUT - I do know that it is not always up to me, and sometimes I can get caught in something beyond my expectations.
This is especially true being a tourist - you know less about your surroundings, know less where to go and when to go there, and also you ARE a target as a tourist.
In order to live and let live you first have to live..
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A tourist who doesn't want to eat every meal in a restaurant will need a knife of some sort to cut edible things, and will need to carry it about because the kitchen is a long way away. Would it cause panic and unwanted attention from law enforcement to use a knife to cut up fruit and/or make a sandwich in a park or other public place in the UK?
A fixed blade used for food preparation is easier to keep clean and sanitary than a folder, though it might be hard to explain a quick-draw concealment rig.
David reports a case of a guy in the UK spending half a day in jail for using a small kitchen knife to cut fruit in public. Is that a normal level of paranoia there, or unusual paranoia? In another thread here, we have a report from some years back of a guy being arrested in California for "brandishing a machete" which he as using to do yard work, but there is in fact no law against doing yard work with a machete in California. Bad arrests can happen anywhere.
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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
[This message has been edited by James Mattis (edited 02-27-2000).]
A fixed blade used for food preparation is easier to keep clean and sanitary than a folder, though it might be hard to explain a quick-draw concealment rig.
David reports a case of a guy in the UK spending half a day in jail for using a small kitchen knife to cut fruit in public. Is that a normal level of paranoia there, or unusual paranoia? In another thread here, we have a report from some years back of a guy being arrested in California for "brandishing a machete" which he as using to do yard work, but there is in fact no law against doing yard work with a machete in California. Bad arrests can happen anywhere.
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- JKM
www.chaicutlery.com
AKTI Member # SA00001
[This message has been edited by James Mattis (edited 02-27-2000).]