Folder for Europe & UK

[GatorFlash1]

Over there do they still cut off your fingers for carrying the wrong kind of knife? I guess that is better than your head!

 

[Murindo]

I got a Spyderco UKPN part serrated and am happy with it.

 

[CanadaKnifeGuy]

Nothing. Honestly, as someone who is both a knife nut and who has lived in Europe, don't bring or even try to carry a knife. People will act like you're a terrorist, and the laws are draconian. Just don't bring one, brotha. I know it, yurope sucks.

I dunno, man. My friends from France and Spain are very quick to pull out a knife in public and cut up an apple for their baby. Especially the mother. It's very cool to see proper, casual, confident and comfortable use of the right tool for the job.

Maybe a one handed, loud, pointy blade shape will make some gasp in crowded areas of London...

Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check them all out. I will carry a knife in Europe. They are still a necessary tool.
Worse than the knife laws is the prejudice against defending yourself.

My choices would be a Manly Wasp, a SAK and / or an opinel.

Less "tactical" would equal less negative attention.

Opinels are pretty utilitarian picnic tools. And of course the SAK has a corkscrew, if you get the proper European model!

The Wasp is the most modern in both materials, build quality and appearance... And it makes 4 sharp, loudish snaps as it opens up.

It's legal, but might turn heads.

An Opinel is silent, wood-handled and about as common as a fork or water bottle and won't get noticed, unless you opt for the gigantic 10 or 12 in public.

Of course you're entitled to defend yourself (that's virtually universal), but any knife is a fairly poor premeditated choice (and REALLY bad choice where illegal to carry) and a legal slipjoint or even an opinel locking blade is almost a guaranteed loss of fingers.

Best to carry a legal knife for utility purposes and always wear rubber soled shoes or drop a fake wallet or hit back with your backpack to distract, before running off, as soon as something starts to turn sour.

 

[CanadaKnifeGuy]

Had a quick business trip to Scotland and Holland and discovered the only legal folder I had was a multi-blade SAK. I'm looking for a UK legal single blade folder under $ 100 for my next trip.

What's out there besides the Spyderco UK Pen Knife and the Spyderco Roadie? I thought about an Opinel but they do have a lock of sorts.

An Opinel no5 and smaller has no lock, but it's a bit small. I use a no6 daily for apples, etc.. but I have tiny hands.

Maybe get a no.7 (3" blade, I think) and take the lock ring off. It makes it a simple non-locking, friction folder.

I LOVE them in Sandvik stainless and all they seem to need is a stropping to get them hair-popping... And keep them there!

And if you find it a bit wide / round in your pocket, you can sand down / flatten the sides to really make for a beautiful, super-slicey, utilitarian, understated EDC.

 

[kaos 13]

douk douk petite there good for what thay are Barlow slip joint
I live in the UK and you need a good reason to carry a lock knife or a fixed blade

 

[eisman]

Why bring a knife ? Buy something local (and non locking), the choice is overwhelming.

^^^^ THIS!

I always buy knives when I travel. The cutlery of the British Isles is amazing and collectible, and on the mainland you can find just about anything. Knives make superior souvenirs.

 

[Sid Post]

Nothing. Honestly, as someone who is both a knife nut and who has lived in Europe, don't bring or even try to carry a knife. People will act like you're a terrorist, and the laws are draconian. Just don't bring one, brotha. I know it, yurope sucks.

There is some logic and truth here. Also, I won't risk a knife of value (either monetary or sentimental) to various airports, museums, etc.

While an Opinel might not technically meet the letter of the law, they are pretty low profile and typically go unnoticed. A small SAK (Spartan and I have made several trips) with a corkscrew model has been my companion on many trips across the Atlantic.

Worst case, I'm out ~$10~$15USD if I get it confiscated somewhere. As I'm not a problem (drunk, arrogant, entitled, etc.) when I travel, if worst comes to worst, just surrender it and go on your way.

Heck, don't even try to take a Morakniv through Heathrow ... Just mail it home and save yourself the hassles, delays, grief, ...

In terms of self-defense, that line of thought will get you locked up by the "thought police" in Europe. My SAK and Opinel are terrible at spreading butter, jam or, peanut butter so, today I would be inclined to get a no-kidding butter knife (and spoon) in-country to pair with my SAK/Opinel if I don't pack them for the trip.