To England

[HFinn]

I am taking a trip to England this summer with my wife. The plan is to hike in western England, near Wales border for 6 days starting and ending in Cotwolds. Luggage will be transported to next b&b by the travel company, we will walk about 20 km/day. Starting day is 30th June.

Pocketknife of choise could be either a Victorinox (contemplating of getting a Alox model) or this Rough Rider, which has sadly lost it's shield. I wonder if the cavity could be filled with something like epoxy mixed with file powder or chemical metal? I quess this knife is legal to carry there.

Anyway, I am expecting a lot of this trip and will report when we get back. Is there anything knife-related somewhere near? Of course I will keep my eyes open.

 

[Larsje100]

You'll be fine when carrying that. As long as it's 3" or less and not locking you'll be good. And it all depends where you carry it. But when you're going for a hike its not a problem I think.

 

[S.R.B]

In Barry, South Wales there is a company called Heinnie Haynes, they are the one and only decent knife shop in the UK, and worth a visit if you get the chance but your selection in the US far surpasses ours. The carry laws in the UK are: It is legal to carry any slipjoint or friction folder with a blade measuring less than 3 inches without any reason required. If you can provide sufficient justification, such as camping, backpacking, bushcrafting, woodworking, etc. . . you can carry any locking knife or fixed blade appropriate for the task at hand. The justification aspect of the law is a little vague as it relies on interpretation of the authorities but in practice as long as you "need" the locking knife or fixed blade as opposed to a slippie you should be fine. I regularly carry a Barkie Bravo 1 and locking folder with me when on day hikes in Brecon Beacon National park with a justification of bushcraft activities which I am always fooling about with, otherwise I carry a Spyderco UKPK and an Alox SAK Farmer (very useful bushcraft tool all on its own) always resides in my bag. I am an expat living in wales so if you want any other info feel free to ask.

 

[donn]

Sorry normally just lurk here. Either of your choices would be fine. Discretion is the key if using a knife openly in public especially in urban areas. Out of the pocket, do what you need to do, then repocket it. Though in rural areas you"ll find most people couldn't care less if they see a pocket knife.
Oh and make sure your waterproofs are in good order.

 

[HFinn]

S.R.B, so I could carry a fixed blade, not on my person but in a backpack? We are not (most likely) going to make fires and definately not going to spend a night in the woods, so a folder is propably all I need.

 

[Larsje100]

Yea, I think that won't be a problem. As long as you take it out only when you need it. And keep it in your backpack when you're in a urban area.

 

[Jack Black]

Hope you enjoy your visit Mr Finn. Please note that you need to make an appointment to visit the retailer recommended above. At least one forum regular lives in the area. Don't forget your waterproofs!

Jack

 

[bonzodog]

S.R.B, so I could carry a fixed blade, not on my person but in a backpack? We are not (most likely) going to make fires and definately not going to spend a night in the woods, so a folder is propably all I need.

Make sure it’s well wrapped in your backpack.Be wary of entering public houses/sporting events/banks/post offices with either of the blades you intend to carry.

 

[Jack Black]

I've owned that model of Rough Rider, found it OK, but thought the punch was a bit flimsy, and I didn't like the can-opener. Why not treat yourself to a SAK while you're over here Mr Finn, just about every outdoor shop sells them (though the Alox models are scarcer)?

 

[S.R.B]

S.R.B, so I could carry a fixed blade, not on my person but in a backpack? We are not (most likely) going to make fires and definately not going to spend a night in the woods, so a folder is propably all I need.

Yes you could carry a fixed blade out on the trails, and yes preparing lunch and such is sufficient justification but if you are not waving it around you should not encounter any need to justify it anyway, be sensible and you will be fine. I wouldn't carry it on a sheath though, people here are a little sensitive to seeing knives (many think all knives are illegal although not actually the case)

Hope you enjoy your visit Mr Finn. Please note that you need to make an appointment to visit the retailer recommended above. At least one forum regular lives in the area. Don't forget your waterproofs!

Jack

Actually no appointment is necessary, they are not open on a monday though and they have no signage on their building which is also in a fairly unassuming location. You can show up and press the buzzer though and someone (usually Nick) will come down to help you appointment or not.

 

[meako]

I bought my first opinel -#10 in a gunshop in Devon.The guy had to buzz you in.Shoved it in my pocket and used it for everything. Not a problem. Gotta say tho if you want a good knife shop go to Paris, Ile St Louis.Have a good trip.

 

[addylo]

I just came back from England and Paris. Wish I had known about that knife shop on the Ile St Louis. I spent a good deal of time on the Ile de la Cite.

Have a great trip and be sure to report back about your experiences.

 

[screened porch]

Sounds like an ideal idyll, HFinn. I look forward to the pix and stories.

 

[HFinn]

I had this Soldier Alox in mind. I can get it from an outdoor shop here.

 

[Jack Black]

Actually no appointment is necessary, they are not open on a monday though and they have no signage on their building which is also in a fairly unassuming location. You can show up and press the buzzer though and someone (usually Nick) will come down to help you appointment or not.

Thanks for the correction, my post was based solely on the statement on their site. I'm a long-time customer, but never visited in person. Just as well I don't live nearby or I'd be living on beans on toast!

I had this Soldier Alox in mind. I can get it from an outdoor shop here.

That looks just the ticket :thumbup:

 

[HFinn]

Bought the SAK, but it had the name "Pioneer" on it. Go figure. Anyway it has the same blade and tools. One thing I noticed, the spring has the healthiest snap of all SAK knives I have encountered so far.

 

[Stich2442]

Bought the SAK, but it had the name "Pioneer" on it. Go figure. Anyway it has the same blade and tools. One thing I noticed, the spring has the healthiest snap of all SAK knives I have encountered so far.

I think you made the right choice, nothing wrong with the RR but the Vic alox models are solid dependable and proven.
I spent 3 months about 20 years ago solo traveling by foot, hitching rides etc. cross country (US) only knife I had was a Vic farmer ( I like the awl and saw for making things) also spent a summer backpacking Europe I think I had a Vic Rucksack but picked up a Laguiole on the trip, enjoy and have fun.

Pete
Make sure you take pics to post on the forum, I'm sure we would enjoy

 

[S.R.B]

You certainly cant go wrong with an alox SAK, for the money they are still one of the best knives you can buy. FYI that knife is legal to be carried at all times without any reason needed, so don't be worriied about it, no need to bury it in the bottom of you pack either. Added benefit is an SAK is the one knife that doesn't tend to draw attention if used in a public place either.

 

[HFinn]

Greetings. The trip was everything we wanted and more. Gorgeous scenes, lots of nice walks, friendly people and good food. No knives really, exept at the restaurant in London where we celebrated our 25th anniversary (the knives were Laguoile and very nice).

 

[HFinn]

The tools of the SAK proved very usefull, so it was a perfect choise for the trip. Especially the screwdriver was good for scraping mud and sheep poo from the soles of our boots before we walked in to a bed and breakfast place with clean carpets