What are the British knife laws?

Answer 1

All knives are legal to own in the UK, however there are bans on carrying, buying or selling certain types of knife. Banned blades include Butterfly knives, any knife with a 'locking mechanism', sword-sticks, hand claws, push daggers, shurikens, kusari-gamas, etc.

You can legally carry a knife in public provided it is has a folding blade (with no locking mechanism) that is 3 inches long (or less). If the knife is not a folding blade, or has a blade longer than 3 inches, you can only carry it in public provided it is not a banned blade and you have a 'good reason' to be carrying it.

Answer 2

It is not illegal to own a knife in Britain, but it IS illegal to carry one with you when in public, as this is classed as 'possession of an offensive weapon'.

You can own one, but not take it out with you when you go anywhere UNLESS it's a tool for a specific, legitimate job which you are going to or coming from, such as woodworking, forestry, butchery, and other trades that require a sharp instrument.