Is it UK legal??

Smithwrecker · **on:** February 18, 2018, 09:19:35 AM

Hi Folks, so, if I take the blade locking mechanism off, say my MP600(the blade is just under 3”) would this make it UK legal??
Thanks.

hiraethus · **Reply #1 on:** February 18, 2018, 09:46:55 AM

Maybe. $:-\$

Because the blade can’t close all the way while the handles are together it may still be classed as locking. I suspect you’d have to go to court to find out...

dks · **Reply #2 on:** February 18, 2018, 09:54:51 AM

Are the rest of the tools locking?

Gavin Jones · **Reply #3 on:** February 18, 2018, 10:03:03 AM

I don't think so.

The original legislation banning knives in public without good reason was all about fixed blade knives, and as i understand it, it wasn't intended to cover folding knives with or without a locking mechanism. Locking knives got brought into it in case law, when it was argued (and accepted) in court that a folding knife that locks is a de facto fixed blade.

As far as I'm aware there hasn't been an actual case yet to sort out definitively whether tools where the handles close and prevent free folding closed of the blade count as a lock. When it happens I expect it will end up with such tools counting as locking, but nobody knows for sure until it gets tested in a court. In the meantime I wouldn't risk it for EDC.

ReamerPunch · **Reply #4 on:** February 18, 2018, 12:14:08 PM

If I were you, I'd take no chances. Get a bladeless MP600, and carry a dedicated folding knife that is legal in the UK.

Mechanickal · **Reply #5 on:** February 18, 2018, 12:19:32 PM

Reamerpunch's point.
I'd just repeat that.

BePrepared · **Reply #6 on:** February 18, 2018, 12:26:46 PM

I agree with the above posts --- play it safe.

You probably don't want to wait until it goes to court to be proved correct or let off. If Mr Policeman decides it is 'locking' or 'cannot be folded away in one movement' then you'll end up with all sorts of hassle before possibly being 'let off' when it comes to a court's decision.

I sometimes accidently carry a SOG crosscut outdoors, and that small blade also suffers from the 'cannot be folded away in one movement' problem. I much prefer the LM Juice line for EDC.

And 'blade' is not limited to 'sharp edged piece of metal'. If Mr Policeman didn't like the look of you for some reason

, any locking tool might get you into trouble --- real shame because it means my Wave is a no-no for EDC.

YMMV.

PS: I suspect part of the origin of such a stance in the UK stems from the bad ol' days of football hooligans .... throwing Stanley knives into the opposing crowd ...

Wspeed · **Reply #7 on:** February 18, 2018, 12:35:39 PM

Yes it's still seen as a locking knife

Like already said its because you can't close the blade
With the handles together

Smithwrecker · **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2018, 09:05:27 AM

Thanks for all the replies, I think I’ll just remove the blade.

magentus · **Reply #9 on:** February 21, 2018, 04:49:23 PM

Quote from: Smithwrecker on February 21, 2018, 09:05:27 AM

Thanks for all the replies, I think I’ll just remove the blade.

Good idea

Any idea what you'll replace it with?

My EDC is a UK legal MP400 - managed to fit a woodsaw and file in place of the blade and can opener. Coupled with a SAK you're legally good to go.

Aloha · **Reply #10 on:** February 21, 2018, 05:07:17 PM

Quote from: magentus on February 21, 2018, 04:49:23 PM

Quote from: Smithwrecker on February 21, 2018, 09:05:27 AM
Thanks for all the replies, I think I’ll just remove the blade.
Good idea

Any idea what you'll replace it with?

My EDC is a UK legal MP400 - managed to fit a woodsaw and file in place of the blade and can opener. Coupled with a SAK you're legally good to go.

This sounds like a terrific approach. Coupled with a SAK and you'd be fully prepared, and legal.