European Travel with a Multitool

gadgetman7 · **on:** April 06, 2008, 05:41:37 PM

Some friends may be traveling to the UK this year. I don't have many details but it looks like they will be going to London and Edinburgh. I thought that the UK banned locking blades but a lot of the members here seem to have and use them. I suggested the Leatherman Juice series and non-locking SAKs. Did I overreact? Is it okay to carry multitools that lock? I would like some opinions from the members here.

Benner · **Reply #1 on:** April 06, 2008, 05:47:15 PM

Multitools and knives with locking blades are not banned here and they can be carried as long as you have a good reason to do so.

Lockers can be brought into the UK, but they would need to go in the checked luggage, and don't be too surprised if you are questioned why you have a locking blade if for any reason you are searched.

I think your advice was best TBH. It could save a lot of grief in the long run.

I'm Still Bison · **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2008, 05:48:55 PM

I'm neither from the UK or a legal expert,but I'd prefer to err on the side of caution,and stick with non-locking tools and SAKs.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2008, 09:40:44 PM

Where the UK is concerned it's best to remain within the law, especially if there planing to visit the touristy parts of the UK.

So you did good recommending Juice's and Saks mate

Biru · **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2008, 11:07:00 PM

Just wondering, do things lighten up when you travel to the rest of Europe?

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2008, 11:08:45 PM

Quote from: Biru on April 06, 2008, 11:07:00 PM

Just wondering, do things lighten up when you travel to the rest of Europe?

Some parts are fairly broad minded (like eastern europe) but there is a general vilification of knives happening all over europe

Benner · **Reply #6 on:** April 06, 2008, 11:09:24 PM

Quote from: Biru on April 06, 2008, 11:07:00 PM

Just wondering, do things lighten up when you travel to the rest of Europe?

I think most areas are better, but there is a country ( I'm hoping Mike or someone else knows what one $:-\$ ) that doesn't even allow OH folders.

Mike, Lord of the Spammers! · **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2008, 11:14:26 PM

Quote from: Benner on April 06, 2008, 11:09:24 PM

Quote from: Biru on April 06, 2008, 11:07:00 PM
Just wondering, do things lighten up when you travel to the rest of Europe?

I think most areas are better, but there is a country ( I'm hoping Mike or someone else knows what one $:-\$ ) that doesn't even allow OH folders.

Ironnically I belive it's Switzerland

, but I'm sure Def will know more about that than I do

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #8 on:** April 07, 2008, 01:16:44 AM

Switzerland and Denmark don't allow OH knives, and Germany is in the process of banning them at the moment. There may be more, but those are the ones I know of.

Def

Benner · **Reply #9 on:** April 07, 2008, 01:21:01 AM

Quote from: Defender on April 07, 2008, 01:16:44 AM

Switzerland and Denmark don't allow OH knives, and Germany is in the process of banning them at the moment. There may be more, but those are the ones I know of.

Def

Is that a ban in EDCing them or a complete ban?

Grant Lamontagne · **Reply #10 on:** April 07, 2008, 01:25:57 AM

I would say EDC'ing them, but I could be wrong. Either way, it will likely be for civilians only since the GAK is an OH model.

Of course, it's interesting that Roger says OH models are illegal in Switzerland, since the new military issue knives will be OH models. Making an exemption for military folks is strange, since there's mandatory military service for every able bodied male.

Def

Benner · **Reply #11 on:** April 07, 2008, 01:27:35 AM

Well it won't be long before that law is probably over here then.

Abstraction · **Reply #12 on:** April 08, 2008, 06:12:03 PM

I wouldnt be suprised Benner, the attitude to knives over here is getting less and less lenient. Unfortunately anyone with a shred of common sense can see that banning them will just frustrate people who have a genuine need for knives in every day work and those who are causing the problems will just ignore it. After all the ones using knives illegally generally only bring them out when they are already using them for illegal means anyway, they're hardly going to mug/attack someone with a pointed stick instead just because knives are illegal.

gadgetman7 · **Reply #13 on:** April 10, 2008, 03:06:55 AM

Thanks guys. I think I convinced them to go with the knifeless Fuse and an SAK.

I'm sure someone will try to ba OH in the US so let's hope AKTI and Kniferights can help.

BIG-TARGET · **Reply #14 on:** April 10, 2008, 03:39:18 PM

Then you better stick to eastern europe then. Sounds like there more freedom

Styerman · **Reply #15 on:** April 10, 2008, 08:45:07 PM

Quote from: Defender on April 07, 2008, 01:25:57 AM

I would say EDC'ing them, but I could be wrong. Either way, it will likely be for civilians only since the GAK is an OH model.

Of course, it's interesting that Roger says OH models are illegal in Switzerland, since the new military issue knives will be OH models. Making an exemption for military folks is strange, since there's mandatory military service for every able bodied male.

Def

Ownership is still legal , carry is legal with a " legal reason " ( ie fishing , hunting , etc , ) , . Deffinition apprears to be pourposely vague . Probably a lot to do with the officers mood , and what vibes he get off ya ! My understanding from German friends is that it would not be enforced outside urban areas . Carrying a FB would still be legal ( at least in theory ) . Penalties are less severe than the UK . Im told implications could be serious if you had gun permits .

Chris