1988 Criminal Justice Act Section 139

Possession in Public Place

It may be an offence under the Criminal Justice Act to carry a bladed or sharply pointed instrument in a public place, unless a good reason an be provided for carrying same.

Exemption: Folding pocket knife with cutting edge less than 3 inches (non-locking).

Criminal Justice Act 1988 and Sale & Marketing of Knives Act 1997

Sale of Knives

It is illegal to sell a knife to an under eighteen year old.

The Criminal Justice Act 1988 banned the sale of amongst other items, throwing stars, belt buckle knives, push daggers and butterfly knives. Flick knives have been banned since the 1950's.

It is an offence to sell or market a knife in such a way that it suggests it is suitable for personal injury.