Government plan tougher knife penalties.

Knife Crime: Possession, Sentencing and the Current Law

Carrying a knife or offensive weapon in public is a serious criminal offence. A person does not have to use the weapon or threaten anyone before an offence may be committed.

The law regulates possession, threatening behaviour, sales to children, remote sales and the possession of certain prohibited weapons.

Possessing a Knife in Public

It is generally an offence to possess an article with a blade or sharp point in a public place without lawful authority or a good reason.

There is a limited exception for a folding pocketknife where the cutting edge does not exceed three inches. However, carrying even a small folding knife may still be unlawful where it is intended for use as a weapon.

A public place can include:

• A road or pavement;


• A park;


• A shop;


• A railway or bus station;


• An entertainment venue; and


• Another place to which members of the public have access.

What Is an Offensive Weapon?

An offensive weapon may be:

• An item made for causing injury;


• An ordinary item adapted to cause injury; or


• An item carried with the intention of using it to cause injury.

An ordinary object may therefore become an offensive weapon because of the way it has been altered or the purpose for which it is being carried.

Good Reason or Lawful Authority

A person may have a defence where there was lawful authority or a good reason for possessing the knife or bladed article.

Possible examples include:

• Using it for work;


• Transporting it securely to or from work;


• Using it for religious reasons;


• Taking part in a lawful activity such as fishing or camping; or


• Possessing it as part of a national costume.

Whether an explanation amounts to a good reason depends on the circumstances and the available evidence.

Carrying a knife for self-defence is unlikely to provide a lawful excuse because it may demonstrate an intention to use the item as a weapon.

Threatening With a Knife

Using a knife or offensive weapon to threaten another person can result in a more serious charge.

Depending on the offence, the prosecution may need to prove that there was an immediate risk of serious physical harm or that a reasonable person would have believed such a risk existed.

Sentencing for Knife Offences

A knife possession offence can result in imprisonment, a fine or both.

The court may consider:

• The type and size of the weapon;


• Whether it was displayed or used;


• The location of the offence;


• Any planning or group involvement;


• The offender’s age;


• Previous knife or weapon convictions;


• Whether the offence occurred near a school or in a crowded place;


• Any gang connection; and


• The offender's intended use of the weapon.

Minimum custodial sentencing provisions can apply to repeat adult offenders and to some repeat youth offenders. The court may depart from the minimum sentence where particular circumstances would make it unjust.

Selling Knives to Children

It is an offence to sell most knives and certain bladed articles to a person under 18.

Businesses must have effective procedures for checking the age of the buyer and, where applicable, the person receiving the delivery.

Online Knife Sales

The Crime and Policing Act 2026 strengthened controls applying to online and remote knife sales.

The legislation includes enhanced age-verification requirements and additional responsibilities concerning the sale and delivery of knives and bladed articles.

Businesses must check which provisions have commenced and comply with the legislation and statutory guidance in force at the time of the transaction.

Bulk and Suspicious Purchases

The 2026 Act includes requirements concerning specified bulk or suspicious transactions involving bladed articles.

Sellers and online services may be required to identify and report transactions that meet the statutory criteria.

Online Platforms

The legislation includes measures intended to increase accountability where an online platform fails to address unlawful knife sales or illegal knife-related content.

Depending on the provision and its commencement, responsibility may extend to designated senior managers of the relevant service.

Knives Found on Private Property

The 2026 Act also extends police powers concerning dangerous knives found on private property.

Where officers are lawfully present and reasonably suspect that a weapon is likely to be used in connection with unlawful violence, they may be able to seize and retain it and seek its forfeiture or destruction.

Prohibited Weapons

Some knives and weapons are prohibited regardless of whether they are carried in public. Restrictions may apply to possessing, selling, hiring, importing or transferring them.

The prohibited-weapons list has changed over time. Anyone unsure whether a particular knife or weapon is lawful should obtain specialist advice rather than relying on its description or appearance.

Police Interviews

A person arrested or voluntarily interviewed about a knife offence is entitled to free and independent legal advice at the police station.

What is said during an interview may significantly affect any later prosecution. A person should obtain advice before answering questions or providing a prepared statement.

Solicitors.com is not a firm of solicitors. This article is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. You should seek advice from a suitably qualified solicitor about your individual circumstances.