Under UK law in 2026, it is generally illegal to carry any knife in public without a "good reason" (such as for work or religious purposes). The only exception is a folding pocketknife that has a cutting edge no longer than 3 inches (7.62 cm). Crucially, this knife must be non-locking, meaning it does not have a button, spring, or catch that prevents the blade from folding back into the handle. If a knife has a locking mechanism of any kind, it is treated the same as a fixed-blade knife, and you must have a specific, valid reason to carry it. Furthermore, it is strictly illegal to carry any knife—even a legal folding one—in "knife-free zones" like schools, stadiums, or many city-center nightspots. Even a legal knife can lead to arrest if used in a threatening manner. It is always best for travelers to avoid carrying any blades in the UK unless absolutely necessary for a documented professional or cultural purpose.