With UK Knife Law being so restrictive on fixed/locking blades I was thinking of carrying my smallest hatchet (0.5kg head, 34.5cm handle) in my rucksack along with my Silky and SAK, that would see me through anything I need to do as I never actually fell trees - but am I legal carrying the hatchet?
Yes, I think this section is still relevant. Doesn't discriminate between a knife or axe, all bladed articles. Good reason defence applies
Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) 1988 prohibits having an article with blade or point, in a public place (including a folding pocket knife if the cutting edge of its blade exceeds 7.62cm (3 inches)).
Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) 1988 prohibits having an article with blade or point, in a public place (including a folding pocket knife if the cutting edge of its blade exceeds 7.62cm (3 inches)).
The thing to ask yourself is, Am I acting in a way that would make people feel in danger, Am I acting in a way that a Policeman/woman would feel obliged to stop and search me.
If you are acting in a normal way, and any knives or axes are not in sight, packed away in your pack, then the chance of being stopped is minimal.
If by chance you are stopped, and you can give a reasonable excuse why you are carrying a knife or axe, then you will not have a problem, and of course the other thing to remember is your demeanour, if you start arguing, or start shouting that you are entitled to carry knives etc, then the chances are you are in trouble, be smart be dumb.
If you are acting in a normal way, and any knives or axes are not in sight, packed away in your pack, then the chance of being stopped is minimal.
If by chance you are stopped, and you can give a reasonable excuse why you are carrying a knife or axe, then you will not have a problem, and of course the other thing to remember is your demeanour, if you start arguing, or start shouting that you are entitled to carry knives etc, then the chances are you are in trouble, be smart be dumb.
Ref Section 139, it should be read in its entirety, especially looking at the exceptions.rather than a definition that is incomplete.
Always down to interpretation, but a hatchet is mostly classed as a tool to everyone. It is the intention of use.
I carry an axe in the car with a saw, I live in the countryside where trees fall in the road, but if I lived in the town it would be viewed differently.
I carry an axe in the car with a saw, I live in the countryside where trees fall in the road, but if I lived in the town it would be viewed differently.
It does NOT prohibit having these items in a public place, it makes the possession of them without good reason or lawful authority an offence. Using them as a tool and taking them to or from a place where they will be used as a tool is clear good reason.
The OP asked the question
He is not legal without good reason, ie it's not like a small SAK where you don't need good reason as the hatchet does count as a bladed article under S139
Is that how you interpret it?
I said
ie he would be legal if he can prove good reason or lawful authority. So I think we agree??
He is not legal without good reason, ie it's not like a small SAK where you don't need good reason as the hatchet does count as a bladed article under S139
Is that how you interpret it?
Yes, that's how I feel about it exactly, thanks Fatcode. I always make it a rule to be polite to police officers (even when they're not) and would never be waving blades around or wearing them like a badge. Most of my 'carrying' is while fishing, on a canoe trip or on my way to such. Everything is packed away in a tool roll in my pack and only comes out when needed. I've never been challenged by police (though not sure I've actually seen one whilst carrying). Maybe I've acquired a slight paranoia whilst in lockdown and watch Youtube vids on legal carry!
Yes I think so. Fishing or canoeing are good reasons, for me. Everday-wise, I only ever have a SAK or small Leatherman (non-locking).
