Mikey P said:And, frankly, is there not more to bushcraft than knives?
I think most everybody here would agree with you on that point. I dont see knives as the end product of bushcraft - just a practically indispensible tool. But what bushcraft IS all about is bieng able to excersise a certain level of freedom. Not just to walk, but to think and to go about without worrying overly about whether your clothes look right or you kit is just so etc.
Carrying a knife, ANY knife or edged or pointed tool, is in the eyes of the judicial system. committing the offence of carrying an offensive weapon ( heavy emphasis on those last two words). It doesnt matter about the length, fixed or folding, lock, design intention, ANYTHING, it is an offence in the eyes of the judge. There are mitigations that may be accepted, eg appropriate with occupation, activity etc., but the onus is on the perpetrator (defendant) to argue these mitigations CONVINCINGLY to the judge or magistrate. You are in effect GUILTY unless to can convince otherwise. This is IMHO the point that causes the animosity. The fact that no mitigation will be accepted for ANY knife that locks open (the safest kind of folder I believe). The fact that any carry that is not concealed (hidden, furtive) will require the strongest argument. This is what irritates - the implication that just having one on your person labels you some sort of irresponsible thug or mindless hooligan.