Posting edged tools in UK

[Stew]

For me it is difficult to imagine for the under 18 year olds have time and money to buy and play with these things. They should be studying for uni. exams, or learn the skills for their future life.

Is that just a lack of your own imagination? I am aware of many under 18s that have the time and money.

 

[spader]

Please don’t think that this is being posted with any sort of aggravation, absolutely no offence is intended. It’s a bit like everyone knows a smoker who lived until they were in their 90’s, it doesn’t mean smoking isn’t extremely bad for you. “We all hear bad things daily” is a huge and sweeping statement that assumes information sources are unbiased and honest. I assure you they are not and we are fed exactly what our governments would like us to believe, should we choose to get our ‘facts’ from unreliable sources.

To think all under 18’s have time and money to play with these things and instead should be studying for uni and exams is absolute pie in the sky piffle. Many, in fact society in general, lacks elders, so these kids are getting their initiation by gang culture, survival of the fittest etc. Very many end up in the penal system where that initiation is continued into adult life. Very many of them also have no consideration of future life skills and education as it simply is not within their grasp or offered.

Personally, I’m also happy that I’m checked and have to sign for a knife and I don’t mind there is a fee for the postage. The law doesn’t apply to sub 3” non-locking folders either, only locking knives and fixed blades. I don’t think it could be fairer to be honest and I kicked up a stink with Amazon over them allowing companies to sell 8” Sabatier chef knives unverified. This is perhaps where the “bad things happening every day” part of your reply begins to make more sense?

It was just a comment reminiscing the good old days when we didn't have these things to be bothered about. Oh well, just pass on the tools to the relatives rather than sell them. There is a simple answer.

 

[spader]

Is that just a lack of your own imagination? I am aware of many under 18s that have the time and money.

Obviously you are. But I am not. Not matter of imagination. Facts.

 

[spader]

I don't have a problem with the age verification as we have good posties and other delivery drivers. I work from home and I can also afford to pay more but I think that's a bit of an "I'm alright jack attitude."

I have noticed a few companies stop selling knives, others are being hit with extra fees perhaps by companies overreacting to the law (e.g. chainsaw chains have to be sent age verified).

The problem I have is, will the law changes do much and could the parliamentary time and costs to implement them be better spent? I did notice in the latest government consultations that they seem to be fully aware that many knives are brought in in bulk legally and deliberately sold direct to underage people and then you see stories which makes me realise I have little understanding of the problems. Ones like this: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm18g19013o

I have no problem sending the tools via Age Verification delivery, because it is now a regulation anyway. But just was wondering if the age verification system actually helps in making society safer in reality, because you keep hearing and feeling it may not be so in reality.

If it makes such big difference in reality, yes by all means, a needed measure of course. But if not, then should some other measures must be taken, rather than the inefficient and wasting strawman system? That was the point.

 

[Nice65]

I have no problem sending the tools via Age Verification delivery, because it is now a regulation anyway. But just was wondering if the age verification system actually helps in making society safer in reality, because you keep hearing and feeling it may not be so in reality.

If it makes such big difference in reality, yes by all means, a needed measure of course. But if not, then should some other measures must be taken, rather than the inefficient and wasting strawman system? That was the point.

It’s just Royal Mail policy. Companies like Heinnie and Knives and Tools require proof of age prior to purchase because they are the ones selling and legally bound not to sell to under 18’s. Due to Royal Mail initially announcing a complete ceasing of carrying bladed items and then backtracking on it, with the whole situation very confusing and ambiguous, neither Heinnies or Knives and Tools use RM. Heinnie use DPD which also costs more and has to be signed and age verified on delivery.

Meanwhile, I buy Petrified Fish knives from China that just arrive without any checks at all. It’s all far from perfect really.

 

[spader]

It’s just Royal Mail policy. Companies like Heinnie and Knives and Tools require proof of age prior to purchase because they are the ones selling and legally bound not to sell to under 18’s. Due to Royal Mail initially announcing a complete ceasing of carrying bladed items and then backtracking on it, with the whole situation very confusing and ambiguous, neither Heinnies or Knives and Tools use RM. Heinnie use DPD which also costs more and has to be signed and age verified on delivery.

Meanwhile, I buy Petrified Fish knives from China that just arrive without any checks at all. It’s all far from perfect really.

Sure, maybe now it is a different world, and maybe the age verification system is needed for the changed world.

The last bladed item I bought was last summer. I was working on the garden clearing tons of outgrown bushes and brambles. I couldn't even step into the space where the bramble bushes were filled. I ordered a long handled billhook from eBay. It arrived in 2 days via RM. No age verification, and the long handled blade was just wrapped in some paper around the blade with the address label.

A wee young delivery woman brought the billhook into the back garden, and handed it to me. I was a bit shocked. How they sent the sharp bladed billhook just like that? Wrapped in paper? The handle was not even covered with anything. Anyhow, the billhook did great job clearing the brambles in no time. I was able to do slabbing then on the cleared space for the new metal shed.

I am not sure if the age verification system is now more enforced and widely accepted as a must system, covering wider items compared to last summer. I haven't bought or sold anything for ages, and wasn't sure what has been happening on these issues at all. Hence asked a question in the thread, which was really helpful and informative. I am more aware of the situation now than before engaging the thread. cheers.