Utility Knives and Multitools – Are they Legal for Camping?

[Mesquite]

A very interesting video from Daniel ShenSmith who runs the BlackBeltBarrister channel.

It's likely to provoke a lot of debate about his take on how you measure the length of a blade.

 

[Mesquite]

He's also got another recent video on EDC legal carry in the UK

 

[Chris]

"Utility Knives and Multitools – Are they Legal for Camping?"​

Yes.

 

[TLM]

"This point here ..." is not a very precise definition for measuring things. Apparently being a black belt or barrister does not help in writing or speaking clearly and in an unambiguous manner.

 

[Broch]

"This point here ..." is not a very precise definition for measuring things. Apparently being a black belt or barrister does not help in writing or speaking clearly and in an unambiguous manner.

Mmm... I thought he was very clear when he place the tape measure on it.

 

[Pattree]

This issue keeps coming up without apparent resolution.

The OP refers specifically to camping.
Of course the multi tools can be used for camping. Some are specifically made for camping.

I shall carry my Opinel #12 to any camp that I choose. It shall be packed and out of sight with my camp kit while I travel. It will be used openly in camp.

The day I can’t openly buy an Opinel#13 in the UK I shall review my stance. *
Right now I can openly buy (and already own) an Opinel #13 which has a 220mm locking blade. I can also openly buy an Opinel #150 (mm) * which I consider far more difficult to justify.

(* I’ve just checked that both items are available today.)
Edited to add:
….. from UK suppliers to UK customers.

 

[Laurentius]

It all comes down to common sense in the end, a little risk assessment as to where you are going as to whether you can justify your tools. Machete and billhook on my allotment and in my car as I drive there and back. Still in my car when I go to the supermarket later? No. SAK I will take anywhere, where it is not specifically forbidden.

 

[hughtrimble]

The definition of a 'blade' and 'cutting edge' have long bothered me. Dismantle it, and not only is the blade longer than what's exposed when it's assembled, but it's also surely now a fixed blade given it's no longer part of a folding knife. But then hasn't the item been modified in the process of disassembly and is thus no longer the item used? Ad nauseam.

I just hope such terms are applied sensibly; if not, hopefully an appeals process will bring sense.

 

[Kadushu]

I'm waiting for Svord Peasant style folders to be declared a fixed blade since the rear part of the blade effectively is a fixed handle. Remove the folding handle and you really are left with a fixed blade, albeit an uncomfortable one to use.

 

[Wildgoose]

Is removing the handle easy or common? A pair of scissors is basically two fixed blades if you take them apart

 

[EdS]

(3) This section applies to a folding pocketknife if the cutting edge of its blade exceeds 3 inches (7.6 cm).


It still a grey area about "blade length".

If its not a cutting edge ....

Guess it would depend on the skill of your legal rep

 

[Wildgoose]

(3) This section applies to a folding pocketknife if the cutting edge of its blade exceeds 3 inches (7.6 cm).


It still a grey area about "blade length".

If its not a cutting edge ....

Guess it would depend on the skill of your legal rep

In the video he mentions a recent case where the court deemed the length from the handle to be deemed to be the key length,
This could be the case law we were waiting for.
CPS have always held this stance too