Are Camping Knives Legal In The UK?

There are some essential tools that you need to take with you when camping and hiking.

Camping knives are one such tool and are required for most trips as they can be used for a range of things. These knives are often considered a multi-tool for campers, hikers, and other outdoor adventurers because they are so useful.

From food preparation to bush work, knives are very useful tools for your outdoor adventures, so it makes sense for you to invest in the best. However, the rules for knives in the UK are very strict, which may leave you uncertain about whether investing in a camping knife is the right move.

After all, you do not want to spend your hard-earned money on a camping knife only for it to be taken away by the police, who may also fine you if they deem you to be breaking the law.

The strict knife laws in the UK are not going to change anytime soon and make sense in terms of public safety, but they can be a nuisance to campers if you do not know where you stand.

Are Camping Knives Legal?

There is no specified UK knife law for campers, which can make it difficult for you to determine where to stand when it comes to your kit.

While there are many rules regarding knives and well-known laws surrounding the carrying of these in public places, without a particular clause for campers you are at risk of getting into trouble.

In the UK, anyone found to have a bladed or pointed article in a public place is committing an offence. This means that carrying a camping knife around your local nature reserve is considered an offence, and you can be fined or even prosecuted if caught.

These strict rules make sense in terms of public safety, but they could also lead to many innocent campers and hikers being prosecuted simply for being prepared.

Without a direct clause or law for campers, it can be difficult to determine where you stand in terms of buying and carrying camping knives. However, it is not impossible to do so as long as you know where to look.

Also Read: A Nomad’s Guide to Outdoor Living: Camping Gear for International Wanderers

How To Avoid Prosecution When Carrying Camping Knives

There are some exemptions to the law regarding bladed or pointed articles in public places, which can offer some guidance to campers.

Although these do not reference camping specifically, there are exemptions to the usual knife-carrying protocol that can help outdoor adventurers.

These exemptions can be found in the subsections of the knife laws and outline what kind of circumstances are not considered offences. These exemptions are just as strict as the law itself in a bid to prevent harm, but they do allow ways for campers to carry knives during their adventures without being prosecuted.

All campers and hikers need to be aware of these rules and the exemptions that may apply to prevent legal issues when exploring the outdoors.