Some states prohibit the possession of a folding knife with a quick-release mechanism such as a gravimeter, butterfly knife, or switch blade. [91] Other states may not impose restrictions at all,[121] while many allow possession with certain restrictions (age, wearing, hidden, carrying as a convicted criminal, prohibited owner or committing a serious crime, etc.). [91] Under the Weapons Act, 1996, it is illegal to purchase, import, possess or carry weapons disguised as other objects or goods (e.g., sword sticks or knives disguised as ink pens, brush handles or belt buckles). [2] For regular knives, however, there are no restrictions or prohibitions due to the length of the blade or the opening or locking mechanism. [3] Under New Zealand law, it is unacceptable to carry or possess a knife in public without reasonable excuse. Two laws restrict the possession of knives. Under the Summary Offences Act (s. 13A), a penalty of up to three months` imprisonment or a fine of up to $2000 for possession, while under the Crimes Act (s. 202A), carrying a knife as an assault weapon in a public place is punishable by up to two years` imprisonment. [41] [42] New Zealand law also prohibits the importation of knives considered offensive weapons. [43] The answer to this question is yes, if it fits the above descriptions of a friendly knife in the UK, then yes, it is legal for you to carry it.
For example, the Boker Plus Tech Tool 1 and the Spyderco Bug are both UK-friendly knives, but both are designed and look completely different. Fortunately. Both are part of the „legal” framework. However, if you look at the Rough Ryder Reserve Heavy Trapper Denim Micarta, it`s not UK Friendly Carry, as its cutting edge is longer than 7.6cm, and the Kershaw Shuffle II Blackwash isn`t UK Friendly Carry as it has a locking blade. It is illegal to carry a knife to use it as a weapon in attack or defense. The only general limitation is the intended use, not the characteristics of the knife itself (in particular, contrary to popular belief, there is no limitation on the length of the blade). In practice, however, there will be considerable room for interpretation for police and judges – and much will depend on whether a use other than a weapon can be invoked – for which the characteristics of the knife in question will be highly relevant (bad: leaf knife, automated, long blade, neck knife, tactical). Therefore, carrying a knife, which is mainly used as a weapon, is illegal. In addition, it is not allowed to bring knives into certain places, such as courtrooms, football matches, etc. Carrying knives is usually very unusual in cities, but not in the countryside. The Ohio Court of Appeals ruled in Akron v.
Rasdan (1995) that Akron`s order prohibiting the carrying of a knife with a blade of 2.5 inches (6.4 cm) or more is unconstitutional. [142] Section 2 of the „Weapons and Ammunition Act” lists different types of weapons. [52] It states that „melee weapons, American punches, daggers, kama, swords, bayonets and other objects whose primary purpose is insult” are considered weapons. Most knives are therefore considered tools and are technically legal to possess and carry. However, since any knife can be used as a melee weapon and the law does not distinguish between certain types, it is up to the authorities to determine the intention of the person who owns the knife and whether there is a „good reason” for it. Therefore, fixed-blade knives are considered suitable for certain occupations or hunting and fishing, but are likely to be treated as a weapon in urban settings. Switch blades, butterfly knives, blades hidden in everyday objects are usually treated as weapons, and folding knives can also fall into this category. The appearance of the knife (how aggressive it looks), the length (although there is no legal limit to the length), where it was carried (large gatherings, schools, public buildings, etc.) and the behavior of the person carrying the knife all play a role in the decision to violate the law. The purchase, possession and carrying of a melee weapon is an offence and punishable by a fine of up to RSD 10,000 or up to 60 days in jail („Weapons and Ammunition Act,” section 35.[ 53] In practice, the less it resembles a weapon, the less likely it is to have legal consequences. and the more it is worn and used with „good judgment”.
Bulgaria`s firearms law is maintained every year. It is called ZOBVVPI (Bulgarian: Закон за оръжията, боеприпасите, взривните вещества и пиротехническите изделия)[10] and covers ONLY the possession and use of firearms (including gas and signalling weapons) and pellet pneumatic weapons or BB (Bulgarian: сачми). There are no state regulations on melee weapons of any kind, whether knives, swords, bats or electrical devices. There is also no legal definition of the terms „melee weapon” or „cold weapon” in any Bulgarian law. Therefore, it is perfectly legal to possess and carry a knife in Bulgaria without having to get the reason. Secret messaging is acceptable, anywhere, anytime. Although there are no restrictions on the possession or carrying of any type of knives or swords, it is generally not accepted or deemed appropriate to carry a knife openly in public places such as streets or public buildings, shops or restaurants. In urban areas, expect immediate examination and trouble if a police officer sees that you are openly carrying a larger knife, even though you have the right to do so. From a social point of view, the open carrying of knives in Bulgaria is justified only in rural areas, when fishing or hunting, or when the knife is used as a tool in professional activities such as gardening. Some places like courts, banks, clubs, bars, etc. You refuse access with any type of weapon (including knives) and most of them do not offer storage facilities.
It`s an urban legend in Bulgaria that knives larger than 10 cm (3.9 inches) are illegal, so expect the police to try to convince you to voluntarily give up the knife, even if such a move is illegal. You should not abandon your knife, but indicate the purpose of „daily necessities”, „use” or even „self-defense” to carry it and be aware that you have not committed a crime. Insist that the police officer cite a law against you with a knife in public. Since there is no such law in Bulgaria, the police will most likely let you keep your knife and send you on your way with a „warning”. If they insist or continue to misbehave, ask to contact their supervisor before handing them your knife, otherwise you won`t see it again. In fact, there are random city councillors who try to limit the length of knives to more than 10 cm (3.9 inches) with laws in place, but these laws are all illegal and have no compliance powers because councils only do administrative functions and they do not have the power to invent or enforce laws of any kind. [11] Recall that although very liberal in terms of possession and carrying of knives (weapons), Bulgaria is not the place where one can defend oneself with lethal force compared to many European countries. If the need for self-defense with a knife arises, think about it very carefully. As a rule, courts often consider armed self-defense on the basis of the penal code to be „unjustified” and the defendant ends up with an effective prison sentence, even if the reason (dealing) with self-defense is proven.
[12] The Bill of Rights of 1689 guaranteed that only Parliament, not the King, could restrict the right of the people to bear arms.