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Selling, buying and carrying knives and weapons

The maximum penalty for an adult carrying a knife or weapon illegally is either 4 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. You’ll get a prison sentence if you’re convicted of carrying a knife or weapon illegally more than once.
Basic laws on knives and weapons

It’s illegal to use any knife or weapon in a threatening way.

There are different rules for shotguns and firearms.

It’s also illegal to:

carry most knives or any weapons in public without a ‘good reason’
sell most knives or any weapons to anyone under the age of 18

The exception to these 2 rules are folding pocketknives that:

have a cutting edge no longer than 3 inches
are not lock knives (they do not have a button, spring or catch that you have to use to fold the knife)

In Scotland, you’re allowed to sell 16 and 17 year olds cutlery and kitchen knives.
Good reasons for carrying a knife or weapon in public

If the knife or weapon is not banned, some examples of ‘good reasons’ include using it:

for your work
for religious reasons, such as the kirpan some Sikhs carry
as part of any national costume

A court will decide if you’ve got a good reason to carry a knife or a weapon if you’re charged with carrying it illegally.

If you want advice on what counts as a ‘good reason’, contact your local police or get legal advice.

https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives