Except knives aren't banned. It's just if you're stopped and have one with a blade over a certain length (an inch?) You can be required to give a reason why you're carrying it.
I don't doubt there's instances of this being abused, but it does seem useful to be able to do something if someone's carrying a knife and you have a reasonable suspicion.
Folding knives that lock are also banned; I don't know why. I own a Buck Hunter knife, and I'm not allowed to step out of my home with that thing in my pocket.
It would be really awkward to pull that thing out and extend the blade in the middle of an altercation. Perhaps the ban on lock-knives is that it's easier to stab someone with a lock-knife without cutting off your own fingers?
As far as I'm aware, it's legal in the UK to carry a folding knife with a blade shorter than 3", as long as it doesn't lock.
Fixed blades (e.g. a chef's knife) are prohibited for carry, unless you have a reason for carrying it (e.g. you just bought it).
AFAIK, Having a knife in your car, even in the boot, counts as 'carrying it'.
So you can potentially be done for having a Leatherman multi-tool (with locking blade) in your car.
The question is what would count as a valid reason for 'carrying' it. Is simply 'keeping a few tools around in case of emergency' enough if you encounter a cop who's having a bad day?
> Is simply 'keeping a few tools around in case of emergency' enough if you encounter a cop who's having a bad day?
Yes. It's the UK, not the US, we don't make a habit civil asset forfeiture stops to see if police want a free car in the first place.
That excuse probably wouldn't get you anywhere if you walked around thrusting the pointiest blade of your Leatherman at everyone, or if each member of your gang had a sharp-bladed tool in their pocket just in case they needed it on the way to the neighbouring estate but "I might go to jail if the police find the toolbox in my car" is not a problem British people face.
I don't doubt there's instances of this being abused, but it does seem useful to be able to do something if someone's carrying a knife and you have a reasonable suspicion.