What the law says
Under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, it is an offence to carry a bladed or sharply pointed article in a public place without good reason, with one exception: a folding pocket knife whose cutting edge is 7.62 cm (3 in) or less and which does not lock. Lockable knives, fixed blades and longer blades fall outside the exception, so carrying them requires good reason such as use at work, for an activity or for religious reasons. A multi-tool with no blade is not a bladed article at all.
How the collection is built
Every tool here has been checked against that test. Bladeless tools include the Leatherman Tread, the Gerber Shard and several keyring tools, which also travel well because they are permitted in hand luggage on most airlines. Tools with a non-locking blade under 7.62 cm (3 in) include the Leatherman Micra and selected Gerber keyring tools. Each product page states the blade type and length.
What this collection does not mean
Carry-friendly is not the same as carry-anywhere. Any tool can be refused entry to venues, events and secure sites, and a tool used in a threatening way is an offence regardless of blade length. The collection is a guide to the tools that fall within the everyday-carry exception, not legal advice, and the law differs in Scotland and Northern Ireland in some respects. Anyone with a specific question should check current guidance from the government or police.
If a locking tool is needed
For work or a planned activity there is good reason to carry a locking tool, and the full-size and pocket collections cover those. The difference is simply that a locking tool should be carried to and from the job, not as a matter of routine.
Why buy from TacTree
Free UK delivery available, next day delivery on in-stock orders and the full manufacturer warranty on everything we sell. Earn points with our Rewards Club, personalise your tool with our in-house engraving service and shop with confidence thanks to our 5-star Trustpilot rating and no-hassle returns.
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