Knife laws in Canada are fairly strict, and typically require knives to be registered and be made of a certain length, with certain blade types. While there are no general rules that apply to all Canadians, there are some general outlines that apply to most Canadians.
There are a number of different types of knives, but the most common types are pocket knives, fixed-blades and switchblades. Pocket knives are the most common type of knife allowed to be carried in public, and include knives with blades less than 3.5 inches long.
The most common blade length allowed for pocket knives is 4 inches. Fixed-blade knives are those that have a blade that is fixed in place. This type of knife may be attached to a handle or attached in belts.
Some people find the idea of carrying a knife a little scary, so they keep them in a pocket or a purse, but some people know that if you want to be prepared for any situation, you need to carry a knife.
Canadian knife laws – What you can and can’t carry
The Canadian government has been very concerned about knife crime, and over the last few years the Canadian government has become increasingly restrictive with the types of knives that can be carried.
You can go to jail for carrying a knife that is illegal in Canada. What’s more, it doesn’t matter how old your knife was when you were caught; even brand new knives will get you into trouble.
In order to make sure that everyone knows what kind of knife is acceptable to carry, the federal government created an online database where anyone who wants to buy a knife must register their name and address before purchasing one.
The website also allows police officers to check whether someone is legally permitted to own a particular knife by entering the serial numbers on the knife into the system.
The followings are types of knives that are allowed :
- Utility knives – pocket knives
Utility knives are allowed in Canada. However, blade length, blade style, and blade material can vary from province to province.
- Swiss army knives
Swiss army knives are allowed in Canada without restriction. In addition, many other countries allow these kinds of knives as well.
- Belt-buckle knife
The Canadian Association for Firearms and Hunting (CAF&H) has announced new regulations on the use of knife blades with belt-buckles. The new regulations will allow knives with a 4″ blade with a belt-buckle to be worn inside a coat or jacket.
- Non-locking swiss army knives
Non-locking swiss army knives are allowed in Canada.
The following types of knives dangerous weapon and not allowed in public :
- Butterfly knives
Butterfly knives are illegal in the UK, where they are known as flick knives. A flick knife is a folding knife that open with a flick of the wrist, making it easier to conceal.
In the US, a butterfly knife is a butterfly knife or balisong. In both cases, it’s a folding knife with a blade that hinges between two pieces of the knife. It’s illegal to carry butterfly knives in Canada.
- Automatic knives
Knives are considered a weapon in Canada and are regulated by the Criminal Code. A switchblade or automatic knife is usually made with a spring or other device that allows the knife to open quickly. It is illegal to own, buy, sell, or possess a switchblade or an automatic knife in Canada.
- Centrifugal knives
Centrifugal knives are also known as flick knives or balisongs, which are banned in Canada since 1995. Therefore, if you have any type of centrifugal knife, you should dispose of them immediately.
- Gravity knives
Carrying a gravity knife in Canada is prohibited by law. Accordingly, if you’re found to have such a knife, you could face up to five years imprisonment.
- Knife blade
In Canada, importing a switch knife, automatic knife, gravity knife, butterfly knife, or any knife with a blade that can be released with the flick of a button, is prohibited.
It is illegal to carry a knife with a blade longer than 3 inches (7.62 cm) on your person in Canada.
Canada knife laws – How much does it cost me to get caught with a knife?
In Canada, the law varies from province to province and is quite complex. But it’s generally true that if you carry a knife for your own protection, you can be charged with anything from “carrying a concealed weapon” to “possession of a weapon dangerous to the public peace”.
Any knife used for a crime can be seized, and you will be charged with possession of an illegal weapon. Penalties for knife-related crimes are harsh.
Is carrying a swiss army knife legal in the UK?
There is no law in the United Kingdom which makes carrying a pocket knife illegal. There are however laws about carrying knives in public, you can be given an on the spot fine if you are deemed to have a knife in public, and it is illegal to carry a knife if you have an intention to use it to commit a crime.
Carrying a swiss army knife in public is legal in the UK. You can carry this knife as part of your hand luggage, or put it in your backpack or suitcase.
