Wondering if you can actually carry that sturdy bushcraft knife for wild camping in the UK? Here’s the thing: UK knife laws are strict, and they don’t always make exceptions for outdoorsy types. Even if you’re headed into the woods, the rules on what you can legally carry are pretty clear and don’t leave much wiggle room.
Most bushcraft knives have fixed blades, which already sets off alarm bells under UK law. Carrying any fixed-blade knife in public without a ‘good reason’ is illegal. Sounds simple, but what counts as a ‘good reason’ turns out to be the tricky part—and it’s not automatic just because you’re going camping.
- UK Laws on Bushcraft Knives
- What Counts as ‘Good Reason’
- Practical Tips for Campers
- Staying Safe and Legal
UK Laws on Bushcraft Knives
You might think a bushcraft knife is just another piece of camping gear, but the law in the UK treats it way differently. The bottom line is: most bushcraft knives count as fixed-blade knives, and the rules around owning or carrying them in public are really strict.
Here’s the key fact: It’s illegal to carry any fixed-blade knife or any folding knife with a blade longer than 3 inches (7.62 cm) in public without what the law calls a ‘good reason.’ There’s no automatic pass just because you’re going camping or hiking—you’ll need to justify exactly why you have it if asked by the police.
Check out this comparison table to see how the rules break down for different knives:
| Knife Type | Legal to Carry in Public? | Requires Good Reason? | Maximum Blade Length (If Folding) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed-blade Bushcraft Knife | No (Illegal without good reason) | Yes | N/A |
| Folding Knife (Non-locking) | Yes | No | 3 inches (7.62 cm) |
| Folding Knife (Locking or >3in) | No (Illegal without good reason) | Yes | Over 3 inches (7.62 cm) |
Under the Offensive Weapons Act 2019—and older laws going back to 1988—the police can (and do) take action if they spot anyone carrying a knife, even if you say it’s for bushcraft or wild camping. A ‘good reason’ isn’t something you just tell them on the spot; you’ll need to explain why you need that specific knife for your activity.
Also worth knowing: carrying a knife on your way to or from a wild camping trip is still ‘in public.’ That includes in the car, or even on a train or bus. Carry it openly and you risk getting stopped—or even arrested—unless you’ve got that ‘good reason’ ready.
What Counts as ‘Good Reason’
The law in the UK doesn’t ban knives outright, but it’s firm about how and why you carry them. Unless your blade folds and is under three inches, you can’t just tuck it in your pack and forget it’s there. The official line, taken straight from UK Government guidance, says you need a ‘good reason’ to carry something bigger.
So, what does that really mean? Heading out for a spot of bushcraft knife use, say, to carve a spoon or prep kindling, can sometimes count. But it’s never a blanket excuse. Everything depends on where you are, what you’re doing, and how you carry the knife. If you’re walking through a city centre with a big fixed-blade on your belt, expect questions—or worse.
The UK Government puts it clearly: “Examples of good reasons to carry a knife in public can include taking knives you use at work to and from work, or when going to a gallery or museum to have it looked at, or when you’re taking part in a re-enactment, film, or theatre production.”
For wild camping, if you’re on your way to a remote site and the knife is packed away safely—ideally out of sight and not easily reached—you’re more likely to be on solid ground. Avoid carrying it in everyday public spaces, and never flash it around. It helps if you’ve got proof of your camping plans, like a campsite booking or written permission if you’re wild camping on private land. Actual police advice recommends that the knife should only be carried for the exact time it’s needed, then stored away immediately.
- Keep your bushcraft knife stored when traveling in public places.
- If stopped, calmly explain what you’re doing, and show any camping-related evidence.
- Never argue if questioned by police—most officers know the law but want to see you acting responsibly.
- Don’t take your knife anywhere you’re not actually using it for camping or bushcraft.
Bottom line: the law isn’t out to ruin outdoor adventures, but it puts safety first. Show genuine purpose and common sense, and you’ll usually be fine. But if you’re unsure, it’s always best to leave the knife at home rather than push your luck.
Practical Tips for Campers
Getting it wrong with knife laws could ruin your wild camping trip fast. Here’s how to keep yourself right while still getting things done outdoors. Before you even pack your bag, make sure you know exactly what knives are legal and what needs extra care.
- Stick to a folding knife with a blade under 3 inches (about 7.6 cm) if you just want peace of mind. These are legal to carry without a reason, as long as they’re not a locking type.
- If you really need a fixed-blade bushcraft knife for jobs like batoning wood or food prep, be ready to explain why. Bring proof you’re heading out camping—like a booking confirmation or receipt for campsite fees—especially if you’ll be walking through public areas to reach your site.
- Pack your knife at the bottom of your rucksack. Don’t keep it in your pocket or an easy-to-reach spot when traveling to and from your camp. If police stop you, it helps to show you’re not carrying it for self-defense or any dodgy reason.
- Don’t carry your bushcraft knife in town, at service stations, or pretty much anywhere that isn’t your camp. The law draws a hard line on what’s “public.”
- After your trip, make sure your knife goes back in your gear bag or home storage right away. Leaving it lying around your car isn’t a great idea.
The keyword for UK law on knives is ‘good reason.’ Just saying you like bushcraft or wild camping doesn’t always cut it. The real test is what the police believe if they find the knife on you. Camping and bushcraft trips are often seen as valid—but not always. There’s no official list, so being smart is best.
| Knife Type | Legal Without Reason? | Examples of Good Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Folding, non-locking (up to 3" blade) | Yes | Pocket multitool, small Swiss Army knife |
| Fixed-blade, or locking folder (any length) | No | Camping, fishing, work (must prove) |
Look after your bushcraft knife like you do your tent and stove. Keep it stashed away, act responsibly, and always have your story straight if someone asks. Most experienced wild campers in the UK say they’ve never had trouble—as long as they’re sensible and stick to the countryside, not urban shortcuts.
Staying Safe and Legal
If you’re packing a bushcraft knife for your next wild camping trip in the UK, you want to keep things above board and avoid trouble with the law. The key thing to remember is that even if you’re not causing any harm, simply having a fixed-blade knife on you without a solid reason can get you into hot water fast.
Police won’t just take your word for it—if they stop you, you’ll need to clearly explain why you have the knife. Just saying, “I’m on a camping trip” isn’t always enough, but showing you’ve actually got camping gear, you’re heading to a campsite, or you’re deep in the woods with kit in your bag helps your case. Being sensible with how you carry your knife is also a big deal; don’t keep it on your belt unless you’re using it. Pack it safely away when you’re not at your campsite.
You’ve got a few practical steps to follow that make life easier if you ever do run into the police:
- Keep your bushcraft knife packed with the rest of your camping gear, not loose or in a pocket.
- Only carry your knife when you’re heading straight to or from your camping spot, not while you’re out and about in villages, towns, or car parks.
- Make sure the knife is clean, dry, and secure—ideally in a sheath or case. A muddy or bloodied blade raises all sorts of unnecessary questions.
- Have proof of your camping plans if possible—showing a campsite booking, your route map, or photos of your gear can help justify your ‘good reason.’
If you’re under 18, don’t bother bringing a fixed-blade at all—it’s always illegal. And remember, using your knife for anything outside camping, like self-defence or casual carry, is a fast track to losing it and possibly winding up with a criminal record.
If you’re ever unsure, ask yourself: “Would I feel comfortable explaining myself to a police officer right now?” If the answer’s no, leave the knife at home. Knowing the law, planning ahead, and packing smart means you can enjoy your wild campout without worry—and you’ll still be ready for whatever the woods throw at you.