Understanding the Legality of the Leatherman Free P2 in the UK
Is the Leatherman Free P2 illegal in the UK? This question often arises among enthusiasts and collectors, particularly given its unique opening mechanism. Here’s a detailed exploration of the legality surrounding the Leatherman Free P2, addressing common misconceptions and clarifying the stance of UK knife legislation.
Background and Context
Our source of information is an old school friend who serves as the chairman of a UK knife company specializing in sports and utility knives. This company, a family business dating back over 50 years, takes great care to ensure the legal compliance of its products. They stock the Leatherman Free P2 as the UK main dealers, indicating their confidence in its legality.
Legal Considerations
The primary concern stems from the way the Leatherman Free P2 can be opened, reminiscent of a butterfly knife, which is often classified as illegal under UK law. However, the issue is not as straightforward as it might seem. The opening mechanism of the Leatherman Free P2 differs from that of true butterfly knives in a key aspect: it is designed to be opened via a bevel emergency release rather than a flick trigger.
The Mechanism and Legal Implications
The Leatherman Free P2 operates on a hinge mechanism that is not designed for a flick mis en scene. This hinge is on a bevel, meaning the knife cannot be opened via a flick action. As we explore in more detail, the prohibition of knives in the UK is more about their appearance than their functionality.
Common Misunderstandings
The UK knife laws are often seen as stiff and outdated, focusing heavily on the physical design of the knives. While it is true that certain knives, like the flick knife or balisong, are banned due to their design, there are exceptions. A knife that intentionally resembles a balisong but has a locking mechanism prevented from flicking open is still allowed for purchase.
Legal Possession and Carrying
The Leatherman Free P2 can be legally possessed but has specific restrictions on public carrying. The Section 139 of the Crimes Act 1914 governs the legality of carrying knives with blades over 75mm, classifying them as locking knives rather than folding knives. Consequently, carrying such a knife in public without lawful authority or a reasonable excuse is illegal.
Examples and Exemptions
Even though the Leatherman Free P2 is not classified as a folding knife, it includes lock mechanisms. This means that most of the tools on the body, except the plier head, automatically lock into place. This characteristic makes it tightly regulated when it comes to public carrying.
Reasonable Excuse for Carrying
Carrying the Leatherman Free P2 in public would require a ‘reasonable excuse’. For instance, if you work in a voluntary search and rescue team, it is perfectly legal to carry a knife with a locking blade as part of the essential tools. Conversely, carrying it to a club or pub would be significantly harder to justify legally.
Selling, Buying, and Carrying Knives in the UK
Selling, buying, and carrying knives in the UK is regulated by the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 and the Crime and Disorder Act 1998. These acts focus on the design and intent of the knives. For sale and purchase, knives must adhere to certain guidelines, and carrying involves meeting the conditions for a “reasonable excuse.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Leatherman Free P2 is not illegal in the UK and can be legally possessed, provided the user has a legitimate reason to carry it in public. The laws surrounding knives are nuanced and designed to consider both their functionality and appearance.