FAQ
New Laws (2024) for Zombie Knives & Fixed Blades
With each passing year comes a fresh set of laws, and this time, there are notable changes regarding the classification of 'Zombie Knives'.
In recent weeks, we've been inundated with calls and emails from concerned customers seeking clarification on these new laws, fearing they may inadvertently possess something illegal. Media outlets have been abuzz with reports suggesting that all machetes will soon be added to the banned list, with further bans anticipated.
Fortunately, the government isn't imposing a blanket ban on all machetes but is instead targeting a wide array of bladed items, including many that our customers—and ourselves—currently own.
The precise wording of this new legislation remains unsettled, but we anticipate it will broaden the definition of 'zombie knife', potentially encompassing many more innocent knives. Click here to read the draft legislation in full.
The current laws as they stand:
A "Zombie Knife" is defined as a blade featuring both a cutting and serrated edge, along with **visual elements or textual references that imply its intended use for violence. These visual elements may consist of depictions such as blood, skulls, zombies, or scenes of violence, while textual references include words like "killing," "combat," "self-defense," and similar language that may be interpreted as inciting violence.
THE NEW DEFINITION
As we understand it, the NEW definition defines 'Zombie Knives' as – A Knife with: A plain cutting edge; A sharp pointed end; Blade over 8 inches[1]
Which ALSO has:
A serrated edge (except an up to two inch serrated edge next to the handle); OR More than one hole in the blade OR Spikes;[2] OR More than two sharp points on/in the blade;[3]
The specific wording on images or depictions of violence on the blade or handle has been removed.
[1] - Blade measured in a straight line distance from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade.
[2] - Presumably meaning any extra sharp points on or around the blade.
[3] - Excluding:
1) A sharp point where the angle between the edges which create the point is an angle of at least 90 degrees. (Where there is a curved edge, the angle will be measured by reference to the tangent of the curve.)
2) A sharp point on the cutting edge of the blade near the handle. (We'll provide a diagram for this shortly)
Examples of items that will likely become illegal to own:
Holes on blade and over 8”
Has both a sharp edge and a serrated edge + over 8”
Over 8”, has more than one hole, has more than one point, serrated edges
Over 8” blade + serrated and sharp edge
Examples of items that should not be affected by the adjustments:
Only has a sharp edge
Only has a sharp edge
We do not have a precise date for the arrival of the new legislation. Our anticipation is that it will likely occur around September, although there is a possibility of it being either earlier or later than this timeframe.
Hand-in & Compensation
Traditionally, when a law undergoes a change resulting in the prohibition of an item that was previously legal, compensation is often offered. Hence, here's the good news: The government plans to conduct a surrender program, likely accompanied by a compensation scheme.
Based on past experiences, we've witnessed compensation being provided, leading us to believe it will likely occur again. However, it's important to note that this is not legal advice; rather, it reflects our informed perspective.
Historically, the surrender process has been relatively straightforward: Wrap and secure the knives you intend to surrender, then bring them to designated police stations. Inform the staff at the front desk that you wish to surrender knives, and they will dispatch someone to document and retrieve the items.
During this process, they may request some personal information and issue a receipt. Compensation has been provided in the past at this stage.
According to current information, it appears that individuals may be eligible to claim £10 for each surrendered "zombie" knife. However, this figure is subject to change as more details emerge. Rest assured, we will update this page with confirmed information as soon as it becomes available!
What happens now?
Currently, you are free to continue using and enjoying knives that do not fall under the category of 'Zombie Knives'. Whether it's for gardening, farm work, outdoor activities with appropriate permissions, or simply as collectible items kept indoors.
However, once the new legislation is officially enacted, these knives must be surrendered if found to be in violation of the revised laws.
We have ceased importing, purchasing, or restocking these items. Once our current inventory is depleted, they will not be replenished. Please refer to the link below for a comprehensive list of items classified as "Zombie Knives". This is an opportunity for you to make a purchase.
The silver lining is that you will receive a refund for a portion of your investment when you surrender these items.
A critical reminder: When transporting these items to a surrender location, ensure they are securely sheathed, well-packaged, and stored in your vehicle's trunk. DO NOT leave them loose in your car or easily accessible.
We will provide updates as soon as additional information becomes available.
The law on buying and carrying knives.
The laws about buying and carrying a knife depend on the type of knife, your age and your circumstances.
Basic laws on knives
It is illegal to:
- ✖ Sell a knife of any kind to anyone under 18 years old (16 to 18 year old's in Scotland can buy cutlery and kitchen knives)
- ✖ Carry a knife in public without good reason - unless it's a knife with a folding blade[1] less than three inches long. For example, our Golan Gold Trim Gentleman's Knife.
- ✖ Carry, buy or sell any type of banned knife
- ✖ Use any knife in a threatening way (even a legal to carry knife)
[1] - Folding blades are defined as a blade that readily folds back into the handle, without needing to disengage a lock. Such as a slipjoint knife with no locking mechanism.
Good reasons for carrying a knife
Examples of good reasons[2] to carry a knife in public can include:
- ✓ Taking knives you use at work to and from work.
- ✓ Taking knives to a gallery or museum to be exhibited or valued.
- ✓ The knife is going to be used for theatre, film, television, historical re-enactment or religious purposes, for example, the Kirpan some Sikhs carry
- ✓ Hunting or camping on land you have permission from the landowner to be using for this purpose.
[2] - If you're ever stopped with a knife that you have 'good reason' to have with you, you may still be cautioned and interviewed, a court has the final say on what is, or isn't, legal to carry and will ultimately decide. The above reasons are guidelines only, and not professional legal advice.
Banned knives
Some knives are completely banned to own, buy, sell, exchange and so on, even in your own home. The following is a non-exhaustive list of banned knives and similar items. You can view the full listed provided by the government by going to their website.
| Baton |
A straight, side-handled or friction-lock truncheon. |
| Belt buckle knife |
A buckle which incorporates or conceals a knife. |
| Blowpipe or blow gun |
A hollow tube out of which hard pellets or darts are shot by the use of breath. |
| Butterfly knife or ‘balisong’ |
A blade enclosed by its handle. Designed to split down the middle to reveal the blade without using a spring or other mechanical means. |
| Cyclone or spiral knife |
A blade with a handle, a sharp point at the end and one or more cutting edges that each form a helix. |
| Disguised knife |
A blade or sharp point hidden inside something that looks like a commonly carried everyday object. For example, a comb, brush, pen, cigarette lighter, key, lipstick or phone. |
| Flick knife, gravity knife, ‘switchblade’ or ‘automatic knife’ |
A knife where the blade opens automatically or is released from the handle, either by gravity or by pressing a button or something else on the knife. |
| Footclaw |
A bar of metal or other hard material worn strapped to the foot, from which a number of sharp spikes come out. |
| Handclaw |
A band of metal or other hard material worn on the hand, from which a number of sharp spikes come out. |
| Hollow kubotan |
A cylinder-shaped container containing a number of sharp spikes. |
| Knuckleduster |
A band of metal or other hard material that’s worn on one or more fingers and is designed to cause injury. This also includes any weapon that incorporates a knuckleduster. |
| Kusari or ‘manrikigusari’ |
A hard weight or hand grip fastened to each end of a piece of rope, cord, chain or wire. |
| Kusari gama |
A sickle fastened to one end of a piece of rope, cord, chain or wire. |
| Kyoketsu shoge |
A hook-knife fastened to one end of a piece of rope, cord, chain or wire. |
| Push dagger |
A knife where the handle fits within a clenched fist and the blade comes out from between two fingers. |
| Shuriken, ‘shaken’, ‘death star’ or ‘throwing star’ |
A hard non-flexible plate with three or more sharp radiating points, designed to be thrown. |
| Stealth knife |
A knife or spike made of a material that cannot be picked up by metal detectors and which is not made for use at home, for food or as a toy. |
| Sword |
A curved blade of 50 centimeters or over, based on the straight-line distance from the top of the handle to the tip of the blade. (Unless exempt)[3] |
| Swordstick |
A hollow walking stick or cane containing a blade which may be used as a sword. |
| Telescopic truncheon |
A truncheon that extends automatically by pressing a button, a spring or other device that’s in or attached to the handle. |
| Zombie knife |
A knife with a cutting edge, a serrated edge and images or words suggesting it is used for violence.(This definition is set to change soon)[4] |
[3] - Certain traditionally hand-made swords are exempt from this. Examples include our traditional katanas'
[4] - The definition of 'Zombie Knives' is set to change soon. See tab labelled 'New Laws'.
This is not a complete list of banned knives. If you're unsure, contact your local police department or legal advisor for further information.
Excerpt from https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives Correct as of 06/02/2024 at 23:40 PM.
Crossbow Laws
There seems to be some confusion on the laws regarding crossbows in the UK. We've seen it a number of times - people asking if there's a power limit or if there is some restriction on buying them or even if there is a maximum number you're allowed to own!
The long and short of it is yes, Crossbows are completely legal to own. There are however, a number of restrictions.
1) You cannot purchase a crossbow if you're under the age of 18.
2) You cannot have your crossbow in any public place in much the same way you can't carry a normal bow or the majority of knives.
3) Crossbow hunting is completely illegal, you cannot hunt or shoot any living thing with a crossbow.
There are no power limits on crossbows in the UK. The confusion stems from competition use where they are much more strict about the power ratings. We see this one a lot, but we can confirm, there is no upper limit on crossbow power. However, if the bow has less than a 1.4kg (approx 3lb) draw (such as certain children's toys) the above restrictions don't apply.
There is also no limitation on the number you're allowed to own - feel free to have as many as you like, provided you're sensible and follow the basic rules you're sure to have a good time.
Crossbows are a fun, and relatively safe way to target shoot provided common sense is used. Don't shoot without a solid backstop, or on land where you don't have express permission, even better if it's in writing. Ensure you treat the bow with respect and it'll be a great investment - all the accessories and maintenance equipment are widely available online, you can find it and bolts, etc on our store here.
DNA Leisure offers a number of Crossbows for sale in various draw weights and configurations. For starters, we highly recommend our pistol crossbows which are much more manageable in the confines of a garden. Bigger, more powerful crossbows need much more range, but we recommend any of our rifle crossbows as they offer all the power you need in an easy to use rifle configuration.
Similar to paintball markers, GelSoft guns fire frangible ammo. Small balls of water-based gel that pop on impact. They're a lot of fun to use, but there are several very important conditions to their use and ownership.
Age Restriction
You MUST be over 18 to purchase a GelSoft gun. You do not need to be over 18 to use one provided you have permission from an adult who's supervising.
Realistic Imitation Firearms
Some of our GelSoft guns look very similar to real firearms. Some are considered to be Realistic Imitation Firearms under the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006. If you're purchasing one of our all black guns you will have to confirm with us that the gun will be used for one of the 'permitted activities'. Examples include skirmishing, historical re-enactment or target practice. This is only permissible on private property where you have full legal permission to use them.
Insurance Cover
You need to have insurance cover for the intended 'Permitted Activities' but don't worry as most household insurance policies cover activities like skirmishing at home, but you will need to double check this and confirm you understand this during checkout by ticking the relevant box.
Safety
You must use eye protection with our GelSoft guns.