Can You Carry A Knife In South Africa? – LegalProX (2024)

Due to the lack of clear guidelines and the use of “discretion” by the police, it is difficult to provide a definitive standpoint on knife carry in South Africa. It’s safe to say that it’s your right to carry a knife, but you need to comply with the requirements outlined in the Act.

Contents

  • What size knife is legal to carry?
  • Is carrying a knife legal?
  • What’s the longest blade you can carry?
  • Is it OK to carry a pocket knife?
  • What size knife is considered a weapon?
  • Can you carry a 3 inch blade?
  • Is a pen knife illegal?
  • Is a knife a weapon?
  • What is a dirk knife?
  • Why are butterfly knives illegal?
  • Can you walk around with a knife?
  • Can you have a knife as a belt buckle?
  • Can you carry a knife for self-defense?
  • Why would someone carry a knife?
  • What is a good reason to carry a knife?
  • Is it illegal to carry a Swiss Army knife?
  • Are Tri blade knives illegal?
  • What makes a knife a switchblade?
  • How do you carry a chef’s knife?
  • Is a knife considered a lethal weapon?
  • Are switchblades illegal?
  • What is a cane sword called?
  • What’s a non locking knife?
  • Can I carry a Swiss Army knife UK?
  • How does a gravity knife work?
  • What is a manual folding blade?
  • Are swords legal in UK?
  • Can you keep a pocket knife in your pocket?
  • Is a lock knife an offensive weapon?
  • How long should a knife register be kept?
  • What is a knife called?
  • Is a sword a knife?
  • What is a SEAX knife?
  • What is a wasp knife used for?
  • Are ballistic knives illegal?
  • Are ninja stars illegal?
  • Are karambit knives illegal?
  • Are plastic butterfly knives illegal?

What size knife is legal to carry?

The Act states that no person in India will be allowed to carry a knife with a 9” long metal blade and 2” wide in size that is fancy enough to be seen as threatening to the public.

Is carrying a knife legal?

Unless one is on one’s own property or engaged in a legitimate sporting activity requiring the use of a knife, it is against the law to carry, display or use a knife in public.

What’s the longest blade you can carry?

The length of a knife blade is not longer than 5.5 inches. There are certain types of knives that are not allowed.

Is it OK to carry a pocket knife?

A pocket knife with a blade of less than 2.5” is the only knife that can be carried in a federal facility. Knives other than plastic or round bladed butter knives are not allowed when flying.

What size knife is considered a weapon?

Fixed-blade knives with blades of two-and-a-half inches or longer are not allowed on school and college campuses. Any knife that is more than four inches in length is not allowed in a public building. There is no law in California that regulates the maximum lengths of knives.

Can you carry a 3 inch blade?

There is no need for a valid reason to carry a non-locking pocket knife with a blade length up to 3 inches.

Is a pen knife illegal?

It is against the law to carry a bladed instrument in a public place, with the exception of a pocket knife that has a cutting edge of less than 3 inches.

Is a knife a weapon?

A knife is a tool or weapon that has a cutting edge or blade attached to a handle or hilt. The Oldowan tools are believed to have appeared 2.5 million years ago.

What is a dirk knife?

As used in this part, “dirk” or “dagger” means a knife or other instrument with or without a handguard that is capable of ready use as a stab weapon that can cause great bodily injury or death.

Why are butterfly knives illegal?

Butterfly knives are illegal in many places because they can be used as threatening weapons. The knife’s most dangerous quality is that a person can deploy it with immense speed.

Can you walk around with a knife?

Most states allow all pocket knives, leathermans, and multi-tool use. The blades of these knives have to be less than 2.5 or 3 inches. Carrying one of these knives is not allowed in certain places.

Can you have a knife as a belt buckle?

A knife that is part of a belt buckle has a blade that is at least two and one-half inches long. California’s statute on generally prohibited weapons, as well as the California Penal Code 16590, prohibit the use ofBBKs.

Can you carry a knife for self-defense?

A knife can be used to self-defense. A knife is a great weapon for self- protection. A folding knife is the choice when it comes to concealing something. A fixed blade knife can be effective.

Why would someone carry a knife?

The need for protection and self defence is what motivates people to carry knives. A sense of threat is something that exists.

What is a good reason to carry a knife?

Taking knives to and from work can be examples of good reasons to carry a knife.

Is it illegal to carry a Swiss Army knife?

Does the Swiss Army Knives have legal provisions? It is an offence to carry a knife with a blade of more than 3 inches/7.62 cm long in public and can lead to a fine and imprisonment unless there is a legitimate reason for doing so.

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Are Tri blade knives illegal?

The federal law on knives with a blade less than three inches is very similar to the federal law on switchblades.

What makes a knife a switchblade?

Title 15 is a part of the U.S. Code. According to 1241, switchblade knives are any knives which open by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or any knife with a blade that opens automatically.

How do you carry a chef’s knife?

The handle should be held with the ring, pinkie fingers, and middle fingers. Put your thumb on the opposite side of the blade while resting your index finger against it. If you don’t hold the knife, Curl in the fingers of your hand.

Is a knife considered a lethal weapon?

A gun, sword, knife, pistol, or the like is a lethal weapon if it is used within striking distance of the person being attacked.

Are switchblades illegal?

The possession of a switchblade doesn’t have to be against federal law. It is possible for people with one arm to use a switchblade. None of the other knives are against the law. If you are carrying a concealed carry pocket knife, it is legal.

What is a cane sword called?

The cane sword, also known as a stick sword, is a weapon hidden in the cane.

What’s a non locking knife?

The same survival and bushcraft tasks can be performed with a non locking knife. The secure fixing of the cutting blade is one of the main drawbacks, as well as the risk of injury to the users fingers.

Can I carry a Swiss Army knife UK?

Unless it’s a knife with a folding blade 3 inches long (7.62 cm), you shouldn’t carry it in public.

How does a gravity knife work?

A gravity knife is a knife with a blade that can be opened with one hand. They don’t use a spring to propel the blade into an open position like switchblades do.

What is a manual folding blade?

A manual folding knife requires you to open the blade with a thumb stud, a cut out, or some other system. The first thing you need to know about assisted opening knives is that they aren’t automatic.

Are swords legal in UK?

You don’t need a license to own a sword in the UK. The weapons on our site are legal in the UK. It’s a good idea to check with your local law enforcement office if you’re ordering from overseas.

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Can you keep a pocket knife in your pocket?

Most modern knife patterns have a pocket clip that you can use to hold your knife in your pocket or belt. The knife can be secured in a specific pocket of your purse with the help of this clip.

Is a lock knife an offensive weapon?

A lock knife has a mechanism which can be used to lock the blade in position when fully extended. A lock knife isn’t an offensive weapon because it was made with a specific purpose in mind.

How long should a knife register be kept?

You have to keep a written record of the supply for three years.

What is a knife called?

A knife, tool or implement can either be fixed to the handle or fastened with a hinge so that it clasps into it. cutlery is a class of cutting implements. There is a Swiss Army knife in this picture.

Is a sword a knife?

Is the sword just big Knives? Swords are consideredbladed weapons under the law because of their many shapes and sizes. State laws prohibiting the carrying of bladed weapons over a certain length are what apply to swords.

What is a SEAX knife?

Most warriors would carry a large fighting knife like the Vikings seax. The early part of the Viking era was when Seax was used most. The weapon is one handed. Hilts used to be made of wood, bone, or horn.

What is a wasp knife used for?

Instead of using gas to propel the blade forward, the WASP Injection Knife injects high-pressure gas through a hole in the blade. This will cause more damage to the target by expanding and freezing the wound.

Are ballistic knives illegal?

Federal law makes ballistic knives with a spring-operated blade illegal to possess, manufacture, sell, or import. They are not allowed to import from outside the U.S. or buy or sell over state lines.

Are ninja stars illegal?

The legality of shurikens or ninja stars in California is being questioned. Yes, that is correct. It’s a crime in California to make, import, sell, give, or possess a shuriken or ninja star.

Are karambit knives illegal?

You can carry a knife with a practical use of 3 inches or less. It is not illegal to own a knife that complies with federal regulations.

Are plastic butterfly knives illegal?

A butterfly knife with no blade is called a balisong trainer. It’s legal in the us and you can’t cut yourself with it.

Can You Carry A Knife In South Africa? – LegalProX (2024)

FAQs

Are you allowed to carry a knife in South Africa? ›

Due to the lack of clear guidelines and the use of “discretion” by the police, it's difficult to provide a definitive standpoint on knife carry within South Africa. Safe to say, it is your right to carry a knife, but by doing so, you need to comply with the requirements as laid out in the Act.

What knives are illegal in SA? ›

Knife such as gravity knife, switchblade, sword, dagger, blackjack, brass knuckles, ballistic knife, Spear, Tomahawk, Knobkerrie, Crowbar, Nunchaku and Hammer.

Is it legal to walk around with a knife? ›

In general, it is legal to carry a knife in most states. However, there are often limits on knives or bladed weapons that may be carried.

Are switchblades legal in South Africa? ›

In South Africa, little to no laws exist on the possession, sale, manufacture, and carrying of weapons, other than firearms. Switchblades are legal for possession, sale, manufacture, and carrying.

What happens if police catch you with a knife? ›

if you're caught carrying a knife, you could receive a community sentence, a fine or imprisoned. you could be searched at any time if a police officer thinks you may be carrying a knife.

What size knife are you allowed to carry? ›

A. In the State of California, there is no maximum length for knives in general. However, the maximum legal length for a switchblade knife is 2 inches. Additionally, it is illegal to carry daggers or dirks concealed, and also illegal to carry many types of knives which are designed for concealment.

What is the biggest knife you can carry? ›

Knives that are usually legal to carry almost anywhere include multi-tool devices, Swiss Army knives, and utility knives, and knives with blades that are shorter than 2.5 inches.

Is a knife a weapon? ›

Many individuals and police alike assume that everyday hunting, working, or collectors' knives and other objects automatically qualify as “weapons” under the Criminal Code for the purposes of charging individuals with offences such as carrying a concealed weapon or possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Why are some knives illegal? ›

The open carry law states that the hilt or handle of a knife cannot be hidden (or concealed), even by clothing or the knife's sheath. This law exists as a way to ensure that anyone around the person carrying the knife can clearly see it in order to prevent surprise attacks.

Can I carry a knife for self-defense? ›

While it's entirely legal to carry a pocket knife for self-defense, using it recklessly is illegal, and can lead to serious legal problems. As such, you should avoid drawing and using the knife unless it is absolutely necessary.

Are butterfly knives illegal? ›

In California, butterfly knives are prohibited. Under California Penal Code 21510 PC, butterfly knives are classified as a form of switchblade. Carrying, possessing in public, selling, or otherwise transferring a butterfly knife is illegal under this legislation.

What is dirk knife? ›

Definition of dirk knife

: a clasp knife having a large blade like that of a dirk.

What is a concealed knife? ›

A knife is considered concealed if it is not readily identifiable as a knife or if you attempt to obscure the fact that you're carrying a knife. For example, a knife in your pocket is concealed. A knife stored in a sheath on your belt is not, according to State v. Johnson, a 1989 court case.

What is considered a pocket knife? ›

A pocketknife is a knife with one or more blades that fold into the handle. They are also known as jackknives (jack-knife), folding knives, or may be referred to as a penknife, though a penknife may also be a specific kind of pocketknife.

Can you carry a knife on a plane? ›

In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage.

How long do you go to jail for carrying a knife? ›

The maximum sentence for illegally carrying a knife is 4 years in prison and an unlimited fine. The penalties are higher if you injure someone or use a knife to commit a crime. There is a mandatory minimum sentence of six months custody for offenders who use any type of weapon to threaten.

Why do people carry knives? ›

Knives are an easily available form of protection. Feeling a need for protection was the most prevalent reason young people gave for why they carry a knife.

Should I carry a knife? ›

Protect Yourself

A knife is one of the best things to carry that gives you some self-defense that's easy to carry. Carrying a knife for defense is a safe option, especially when talking about a folding knife. They can be easily carried and secured with very minimal chance of accidental injury.

Is carrying a knife a crime? ›

Carrying a knife or gun is illegal. Carrying a knife or gun increases your risk of being injured. It also increases the risk of the people around you being injured, and can cause great distress and upset to your family.

Should you carry a pocket knife? ›

A Pocket Knife is an Emergency Tool

But just the same, a knife is indispensable in an emergency scenario. You can use a simple pocket knife to cut seatbelts, break windows, cut clothing/bandages, etc. A knife gives me a lot of peace of mind when I think of these scenarios.

Are lock knives illegal? ›

A lock knife is NOT a folding pocketknife and therefore it is illegal to carry these knives regardless of the length of the blade. Possession of a lock knife in a public place without reasonable excuse IS an offence.

Why are some knives illegal? ›

The open carry law states that the hilt or handle of a knife cannot be hidden (or concealed), even by clothing or the knife's sheath. This law exists as a way to ensure that anyone around the person carrying the knife can clearly see it in order to prevent surprise attacks.

What is dirk knife? ›

Definition of dirk knife

: a clasp knife having a large blade like that of a dirk.

What are daggers used for? ›

A dagger is a fighting knife with a very sharp point and usually two sharp edges, typically designed or capable of being used as a thrusting or stabbing weapon. Daggers have been used throughout human history for close combat confrontations, and many cultures have used adorned daggers in ritual and ceremonial contexts.

Are ballistic knives real? ›

Commercially-produced ballistic knives briefly gained notoriety in the United States in the mid-1980s after they were marketed and sold in the United States and other Western countries. Since then, the marketing and sale of ballistic knives to civilians has been restricted or prohibited by law in several nations.

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