Fortunately there are also good reasons to be carrying a knife. Examples can be that you use your knife for work or that you are taking it to a gallery or museum to be exhibited. In addition, if a knife is to be used for theatre, film, television, historical reenactment or religious purposes you can legally carry it in public. Finally, if you are planning to use a knife during a demonstration or want to teach someone how to use it UK knife regulation states that you can take it with you.


*Please note: a court will decide if you have got a good reason for carrying a knife if you are charged with carrying it illegally. (Courtesy of Gov.uk)*


## Abuse is still illegal


Please remember that if you use a knife (legal or illegal) in a threatening way it is considered to be an illegal offense. If, for instance, you are using your (legal) Swiss Army knife to threaten anyone you are still doing something illegal.


## UK Friendly


As mentioned before UK knife law allows you to carry a non-locking pocket knife with a blade length of up to 3 inches (7.62) without any need for a valid reason. We understand that it could be tricky to know for sure which knives are actually legal. That is why we made a selection of non-locking pocket knives that adhere to this guideline.


Because of the conditions listed above, we like to call these ‘UK friendly’ instead of ‘UK Legal’ knives.


If you are looking for more information about UK knife laws and what type of knives do not adhere to the beforementioned guidelines please check our [UK Knife Laws page](kato://content/migrated_topic_147)!

UK Friendly pocket knives

UK Friendly pocket knives

The Spyderco UKPK (UK Pen Knife) is specially designed to comply with strict knife legislation in the UK. These compact non-locking pocket knives offer a practical solution for anyone who wants a reliable EDC knife that is legal to carry in the UK. Thanks to their specific design, these knives also comply with strict legislation in Germany.

Spyderco UKPK

Spyderco UKPK

Spyderco is one of the largest and most famous knife brands in the world. Models like the Spyderco Paramilitary 2, Delica 4 and Tenacious are true classics. Spyderco offers a wide range of functional EDC knives, knives for first responders and premium gentleman's knives. What do these knives all have in common? The signature hole in the blade, an innovation introduced by Sal Glesser in 1981. Today, Spyderco continues to pioneer and is an indispensable brand in the knife world.

Spyderco knives

The Richardson Sheffield knives are perfect for those who love modern, stylish and innovative design. From knife blocks to bread knives to santokus and chef's knives: this brand pays a lot of attention to the design and look and feel of their products. Of course, the quality and functionality are also fantastic. And all that for an amazing price! All of this makes Richardson Sheffield an accessible brand.

Richardson Sheffield

BeaverCraft is a Ukrainian brand making woodworking tools at affordable prices. This brand has an extensive range. Whether you carve spoons or kuksas, wooden ornaments or funny dolls and other figures: BeaverCraft has got you covered with the right tools. Moreover, besides the tools BeaverCraft also has an extensive collection of accessories and maintenance products. For example, a strop with compound, aprons, finishing materials and they even have outdoor products, such as axes and bushcraft knives. BeaverCraft also makes videos that guide you through every step of your woodcarving project.

BeaverCraft

Hapstone sharpening systems make precision sharpening easy and accessible. Since 2012, Ukrainian company Hapstone has been developing modular sharpening systems that you expand at will with convenient upgrades. Whether you want to keep your kitchen knives sharp or strive for perfection as a collector: there is always a Hapstone to suit you. Thanks to clever innovations such as magnetic knife holders, stable constructions and interchangeable modules, Hapstone is known as a versatile and affordable brand in the world of knife sharpening.

Hapstone

## Silky Pocketboy saws

Silky are known for their folding saws. These fold like a pocket knife. This makes the [Silky Pocketboy saws](kato://category/silkypocketboy) ideal for bushcrafters. You can easily carry it with you inside a backpack and have it available when needed. In the open position the saw blade locks so it won’t close during use. The [Silky Bigboy](kato://category/silkybigboy) is the largest folding saw on the market with a length of 76 centimetres. It weighs only 430 grams which make it pretty lightweight and portable for such a big saw!

## Silky saw use

A Silky saw blade is generally a lot harder than that of conventional gardening saws. As a result, you need to take care of it a bit more. When you take care of it you will notice it can saw like a charm! Experience the convenience of a Japanese whipsaw!

Silky

Pocket knives come in many shapes, sizes and a variety of [locking mechanisms](kato://content/migrated_topic_62). Thanks to our handy filter option, you can find the perfect pocket knife with the right lock. Although there are many different types of locking mechanisms on the market, we have listed the top 6 most popular ones for you!

Pocket knives by locking mechanism

When it comes to pocket knives, we distinguish between two primary opening mechanisms: one-handed and two-handed. One-handed systems, such as thumb studs or flippers, offer speed and convenience—ideal for situations where every second counts. Please note: we cannot sell flippers in the UK and Ireland, [you can read more about this here](kato://content/migrated_topic_666). Two-handed mechanisms require both hands to open the blade, providing extra safety and control. While one-handed knives are popular for their ease of use, some users prefer the traditional style of two-handed models.

All opening mechanisms pocket knives

Yoshiharu woodcarving knife: from the land of the rising sun

Yoshiharu

One-handed pocket knives are quick to open and efficient in use. That's why most pocket knives on the market are one-handed openers. For example, these are equipped with a thumb stud or a thumb hole that allows you to open the blade, as the name implies, with your thumb. This is great when you're holding on to a material you need to cut with one hand, so you can open the knife with your free hand. On this page you will find all one-handed pocket knives!

One-handed pocket knives

## Reasons to choose Knivesandtools 

Are you looking for high-quality kitchen accessories? Look no further! Knivesandtools has everything you could need in the kitchen! Our team is ready to help you find everything you need. Our people have in-depth knowledge and expertise. You can visit us in our showroom in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, or contact our customer service staff. Ask us any question you may have, and we will help you find a solution or give you advice. 

 

Knivesandtools offers a large range of kitchen accessories. All products are carefully selected and tested. Thus, the products we sell meet the strictest quality standards. 

 

At Knivesandtools, we aim to dispatch all orders as soon as possible, so that you, the customer, can enjoy your desired kitchen accessory soon. 

 

## History of Knivesandtools 

When Knivesandtools started in 1999, it was first named zakmeskopen.nl (loosely translated; buyingapocketknife.nl) In its early years, Knivesandtools mainly focused on selling pocket knives and multi-tools. In time, the range was expanded to meet increasing customer demand. 

 

In 2007, the company was renamed 'Knivesandtools', to better reflect its assortment. In addition to knives, multi-tools and other types of tools, Knivesandtools also sells kitchen supplies and outdoor equipment. Knivesandtools started collaborating with renowned brands and has grown to become a trusted source for knife fans, outdoor enthusiasts and professionals in need of high-quality equipment. 

 

Knivesandtools is the name of our websites in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, the UK, Austria, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Sweden.

Knivesandtools

UK Knife Laws

UK Knife Laws

At Knivesandtools we sell many knives, in many shapes and sizes. There are however a number of knives we do not ship to the UK or Ireland. While we might have in the past. Folding knives that open with a flipper, or by assisted opening for instance. We’d like to explain the reasons behind this.


## We stick to the law


First and foremost: at Knivesandtools we do everything we can to adhere to the law as strict as possible. We’ve been doing this since 1999 and we moved with the law since the start. As many know, we’re based in the Netherlands and Germany, so all knives we sell must be legal to possess in these countries. Otherwise we would not be able to stock them. Next we see whether the knives are legal in the other countries we sell to.


In the basis you as a consumer are responsible for the legality of items you import into the UK or Ireland, but we want to prevent any problems, so we do not sell certain knives if we know they are illegal. This is why we do not sell machetes in Ireland for instance. As they are specifically outlawed.


## The ‘flick knife’ conundrum


On Gov.uk you can currently (20-11-2020) find the following definition of the banned ‘flick knife’:


*flick knives (also known as ‘switchblades’ or ‘automatic knives’) - a blade hidden inside a handle which shoots out when a button is pressed*


This is however a more simplified version of the actual law. Because the current Offensive Weapons Act states the following:


*“(a)any knife which has a blade which opens automatically—*


*(i)from the closed position to the fully opened position, or*


*(ii)from a partially opened position to the fully opened position, by manual pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the knife, and which is sometimes known as a “flick knife” or “flick gun”; or”.*


Apparently this last bit, with a ‘button, spring or other device in or attached to the knife’ also spans the use of a **flipper** to ‘flick open’ a knife. It also gives reason to assume that any assisted opening knife is not legal to own. Though that is easier to grasp than a manually opening flipper knife.


## Grey area


To some this may be crystal clear, others might find this a grey area. It does not differentiate between a thumb stud and a flipper. We’ve come to notice that the Home Office likes to air on the side of caution, as we’ve had quite a few parcels being intercepted an destroyed. That’s where the caution stops, as they then do send quite an alarming letter to the intended recipient, warning about consequences for ‘repeat offenders’. Including fines that run into the thousands of pounds, and even years in prison. Quite harsh for a simple folding knife.


## Stopping the flippers


This is why we’ve stopped selling flipper knives, assisted openers and some other knives to the UK and Ireland. We want to adhere to the law, even if it is not crystal clear. The risk for you as our customer, us as a business and all the lost merchandise are simply not worth it. We’ve worked with a ‘soft’ ban just preventing the shipping of these items, while still listing them for customers from outside the UK who were used to order from our UK website. But now we’ve decided to take them offline for good. A step other UK retailers took before us, and we expect others to follow suit in the near future as this affects everyone. 


## Zombie knives


The 2019 Offensive Weapons Act also includes a ban on ‘Zombie knives’. Though the definition on what makes a knife a zombie knife is not very clear. What it does say is the knife may not have: *“images or words (whether on the blade or handle) that suggest that it is to be used for the purpose of violence.”*. Which is why we took several other knives off our website that one could possibly classify as a ‘Zombie knife’. This includes some large fixed-blade knives, for example. Though we are very curious how this will pan out in the future when the law is put to practice.


## Why is Ireland affected?


Knife laws in Ireland are quite similar to those in the UK. Though they are not as strict in this area. This does however affect our Irish customers, as all parcels we ship to the Republic of Ireland are shipped to the UK, and forwarded from there. That means we cannot risk these parcels passing the UK Home Office, even though their final destination does not lay in the UK.


We hope you understand that we are not happy having to take these measures. But we had to. To protect you as our customer, and our business. More information can be found on the [UK Knife Law right here](kato://content/migrated_topic_147). We also have a nice selection with [UK Friendly knives](kato://category/UKFriendlypocketknives).

Why we do not sell certain knives in the UK and Ireland

Why we do not sell certain knives in the UK and Ireland

The [Work Sharp Ken Onion Knife & Tool Sharpener](kato://product/WSKTS-IKO-UK) was designed in collaboration with American knife maker and designer Ken Onion. It is one of the most popular and efficient sharpeners right now. Why? Let's find out in this Work Sharp Ken Onion Review by Knivesandtools.

Spotlight: Work Sharp Ken Onion electric sharpening machine

The Telegraph – UK’s leading newspaper – recently published an interesting article called *The Best Chef’s Knives*. Lifestyle journalist Tomé Morrissy-Swan asked chef’s, knife makers and enthusiasts about their favourite chef’s knives. Based on their preferences he selected the best chef’s knives ranging from 30 to 150 pounds and introduced them to his kitchen for weeks. He judged the knives based on weight, the comfort of the handle, balance, look and feel, user-friendliness and more individual characteristics. Sharpness was, of course, key, but for all knives the following applied: they, according to Morrissy-Swan, all left their box with a razor-sharp edge. The results are not that surprising, ‘our’ knives were considered to be great knives!


It wasn’t clear how much knives were actually put to the test. [The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/recommended/home/best-chefs-knives/) merely lists a top-3 of the best knives and a ‘*best of the rest’* top-3. In addition, we should also mention that the knives weren’t tested systematically. The rest results are not supported by numbers. For that reason we rather call this a review instead of a test, where we need to rely on the experience of the reporter. It is, of course, also true that this reporter didn’t randomly choose a couple of knives. He consulted a couple of experts to come up with the best list. And, if you ask us, this is quite evident, especially when you look at the results.


## Wüsthof Classic chef’s knife


The number-1 knife in the British ‘test’ looks very familiar! It is the [Wüsthof Classic 20 cm chef’s knife](kato://product/WU1040100120). This knife was best mainly because of its sturdiness and balance. According to the Telegraph-journalist the Wüsthof Classic is a little heavier than most other knives he used. It was something he enjoyed as it wasn’t too heavy. The combination with the fine ergonomic handle makes this chef’s knife amazing to work with. The “very classic French-German look”, with the full-tang handle and three rivets, also appeals to the critic.

Best of Britain: Telegraph reviews chef’s knives

Hapstone is a Ukrainian brand founded by a group of knife enthusiasts and engineers who wanted to do things a little differently. Their goal was clear: to develop a sharpening system that is precise, user-friendly, and modular. Everything is fully produced in Ukraine, from the robust base to the clever accessories. With this philosophy, [Hapstone](kato://category/hapstonebrand) grew into a brand appreciated by both beginners and experienced sharpeners.

## Modular sharpening systems

What makes Hapstone special is that you can expand the system as you wish. Think of the Convex Adapter Gen 2 and a scissors or chisel module. For finishing and maintenance, everything is available too: from digital angle meters to ball-end screwdrivers and the trusted “Magic Oil” honing oil for sharpening stones.

Hapstone: Modular for precision in sharpening

Spyderco Reveal 7! In this online reveal Spyderco introduces the newest knives for the coming year. This time Spyderco once again makes the hearts of many knife fans skip a beat with amazing new products. Take the Para Military 2 with CPM CruWear steel and micarta scales, for instance. Or the UK Penknife Salt with LC200N steel.

Spyderco Reveal Volume 7: Spyderco Paramilitary 2 CPM CruWear Micarta and more

The [Fällkniven F1 Pro](kato://product/FKF1PROELMAX) is the improved version of the incredibly popular [Fällkniven F1](kato://category/fallknivenf1). Bushcraft fans and survival enthusiasts and hunters have embraced this knife and its predecessor. But what makes it so good? Knivesandtools explains!


## History of the Fällkniven F1


To understand why the Fällkniven F1 Pro is such a good knife you need to know where it came from. So first, we will take a closer look at the history of the F1.

Spotlight: Fällkniven F1 Pro outdoor knife

Spotlight: Fällkniven F1 Pro outdoor knife

We get a lot of questions about knives with a convex edge and how to sharpen them. Which knives have a convex edge? How do I sharpen a convex edge? Which tools and techniques do you need to sharpen a convex edge? In this article we will try to answer all your questions as best we can!


## What is a convex grind?


A kitchen knife is usually enhanced with a flat grind, a Scandinavian bushcraft knife with a scandi grind and hunting knives with a hollow grind. The grind stands for the way the edge of your knife is sharpened. A grind which has led to a lot of questions is the convex grind. Here the grind runs from the spine (the top of the blade) towards the edge without interruption. As such the blade gets that famous convex shape that characterizes the convex grind. Do you want more information about the different grinds? If so check out the [different grinds](kato://content/migrated_topic_365).

Convex sharpening: not complex at all!

## Assembling your emergency kit starts with a backpack or pouch
A good [backpack or pouch](kato://category/backpackpouches) is essential to keep your emergency kit organized and portable. If your emergency kit is quite large, it's best to pick a sturdy backpack with different compartments. Choose a backpack that can withstand different weather conditions and hold all your essentials.

For smaller items or a compact emergency pack, pouches are ideal. They help you store items such as bandages, a multi-tool, or paracord in an organized way and have them quickly to hand. Combine a backpack with several pouches for a modular system that you can easily adapt to different situations.


## Emergency kit list: what should be in an emergency kit?
This emergency kit list was compiled based on advice from reliable sources.

### A basic emergency kit should have the following:

* Water and a [water filter](kato://category/ogwaterfilters): essential for hydration and to obtain safe drinking water.
* [Knife or multi-tool](kato://category/zakmessen): useful for various tasks such as cutting, building or repairing.
* [Power bank](kato://category/powerbanks): ensures that your communication and navigation tools keep working.
* [Whistle](kato://category/emergencywhistles): useful for communication or calling for help in an emergency.
* [Flashlight and spare batteries](kato://category/zaklampen): essential for light in the dark, especially in case of power outage.
* [First-aid kit](kato://category/careplus): key to treating injuries or health problems.
* [Lighter, firesteel and tinder](kato://category/makingfireproduct): essential for making fire for heat, cooking or signalling.
* [Paracord](kato://category/paracordkopen): for tying, repairing.


### And don't forget about:

* Food with a long shelf life 
* Emergency blanket 
* Toothbrush and toothpaste
* Disinfectant gel
* Moist wipes
* Candles and matches
* Most important documents and cash

Emergency kit assembly

[LT Wright Knives](kato://content/migrated_pageid_1255) are extremely popular. To help you understand what the fuss is about we asked bushcraft enthusiast Padraig Croke to test and review the [LT Wright Gary Wines Bushcrafter](kato://product/LT-GWB-PYM-LS). Enjoy!

I have had the pleasure writing reviews for Knivesandtools for over two years now. In that time I have experimented with large survival knives like the [Becker BK2](kato://content/migrated_topic_490) and the [ESEE 6](kato://content/migrated_topic_647). I’ve looked at high-end blades such as the [Fällkniven S1X](kato://content/migrated_topic_573) and the [Bark River Bushcrafter](kato://content/migrated_topic_519), and I’ve also used more specialized knives like the [Lionsteel BestMan and the ESEE JG5](kato://content/migrated_topic_626). Some of them I have liked, some I have loved… others I didn’t gel with so well.

After giving all of these knives dirt time and writing for this website for so long, one would wonder how to keep up with creating original ideas and interesting articles for you the reader, without starting to sound like a broken record! The truth is, I believe the tool writes the article; each one as unique in its quirks and character as the next. Steel choices, shapes, hardness, materials and profiles give a blade its character, and my job has simply been to bring to light, in my own words, what my feelings are when interacting with these tools. With such variety and choice out there, I believe there is a perfect knife for everyone. I believe I have found such a knife for my own needs. The LT Wright Gary Wines Bushcrafter is simply my most favourite knives I have ever owned.

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