When It hasn't relocated itself (by slipping out of my pocket onto the furniture), I normally carry a Stanley folding pocket knife in my pocket (a replaceable blade version of the old fasioned pocket knife). What would the Constabulary do with me (65+) if i were subject to 'Stop and Search)?
Probably nothing, but it would depend on the knife and what you were doing/intending
If the knife folds, has a blade of less than 3 inches cm/75 and the folding knife does not lock then it is legal to carry it.
Otherwise it would potentially be an offence under the Section 139 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 which prohibits carrying a knife or sharply pointed article in a public place
There are various reasons for which it is allowed under the act - eg for work, or for a reasonable purpose , religious reasons etc.
Even if legal to be carrying it, if they thought you intended to use it to harm or threaten someone, that would potentially be an offence of Carrying an Offensive Weapon under Section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953
If you had just left the pub after threatening someone with it, then that would be an offence under Section 139AA of the Criminal Justice Act
1988.
Re Brian's point about carrying tools - there needs to be an element of intend - either to harm someone - in the case of something being considered an offensive weapon, or to go and burgle or whatever in the case of 'going equipped'.
Which is a much wider thing. Apparently people have been 'done' for 'going equipped' when found with....
Two identical branded carrier bags (well known shop, target of crime), one nested inside the other, with aluminium foil (or similar) sandwiched in between...
A few years ago I was working airside at a major international airport and went through their normal searches. They found a lock knife with a
4" blade in my tool box and refused to allow it through. It was a "souvenir" from a Spanish holiday a LONG time ago and it lived permanently in my tool box. Obviously well worn and battered.
I pointed out that it was a tool and less dangerous than some of the others in the box, a discussion took place where I showed them the copper marks on the blade where it had been used to cut cable. They then allowed it through as it was a tool.
So, intent and a bit of common sense does make a difference. There again, I left it out of my tool box the next time I went through.
For the last year I have been using one of my wife's pink, floral, shoulder bags as a light weight tool bag while on sites. So far no one has pinched it and if any one wants me they are told to look for the guy with the "pretty tool bag".
I did have a worrying moment when a rather large bearded electrician wandered over and said in a suggestive manner "I like your bag" He made some Hells Angels look quite normal, as it turned out he was a hairy biker and a nice guy, but worrying all the same!
Yes, it does sound as if I'm a millionaire doesn't it, not quite though, neither of the boats is a very expensive one.
i do keep basic tool kits on both places but there are some things that are a bit expensive to duplicate (e.g. torque wrench) and it's even more difficult I find deciding how to distribute my collections of nuts and bolts and woodscres between the various venues.
Though you seem to be able to carry just about anything in a car and they don't bat an eyelid. When I get stopped by the random checks at Dover and they look at the back of the car piled high with toolboxes etc. I just say I'm going out to maintain a boat. They nod vaguely and send me on my way.
but I did learn the art of getting the cork out of a wine bottle with a small screwdiver (tweaker). This was while working on an exhibition stand in Hamburg (as one does).
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