Pepper sprays aren't - they're illegal under Section 5 of the Firearms Act (no - they aren't treated as being firearms). Pocket knife legislation is a bit off

Pepper sprays aren't - they're illegal under Section 5 of the Firearms Act (no - they aren't treated as being firearms). Pocket knife legislation is a bit off after a court decision regarding the length of blades. Under 3 inches and folding and you're fine - so Swiss Army knives are OK. Other knives require lawful authority or reasonable excuse - so workmen are fine, someone carrying a knife "for protection" is not, and rightly so. The UK does have a serious problem with knife crime, and a serious problem with young people carrying them for protection.