Penknife seized by customs

[theshootist]

I returned though Heathrow yesterday from a hunting trip in Zimbabwe. You can't take a rifle there from the UK so I just had all my other gear including a small Leatherman and a lock knife with a 3.5" blade. 

I went through the green line in customs and was picked out for a search. They took the knife and multi-tool and I waited almost an hour while they waited for advice from another agency. I told them I had originally purchased both in the UK and had taken them to Zimbabwe because I was hunting, which involved processing large animals. I told them I usually carry a fixed blade knife in the UK when deer stalking but chose a folding knife to travel with. They asked me my occupation and I told them I had been a solicitor for 15 years and in the army reserve since 1996 (I even showed them my army ID, although I didn't expect that to make any difference), no doubt I passed the criminal record check. They decided that I could have the multi-tool but they were seizing the knife because it was an offensive weapon that I had not declared. I pointed out that it was not listed on the list of offensive weapons published by the home office and on their posters - "flick knives", "zombie knives", "death stars" etc., but they said the list was not exclusive. They said I should have got advice from the home office and that I should have declared the knife in which case I would have stood a better chance in being allowed to keep it. 

I will be appealing of course. 

[TIGHTCHOKE]

A little too severe I think.

[Scully]

I’m pleased to hear you intend to appeal. The law regarding knives is simply pathetic; an incredible example of ludicrous legislation. 

[gotgcoalman]

Was it in your luggage or on your person?

[spandit]

Which lock knife was it?

[WestonSalop]

Even worse than the legislation itself is its application. From your description, you clearly fit the profile of a typical murderer. The officer involved use his initiative and decided the public were at risk from you owning such a despicably dangerous weapon. I shall sleep safer tonight knowing that our law enforcement officers are so on the ball.

[panoma1]

Jobsworths! If you have a bona fide reason to be in possession, what's the problem?

[Yellow Bear]

4 minutes ago, panoma1 said:

Jobsworths! If you have a bona fide reason to be in possession, what's the problem?

Anti in C&E ??

[Blackbriar]

I always believe that, provided the knife doesn't contravene the parameters of blade length, locking mechanism etc, it only becomes illegal if you can't justify carrying it ?

Which you clearly could !

[simonm]

Blimey I was lucky bringing my new knife back from Finland last year 😦

Good luck with the appeal 👍

[chrisjpainter]

Sorry, was it in the hold or in your hand luggage?

[oowee]

This is a worrying thread. We go every year to SA and it's normal to have knives in the hold. 

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Does sound very much like an official over stepping the mark and making his own decision without the backing of the law.

I do hope the appeal is successful and look forward to a satisfactory outcome.

[Smokersmith]

If it was in your luggage then that’s just plain harsh.

Anyone carrying a knife directly onto a plane themselves deserves everything they get.

[loriusgarrulus]

I bought a full size heavy meat cleaver in Crete and bought it back with me. It was in my hold luggage though.

[amateur]

1 minute ago, loriusgarrulus said:

I bought a full size heavy meat cleaver in Crete and bought it back with me. It was in my hold luggage though.

Should OH be concerned?

[loriusgarrulus]

2 minutes ago, amateur said:

Should OH be concerned?

Only if I am behind him with the 12bore. 

[theshootist]

3 hours ago, gotgcoalman said:

Was it in your luggage or on your person?

It was in my hold luggage of course as was the multi-tool. 

3 hours ago, spandit said:

Which lock knife was it?

It was called a cold steel ultimate hunter. It replaced a gerber gator that I'd had many years which is a similar size. Its a 3.5" drop point lock knife.

 

 

[spandit]

Nice looking knife but in no way illegal. Good luck

[Jaymo]

4 minutes ago, spandit said:

Nice looking knife but in no way illegal. Good luck

Agreed, obviously the said individual must also have formerly worked at the ‘Peoples Republic of Teeside’ ( Durham Tees Airport) as they are the worst that I encounter—— then again, so are Leeds and Humberside ( But I’m talking Security officials here, although the Humberside Customs officer who stopped me in full uniform to totally empty out my suitcase was a particularly nasty piece of work).....

 

[theshootist]

46 minutes ago, Jaymo said:

Agreed, obviously the said individual must also have formerly worked at the ‘Peoples Republic of Teeside’ ( Durham Tees Airport) as they are the worst that I encounter—— then again, so are Leeds and Humberside ( But I’m talking Security officials here, although the Humberside Customs officer who stopped me in full uniform to totally empty out my suitcase was a particularly nasty piece of work).....

 

Still better than crab-air though??! 

[gotgcoalman]

The "official" who confiscated the knife has obviously just read.......

the guide on how to be" atotalknobwaffle"

The Leatherman posed a greater threat to "national security"

 

It's 1 step away from "possesing offensive socks" with intent to wear them in a public place.

 

 

[Newbie to this]

15 minutes ago, gotgcoalman said:

It's 1 step away from "possesing offensive socks" with intent to wear them in a public place

I've got a few of them.

[gotgcoalman]

1 minute ago, Newbie to this said:

I've got a few of them.

Better hand them in during the "offensive sock" amnesty then.

Think having 3 pairs carries a custodial scentence.

[Mungler]