owning a knife in ireland.

MrNobody1

I'v been thinking of getting a knife for some time now. But im not sure if the law actually lets me. I was thinking of getting two types of knives the butterfly knife and a automatic knife. I live in ireland in dublin I would like to know if i am allowed to own a knife. Sorry for grammer i am spanish student.

Paulw

I think this post should answer your question - http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=90821449&postcount=19

Little CuChulainn

You can own one, you can't carry one around.

BornToKill

Butterfly knives are on the list of offensive weapons.

goz83

First question is: Why do you want to own those knives? I have a bunch of knives. Most of them are used for cutting bread and buttering it. All the knives I own serve a function. What possible function would these knives serve, if not only to inflate your "cool" ego.

If you are caught carrying either of those knives around, you will likely be arrested and charged for carrying an offensive weapon. Trades men have been known to get into trouble when carrying cutting knives off site. I can't see a student getting off easily.

MrNobody1

I want a butterfly knife to learn how to flip it. I also want a automatic knife because i go camping every month l. Also another thing is that i am not carrying these knives around with me.

Pat Mustard

MrNobody1 wrote: »

I also want a automatic knife because i go camping every month l. Also another thing is that i am not carrying these knives around with me.

Depending on the type of automatic knife that you mean, there would also have to be a concern that it would fall within the existing definition of a 'flick knife' under the legislation.

( a ) a flick-knife, that is to say—
(i) a knife which opens when hand pressure is applied to a button, spring, lever or other device in or attached to the handle, or
(ii) a knife which has a blade which is released from the handle or sheath by the force of gravity or the application of centrifugal force and when released is locked in an open position by means of a button, spring, lever or other device;

From a previous reading of the legislation, a switchblade would also fall within the definition and would therefore amount to an offensive weapon.

There are alternative products, tools and knives that would not fall within the definition of offensive weapons. There are plenty of ordinary folding knives which are for sale for the purposes of fishing or skinning rabbits, etc.

I can't see the advantage of a quick opening knife for practical, legal scenarios. However, there are types of knives called 'flipper knives' which may not (depending on the design and opening mechanism of the particular knives in question) fall within the definition of offensive weapon.

goz83

MrNobody1 wrote: »

I want a butterfly knife to learn how to flip it. I also want a automatic knife because i go camping every month l. Also another thing is that i am not carrying these knives around with me.

I'm sorry, but I just don't believe your claim. As The Mustard has already said (which you must already know), there are other knives on the market that can be used for camping reasons, which would be far more practical. A swiss army knife perhaps would have everything you need, if you buy a decent one.

I suspect you want to purchase these types of knives because you think they are cool. That's fine, as long as you don't carry them around with you, because the Gardai simply won't believe you are using the knives for camping, or learning how to flip.

The knives you are looking for, can be purchased alongside the knives you should be looking for in most camping shops. Take this advice. If you are caught with a knife on you, make sure it's not one of the ones you mentioned in your original post.

endacl

MrNobody1 wrote: »

I'v been thinking of getting a knife for some time now. But im not sure if the law actually lets me. I was thinking of getting two types of knives the butterfly knife and a automatic knife. I live in ireland in dublin I would like to know if i am allowed to own a knife. Sorry for grammer i am spanish student.

You wouldn't be allowed carry them in Spain either...

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_legislation#Spain

"In Spain there are stringent laws proscribing the carrying of armas blancas, or fighting knives, and prohibiting the manufacture, sale, possession or use of certain knives classified as prohibited weapons.[35][36] Armas blancas and other sharp-bladed instruments or cutting tools may be freely purchased and owned provided they are not on the list of prohibited weapons, are not purchased or possessed by minors, are kept at home for the exclusive purpose of a collection, and are not transported on the public roads.[35] It is against the law generally to carry, display or use any kind of knife in public, especially knives with pointed blades, unless one is on one's own property or is working or engaged in a legitimate sporting activity requiring the use of such a knife.[36]

The list of prohibited weapons is found in Anexo I – Armas prohibidas of the Real Decreto 137/1993 Por El Que Se Aprueba EL Reglamento de Armas, which prohibits the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, possession and use of sword canes, automatic knives (switchblades), as well as daggers of any type.[36] Knives with a double-edged, pointed-tip blade blade 11 cm (4.33 inches) or less in length (measured from the forward end of the handle to the tip of the blade) are considered to be armas blancas, which may be owned, but not carried in public.[36] The law also prohibits the marketing, advertising, sale, possession, and use of folding knives with a blade length exceeding 11 cm (4.33 in.), measured from the bolster or top of the handle to the tip of the blade.[36] Certain exceptions to the list of prohibited knives exist for legitimate knife collections and historical artifacts registered with the Guardia Civil for possession exclusively at one's own home.[36]

Civilians are prohibited from possessing knives, machetes, and other bladed weapons officially issued to the police, military, and other official authorities without a special license.[36] Sale of such weapons requires the presentation of an official arms license duly certifying the identity and status of the person entitled to possess such weapons.[36]"