Devon TRF Group Forum

wlm · Sportsman

Is a folding saw or even a non folding saw legal to carry?

Pete · Expert

Technically illegal to carry a blade longer than 3 inches with a locking mechanism but context matters and carrying such a tool while trail riding after high winds would be seen as a good reason. I have never thought twice about taking mine if there is likely to be fallen trees blocking lanes but only carry it after storms.

Carrying one open around a shop would certainly get you arrested

doug9270 · Powermonger!!

If you ever get stopped and searched in a devon lane ring me I want to see a live police person !!

wackyracer · Powermonger!!

A story that hit the news five yrs ago about professional tree surgeons carrying silky saws (non foldable) on their belts in town during lunch break, public reported the action to the police, they were cautioned I believe.

i have no problem with trail riders carrying saws for lane clearing, folding or static non folding saws, we do it all the time on parish paths, its all about the environment your in

I carry sheath knife if camping on my mates farm, all perfectly legal cause Im camping

TRF should encourage trail riders every trail rider to carry a saw to clear fallen branches and small trees, it would be a lot easi for everyone else if people did so .

wlm · Sportsman

wackyracer wrote:
A story that hit the news five yrs ago about professional tree surgeons carrying silky saws (non foldable) on their belts in town during lunch break, public reported the action to the police, they were cautioned I believe.

This is the problem.
I leave my saw in my rucksack, which is often in the back of my car, eg if I trailer my bike to a lane day, which do often. So by being forgetful you can get in trouble.
Which means that out of caution, I might just leave my saw at home in case I forget to put it away when I am not on my way to or from laning.

I have just had a discussion with a group of mates who are cops, and between them they cannot agree if this type of saw falls under the legislation or not....

Pete · Expert

All in the context

Carrying a bladed weapon without lawful excuse or a 'good reason' is an offence

Hard to see how a saw in a rucsac could cause offence as it will only come out for good reason when the lane is blocked and you would then be seen to be doing a public service

The ramblers encourage members to carry secateurs for the same reason we carry saws

I doubt a fisherman would worry about the knife in his fishing gear

The law was passed to prevent people carrying blades as weapons, not to criminalise people with tools carried for legal purposes, although there is a worrying tendency for people to take offence at anything these days. Again, context.

Blueray · Clubman A

Personally I think this subject is being over thought , I carry a folding saw every ride in my ruck sack and if and its a big if I ever got stopped by the trail police I am sure the explanation that I will give them coupled with my age they will not think I am a mad knife man biggrin

-- Edited by Blueray on Tuesday 24th of February 2026 03:32:50 PM

wackyracer · Powermonger!!

I always find myself fighting to get people to help/volunteer with lane clearance, 19 yrs been in the role... smile

A valid question for sure but we must look at this issue from a common sense position....

I'm happy to carry a pruning saw in my back pack for the said purpose of lane clearing or branch clearing, tree clearing...etc

As said if your carrying a pruning saw into a pub then your asking for trouble for sure....its all in context with what your doing wink

This time found with a quick google search - yes the police will have difficulty in deciding when spoken outside of working hours, I bet they would make a decision if forced to....

Folding saws (like Bushcraft/camping saws) are not explicitly named in UK knife laws and generally fall outside the strict, automatic prohibition applied to pocket knives

. However, they can be treated as "offensive weapons" if carried in public without a valid reason (e.g., for work or hiking), as they possess a serrated blade.

Original Outdoors +2

Key Considerations for UK Law:

Context is Key: Carrying a folding saw to a bushcraft workshop or for woodland management is generally fine, but carrying one in a city center without justification is likely to be illegal.
"Good Reason": You must have a reasonable excuse for having it in a public place.
Locking Mechanisms: While often ignored in saws, locking mechanisms on any folding tool are treated strictly under UK law.
Alternative Rules: Knives with locking blades or blades over 3 inches are illegal to carry in public without good reason; although saws are treated differently, similar caution should be applied regarding "reasonable excuse".
Original Outdoors +3

Disclaimer: This information is for guidance purposes. Always check the current GOV.UK guidelines and local laws, as interpretation can vary.

wackyracer · Powermonger!!

I explain to many people I meet in work & socially that

Knives, guns, axes etc don't kill its the "Odd" looney behind them on the attack that kills smile

We all get taken in by the media, news, radio, programs, in thinking these things, I try to detach and apply some common sense wink

A mad man jailed yesterday for stabbing a 9 yr old girl, she was stabbed with a kitchen knife in the street outside her Mums shop....you can turn almost anything into a weapon

Ride safe, clear lanes, keep rubber side down & have fun! smile

doug9270 · Powermonger!!

In a court of law, the prosecution have to prove intent, simple as that. The police would not even consider pressing charges for carrying a pruning saw for trail riding purposes and the cps would chuck it out anyway.