I love London and all that, but what it is with the authorities across the pond. They get upset over both pistols and knives. All you got left is grenades. Grin.

there are place in amsterdam and other places where ALL cutlery are forbiden to carry at a certain time and place. They will take your blade away and give you a fine.

Basically anything that the Police can prove is being carried as an "offensive weapon" is taboo - e.g. knitting needle, screwdriver etc. It's totally barmy. They're talking now about restricting air-rifle sales to over 17s and banning you from carrying them anywhere in public (where they already have to be in a case) "without good cause" - notice the emphasis is on you to prove good cause, not on the Police to prove you're a nutter.

Yes I knew that but I was nowhere near that place(s).


Matt

In hunting around on the Web, I found plenty of cool keyring defense type items police on either side of the pond would not hesitate to confiscate. Someone else suggested carrying a simple double-AA Maglite instead. It is obviously a flashlight and you don't have to think up a reason for carrying it. I LIKE the Maglite idea. That's where I'm heading.

I carry a leatherman juice Kf4 on a lanyard made from a star knot sennet. I think this would make a reasonably good mace. And it is legal as the juice blade is 3" and doesn't lock.

hasn't the legal age for buying air weapons always been 17? i was under the impression that it was. same with carrying them in public, you've always needed a valid reason to carry them.

take it easy,
stuart

Well I know one thing about air rifles/pistols is that here in New Jersey you need a permit to but one even if you well over 17, and the chances of getting one in I think (I may be wrong) under at least 3 months isn't going to happen. New Jersey is definitely not a good place for any weapons.

Usually just two: a Leatherman Wave on my belt and a small SAK (a Wenger "Classic') on my key chain. I'll occasionally supplement these with a Spyderco Endura if I know I'm going to traveling through somewhat 'questionable' areas.

I'm still looking to replace the SAK with something a little more versatile; especially now that it's primary function (scissors) has been supplanted by the Wave. I may look at a slightly bigger SAK or perhaps a Leatherman S4 Squirt.

I bought a Buck 'Minibuck' tool in a moment of weakness, thinking that it might replace the SAK. What a piece of garbage that was!

Check out:

http://www.met.police.uk/firearms-enquiries/airguns1.htm

Its an offence to give (including sell) an airgun to anyone below 14, not 17 (currently).

You can (currently) carry an airgun (not a pistol) in public in a paper bag if you want as long as its not loaded or cocked for whatever reason. Note from the MET site that the proposed laws will change this significantly and you will be a criminal.
Lets all take a moment to lament the fact that Britain used to win tons of Olympic Golds for shooting but now we're regulated (and relegated) to the minor league...ordinarily, responsible shooters aren't responsible for criminal shootings - that's the scum holding illegal weapons, but we all suffer.