If you want to carry on the business as a dealer in certain kinds of knives (generally non-domestic) you will need a licence.
When a licence is required
- Knives (other than those designed for domestic use)
- Non-domestic knife blades
- Swords
- Any other article:
- which has a blade, or
- which is sharply pointed, and which is adapted for use for causing injury to the person
A 'dealer' is a person carrying on a business which consists wholly or partly of:
- Selling
- Hiring
- Offering for sale or hire
- Exposing for sale or hire
- Lending or
- Giving
When a licence is not required
- Knives designed for domestic use
- Knife blades designed for domestic use
- Folding pocket knives; kirpans or skean dhus whose blades do not exceed 3.5 inches (8.91 cm in length).
How to apply
The knife dealer licence application form is available to download:
- New or Renewal of a Knife Dealer Licence application form
DOC file, 255 KB
- Notice
PDF file, 67.1 KB
- Certificate of Compliance
PDF file, 89.5 KB
- Guidance on Applying for a Knife Dealer Licence
PDF file, 153 KB
- Knife Dealer Conditions
PDF file, 203.1 KB
You can also get application forms from: