Knives and Swords

Many groups don't allow weapons to be offered or requested. There's often a question over what counts as an offensive or criminal weapon, since kitchen knives, screwdrivers and similar items are sometimes offered. This summary is a useful guide to the current law: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/186911/Knives_and_offensive_weapons_information_GDS_FAQ.pdf

Recommended wording for offers of kitchen or craft knives:

"Note added by Freegle volunteers: Knives should only be given to those over 18 years of age, and must be collected and handed over in person (not left for collection in an agreed safe place). Knives shouldn't be carried openly on the street, so should be wrapped or in a container."

Suggested wording to reject a post requesting or offering a samurai sword:

"We've rejected your post this time because we've become aware that the transfer of Samurai swords is restricted under the Offensive Weapons Act. This applies even if they are given away as well as when they are sold. There are a very few exemptions such as being able to give one away in a will after death, or concerning authentic, traditionally made Samurai swords, however this is something that you would need to try and source/dispose of elsewhere."

Link: Specific Items