Knives and Swords

A lot of groups don't allow weapons to be offered or requested. However, there is often a query over what constitutes an offensive or criminal weapon, as kitchen knives, screwdrivers etc are sometimes offered. This summary - https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/186911/Knives_and_offensive_weapons_information_GDS_FAQ.pdf - is a summary of information about the current law.

Recommended wording you should use for offers of kitchen 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 you can use to reject a message 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."

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