'Butterfly knife' imports on the rise

Friday 28 October 2022

The popularity of some martial arts and their promotion via social media sites is thought to be the reason behind a recent increase in attempted importations of potentially dangerous knives and imitation blades.

Known as 'Butterfly' knives or 'Balisongs', the Guernsey Border Agency said these items are categorised as "offensive weapons for the purposes of importation" meaning you need a licence to bring them in to the island.

The GBA said they've seen an increase in people trying to import them by either ordering them online or via other means but legally a licence is required to do so.

Separate laws cover the importation of items like this, classified as 'offensive weapons', and the possession of such items in public places.

The GBA said it can offer advice to people wanting to import such items including confirming whether they contravene Guernsey and Alderney import laws. The relevant team can be emailed HERE. 

Pictured: A butterfly knife (Wikipedia)

Butterfly knives are defined as being a “blade enclosed by its handle, which is designed to split down the middle, without the operation of a spring or other mechanical means, to reveal the blade."

A quick Google search found they are available to buy for as little as £6.99 from one popular online retailer. The one viewed by Express was advertised as "unsharpened" and a "training knife". Others, valued at up to £20 are also described as training blades, but also as bottle openers and 'comb knives'.

A specialised knife website has similar looking items for sale for more than $1000.

The GBA has said there is no distinction between a knife deemed for training or any other use. Whether it has "a sharp blade and/or point or one which has not been sharpened, nor does the material of which the knife is made affect this requirement."

The GBA said: "This means that knives or items marketed as 'training devices' made of plastic, resin or other non-metallic materials, and those without a sharp blade or point at the time of purchase may also contravene the Order.

"As with other goods classified as Offensive Weapons under this Order, importation or attempted importation may result in seizure of the goods and the possibility of a criminal investigation.

"There are other martial arts, live action roleplay, and film and TV memorabilia which, although available for purchase on well-known and trusted websites, may fall foul of the same Order."