Just thought I’d put something out there for my fellow Brits and anyone planning on travelling here. There are some great pens out there that would double up as a self-defence tool but, before carrying one, consider this: the law in England defines an offensive weapon as ‘any article made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person, or intended by the person having it with him for such use‘ (from the Prevention of Crime Act, 1953). It is very possible that the police and courts would consider pens specifically designed and marketed as doubling as self-defence items to fall under this definition. Possessing an offensive weapon can result in a sentence of 6 months imprisonment and a £5,000 fine. It would also greatly limit future employability and travel options (you’d be unlikely to be able to go anywhere you needed a visa for).

Apologies if this is in the wrong section, I read the sticky about the self-defence section but couldn’t find that!

NOTE: please don’t bother telling me England has stupid laws, I know that. I don’t agree with this law, I’m just giving information that people should consider before deciding if they want to carry such an item (I stopped carrying a Cold Steel Sharkie because of legal concerns).