What is a zombie knife?

A zombie knife is a bladed weapon that has been increasingly linked to violent crimes and gang use. Inspired by zombie films, they often have one smooth blade and one serrated edge.

These knives can come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but they tend to feature graphics or text (whether on the blade or handle) that suggest they should be used for violence.

A new definition was outlined in August that states a zombie-style knife is “any bladed weapon over eight inches in length with a plain cutting edge and sharp pointed end that also has either a serrated cutting edge, more than one hole in the blade, or multiple sharp points like spikes.”

In August, the Home Office announced new measures to ban the sale and use of zombie blades and machetes in the UK. In line with the new measures, police were due to receive more power to seize and destroy “menacing” weapons as part of the crackdown on bladed weapons.

A maximum two-year prison sentence could be handed down to anyone found in possession. Those manufacturing and selling zombie knives could also face prison time.

In September, 15-year-old Elianne Andam was stabbed on her way to school with what was believed to be a foot-long, serrated zombie blade. A 17-year-old boy has been charged and will face trial in the spring.

Meanwhile, a 16-year-old boy has been has been charged with murder in connection with the New Year's Eve stabbing of Harry Pitman.

Knife crimes increased by nine per cent in 2022 and around 45,000 offences were recorded. Last year, there were just over 19,000 cautions and convictions made for possession of a knife or offensive weapon, with 18 per cent of the cases involving juveniles.

https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/what-is-zombie-knife-weapons-ban-illegal-idris-elba-b1074822.html