Where can i buy a cheap machette? pics added

[Andy R]

When I'm trail clearing I use a variety of tools - bow saws, occasionally a chainsaw, sickles, shovels, a McLeod, but one of my most used tools is this.

I carry one in my Camelback on every ride - it's fine for clearing odd branches up to about 3" dia.

Some of you guys seem to be a bit overly paranoid about carrying tools like this around - I don't know why, it's not as if you'll be walking through a town centre with them. Who's going to bother you out in some woodland?

 

[Easy_Rider]

Because of this....

Although English law insists that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to provide evidence proving a crime has been committed an individual must provide evidence to prove that they had a bona fide reason for carrying a knife (if this is the case). Whilst this may appear to be a reversal of the usual burden of proof, technically the prosecution has already proven the case (prima facie) by establishing that a knife was being carried in a public place

Common sense no longer comes into it, it's now up to you to prove you had good reason to carry it rather than the Police to prove you intended harm etc. And if you are carrying anything over 3" and/or a locking blade then you'll have some explaining to do, probably in front of a judge!

 

[suburbanreuben]

Because of this....

Although English law insists that it is the responsibility of the prosecution to provide evidence proving a crime has been committed an individual must provide evidence to prove that they had a bona fide reason for carrying a knife (if this is the case). Whilst this may appear to be a reversal of the usual burden of proof, technically the prosecution has already proven the case (prima facie) by establishing that a knife was being carried in a public place

Common sense no longer comes into it, it's now up to you to prove you had good reason to carry it rather than the Police to prove you intended harm etc. And if you are carrying anything over 3" and/or a locking blade then you'll have some explaining to do, probably in front of a judge!

Facing 5 years of clenching your pert cyclist buttox. :shock:

 

[mikee]

does that apply up here ?

 

[Easy_Rider]

:?:

Bugger knows what you lot get up to up there

Carrying a knife these days is a bit silly unless you really need it for your job. They do hammer down hard on first offences now, and that's 5 years in jail. All i'm saying is be sensible, a machete or any other knife.... NO! With a saw or garden sheers you can quite rightly argue that you are cutting overgrowth (and make sure you have permission to do so too!) but with a machete, even though it can do the job, imagine if you scared a walker who happened upon you hacking away in the woods with a big knife, you reckon they won't call the police? Just not worth it.

 

[DM]

The law is obviously a complete heavy-handed ass, as it *potentially* criminalizes everyone buying a saw/ sickle etc. at B&Q and then carrying it outside to their car (or bike).

Obviously, in practice, it all comes down to interpretation.

I would:
Keep it covered and hidden in a holdall when in public areas.
Maybe throw in a few more tools that obviously relate to trail-clearing, like gloves, a saw etc.

And watch how you transport it, for your own safety - I would shove all this stuff in my bike-trailer, rather than put it in my backpack - Any slight off with sharp stuff strapped to your person could get very messy.

I think if you appear to have an assortment of obvious work tools for a legitimate purpose, you'll be OK, as I guess very few real axe-murderers go about their business on a bicycle & dressed in retro lycra.

Worst-case scenario: Post a thread to a discussion forum, advertising your trail-clearing idea in advance & asking for help. If you get hassle form Plod, point them to the thread.

 

[barry2017]

Just a thought - are there any local conservation groups who could be persuaded to come and do it with you?

 

[DM]

Just a thought - are there any local conservation groups who could be persuaded to come and do it with you?

http://www2.btcv.org.uk/

They can send along a group of conservation volunteers (often accompanied by ASBO kids on parole, who can probably supply their own machetes)

 

[volvo1980]

I have really started something here! the area where the trail is ashworth valley via the top end of elbut lane In the bury/Rochdale area and it's in the middle of nowhere so I doubt there will be any issues, the section in question is only about 400 yards but it spoils the flow of the route, we are going to attack it this evening with a bow saw and a machette and some other tools, will let you know how I get on.
P.s. Anyone know a good lawyer?

 

[JeRkY]

Obviously, in practice, it all comes down to interpretation.

I would:
Keep it covered and hidden in a holdall when in public areas.
Maybe throw in a few more tools that obviously relate to trail-clearing, like gloves, a saw etc.

Yeah maybe some heavy duty refuse bags, and a hockey mask too...