Banned zombie knives and similar bladed weapons are being sold to minors through social media platforms, according to an investigation that highlights the growing challenge posed by online illegal knife markets. Dealers operating in the so-called “grey market” are acquiring knives with blades longer than 24 inches from European suppliers, where such sales are not prohibited, and then offering them via social media channels like TikTok without adhering to age restrictions or other legal requirements.

An undercover reporter posing as a potential buyer was offered a variety of banned weapons by one seller, including a 27-inch zombie knife priced at £95, Rambo-style knives at £90, Russian flick knives for £30, and Japanese Haku knives with 18-inch blades at £50. These sellers often provide customer-style reviews to bolster their credibility, with videos showing buyers expressing satisfaction with the weapons’ quality. Another vendor shared images of 29 different types of prohibited knives and swords, priced under £100, featuring blades ranging from 14 to 28 inches.

Transactions typically move to encrypted communication apps such as Snapchat or Telegram to finalize sales. Payment is made by bank transfer, while deliveries occur via mail without any verification of age or identity. These practices bypass legal safeguards put in place to restrict the sale of dangerous knives to minors.

Despite recent efforts, knife crime remains a significant issue in the UK. Last year saw a 10% decrease in knife-related offences, but the total remained high at 49,151 incidents—an average of 134 per day. The government has responded by establishing the National Knife Crime Centre, led by Commander Stephen Clayman, which focuses on dismantling online and offline supplies of illegal blades.

Commander Clayman acknowledged the ease with which youths involved in violent or criminal activities are obtaining prohibited weapons through these online grey-market channels. “They can get themselves a prohibited weapon, which they can’t buy in the UK. And these grey-market sellers don’t care about age verification; they’ll just sell them,” he said. Plans for new legislation are underway to require licenses for both online and high-street knife sales, aiming to curb the availability of dangerous weapons to young people and reduce related violence.