Knife Policy

At The Store Collective we curate exceptional chef’s knives for professional kitchens and discerning private clients. These are precision instruments of craft and performance. Their sale and presentation are governed by the highest standards of care, discretion, and legal compliance. 

This policy sets out how we manage the responsible sale, security, and oversight of all bladed products, in line with UK law and best practice. 

1. Legal Compliance 

Knife sales in the United Kingdom are regulated under legislation including the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and the Offensive Weapons Act 2019. In accordance with these laws: 

  • It is illegal to sell a knife to anyone under the age of 18 

  • This applies to all sales, in-store and online 

  • No exceptions are permitted, regardless of intended use or circumstance 

2. Age Restriction (18+ Only) 

All knives sold by The Store Collective are age-restricted products. 

  • Customers must be 18 years of age or over to purchase any knife 

  • This includes chef’s knives, specialist blades, and any bladed culinary tool 

  • Purchases may not be made on behalf of, or for delivery to, individuals under 18 

3. Challenge 25 Policy — In-Store Sales 

To uphold the highest standards of responsible retailing, we operate a Challenge 25 policy. 

  • If a customer appears under the age of 25, valid photographic identification will be requested 

  • Accepted forms of ID: 

  • Valid passport 

  • UK photocard driving licence 

  • PASS-approved proof of age card 

If acceptable ID cannot be provided, the sale will not proceed. Our team is fully supported in making refusal decisions in line with this policy. 

4. In-Store Security & Display 

Secure Storage 

  • All knives are stored securely when the store is closed 

  • During trading hours, knives may be: 

  • Displayed in locked cabinets 

  • Positioned behind service counters 

  • Handled only with staff assistance where appropriate 

  • Customers are not permitted to remove knives from secured displays without staff supervision 

Controlled Handling 

  • Staff may present knives for inspection in a controlled manner 

  • Knives are returned to secure storage immediately after viewing 

These measures are designed to maintain a calm, refined retail environment while ensuring safety for all clients and staff. 

5. CCTV & Monitoring 

  • CCTV systems operate throughout our retail premises 

  • Cameras are used for: 

  • Crime prevention and detection 

  • Staff and customer safety 

  • Monitoring compliance with age-restricted sales policies 

  • CCTV is operated in accordance with UK data protection and privacy legislation 

  • Footage is reviewed only where necessary and retained for lawful purposes 

6. Online Sales & Age Verification 

We apply the same standards of diligence to online purchases. 

At Checkout: 

  • Customers must confirm they are 18 years of age or older 

Verification Measures: 

  • Orders may be subject to: 

  • Third-party age-verification services 

  • Manual review prior to dispatch 

Failed Verification: 

  • Orders that cannot be satisfactorily verified will be cancelled 

  • A full refund will be issued 

  • No knife will be dispatched without confirmation of legal eligibility 

7. Delivery & Secure Handover 

  • Currently we are unable to ship knives. They will be available for in-store pickup only 

  • Our Challenge 25 policy will be applied upon pickup. 

8. Right to Refuse Sale 

The Store Collective reserves the right to refuse a knife sale where: 

  • Valid proof of age is not provided 

  • There is reasonable concern of a proxy purchase for a minor 

  • Customer behaviour raises safety concerns 

  • Staff judge that proceeding would not align with responsible retailing standards 

All refusals are conducted discreetly and respectfully. 

9. Our Commitment to Responsible Craft & Use 

Chef’s knives are essential tools of culinary excellence. Alongside offering exceptional craftsmanship, we are committed to: 

  • Promoting safe handling and storage 

  • Providing guidance on care and professional use 

  • Upholding the integrity of the culinary arts 

Responsible retailing is integral to our brand and our relationship with chefs, collectors, and enthusiasts alike. 

10. Policy Review 

This policy is reviewed regularly to ensure ongoing compliance with legislation and best practice. 

Last reviewed: 01/03/2026 
Next review: 01/03/2027