Austria - Legislation on the possession and carrying of knives

General Status:

Austria has a relatively liberal approach. No permits are required for knife ownership, and no specific blade length or mechanism restrictions apply to ordinary knives. Ownership and carrying are allowed for adults (over 18).

Restrictions:

Illegal: Weapons disguised as everyday objects (e.g., sword canes, hidden knives).

Allowed: Automatic knives, butterfly knives, gravity knives are not prohibited by Austrian law unless disguised.

Warning:

Although permissive, misuse (e.g., threatening behavior) will trigger standard criminal charges. Carrying knives into secured places (airports, courts, certain public events) is prohibited by other regulations.