Legislation on the possession and carrying of knives

General Status:

Andorra, being a non-EU country, is not bound by EU arms regulations. However, in practice, it adopts a similar stance to its neighboring countries (France and Spain): possession is tolerated, but public carrying is regulated.

Restrictions:

It is presumed that carrying knives deemed as weapons (large blades, automatic knives) without justification is prohibited. Sporting or professional use (hiking, hunting) is tolerated, but automatic knives or concealed weapons would likely be forbidden.

Warning:

In absence of clear regulations, caution is essential. The bearer must justify the utilitarian, non-offensive nature of the knife. Misuse may lead to sanctions under Andorran criminal law.

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.

General Status:

Belgium enforces strict regulations. Many types of knives are classified as prohibited weapons, and public carrying is forbidden without a legitimate reason under the Law of 8 June 2006 on Weapons.

Restrictions:

Prohibited for possession: Automatic knives, butterfly knives, throwing knives, throwing stars, concealed knives (e.g., sword canes, belt knives).

Even for legal knives, police and local authorities have wide discretionary powers to confiscate knives and prosecute if the carrier cannot demonstrate a lawful purpose.

Warning:

Without a legitimate reason (work, camping, professional activity), carrying a knife is an offence. Sanctions include confiscation, fines, and possible criminal prosecution.

General Status:

Bulgaria has one of the most liberal frameworks in Europe regarding knives. No specific legislation applies: knives are not classified as weapons.

Restrictions:

There are no legal restrictions on possession or carrying of knives.

However, individual establishments (banks, stadiums, nightclubs) may refuse entry based on internal security policies.

Warning:

Although legally permissible, publicly displaying large knives may lead to police intervention for public order concerns. The bearer is responsible for any misuse.

General Status:

Croatia does not have highly specific legislation concerning knives. Generally, knives are regarded as tools unless used or carried in a threatening manner.

Restrictions:

There are no fixed blade length limits or prohibitions based solely on the type of knife. However, carrying knives in public places (especially at events, schools, airports) is prohibited without a legitimate reason.

Warning:

The bearer is liable for justifying the possession of a knife in public. Improper use or unjustified carrying may lead to criminal or administrative sanctions under public safety laws.

General Status:

The Czech Republic has one of the most liberal knife laws in Europe. Knives are considered ordinary tools.

Restrictions:

There are no legal restrictions on possession or public carrying of knives, regardless of blade length, mechanism, or style.

Warning:

Although carrying is unrestricted, misuse (threatening behavior, assault) will lead to prosecution under criminal law. Specific premises (courts, airports) may enforce their own bans.

General Status:

Denmark enforces strict controls over the public carrying of knives. Ownership is permitted, but carrying requires a legitimate purpose under the Danish Weapons Act.

Restrictions:

- Prohibited for possession: Automatic knives, gravity knives, butterfly knives, push daggers, disguised knives.

Carrying rules:

- Knives with a blade length over 12 cm require a lawful reason (hunting, fishing, work).

- Knives must only be transported to and from the activity.

- Carrying knives at night, in entertainment districts, or during public events is forbidden.

Warning:

Violations may result in heavy fines or imprisonment up to 4 months (or longer under aggravating circumstances). The bearer must justify the knife's purpose at all times.

General Status:

Estonia does not have very specific knife legislation. Knives are considered everyday objects unless used as weapons.

Restrictions:

No codified blade length limits or prohibitions on types exist. However, knives cannot be carried in locations like schools, courts, or during public gatherings where weapons are generally forbidden.

Warning:

Misuse of a knife (e.g., threats, violence) will lead to prosecution. Responsibility lies with the bearer to avoid carrying knives unnecessarily in public areas.

General Status:

Finnish Public Order Act prohibits the carrying of knives and similar sharp instruments in public places without a justified purpose.

Restrictions:

- Carrying any knife in public requires a lawful reason (work, outdoor activities, etc.).

- Automatic knives, gravity knives, and disguised knives are prohibited from import and sale.

Warning:

Possessing a knife without justification in public may lead to confiscation and fines. Police have broad discretion to enforce the law. Self-defense is not accepted as a valid reason for carrying a knife.

General Status:

In France, knives are classified as Category D weapons under the Internal Security Code. They are free for adults to purchase and possess, but carrying in public is prohibited without legitimate reason.

Restrictions:

- No formal blade length exemption: all locking or fixed-blade knives are considered Category D.

- Carrying is forbidden without lawful justification (professional, sporting, utilitarian).

Warning:

Illegal carrying is punishable by up to 1 year imprisonment and a €15,000 fine, or double if committed in a group. The bearer must be able to demonstrate a legitimate reason when controlled by authorities.

General Status:

German law classifies knives into three categories: prohibited knives, cutting and stabbing weapons, and other knives. Ownership and purchase are generally allowed for individuals over 18 years old, but certain knives are prohibited.

Restrictions:

Prohibited for possession: Automatic knives (Springmesser) with blades longer than 8.5 cm, butterfly knives (Balisongs), push daggers.

Prohibited for public carrying:

- One-handed opening knives with locking blades.

- Fixed-blade knives with blades longer than 12 cm.

Carrying is permitted only in a closed container or with a justified reason (hunting, professional use).

Local "Weapons Ban Zones" (Waffenverbotszonen) exist in certain cities (e.g., Berlin, Hamburg).

Warning:

Carrying a knife without lawful purpose may constitute an offence (Section 42a of the Weapons Act – Waffengesetz). Self-defense is not considered a valid reason under German law. Violations may result in confiscation, fines, or imprisonment.

General Status:

In Greece, carrying any knife intended as a weapon is prohibited. The law focuses on intended use, rather than technical characteristics.

Restrictions:

No specific blade length limits are set. Lawful purposes (cooking, fishing, professional use) exempt knives from being considered weapons.

Warning:

Police and courts have wide discretionary powers. Carrying tactical, combat-style, or easily deployable knives in urban areas without clear justification may result in prosecution.

General Status:

Hungary allows possession of knives but regulates carrying in public spaces.

Restrictions:

Carrying knives with blades longer than 8 cm is prohibited without lawful purpose.

Automatic knives, throwing stars, and certain "combat knives" are restricted.

Warning:

Violations can result in fines up to HUF 50,000 (approx. €140) and criminal prosecution if aggravating circumstances apply.

General Status:

Under the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act 1990, carrying a knife in public is prohibited without a lawful excuse. Knives are treated as potential offensive weapons.

Restrictions:

No blade length exemption exists.

Flick knives (automatic opening) and weapons adapted to cause injury are banned.

Carrying any knife in public requires a valid reason (professional, sport, religious).

Warning:

The bearer must prove the necessity of carrying the knife if controlled. Offences are punishable by up to 5 years' imprisonment.

General Status:

Iceland has no specific knife legislation publicly available. However, public carrying of knives is discouraged and regulated under general safety laws.

Restrictions:

Carrying knives in public without lawful purpose is prohibited. Knives with aggressive characteristics (combat knives, tactical knives) are treated suspiciously.

Warning:

Police may seize knives carried without clear justification. The bearer assumes full responsibility for carrying blades in public.

General Status:

Italian law prohibits the public carrying of knives without a justifiable reason. Knife possession at home is permitted.

Restrictions:

Prohibited:

- Double-edged knives.

- Automatic knives opening by spring mechanism.

Lawful transport must ensure the knife is inaccessible (e.g., packed separately).

Carrying knives for self-defense is not a lawful excuse.

Warning:

Police discretion applies heavily. Unauthorized carrying may result in confiscation, fines, and potential criminal charges under the Italian Penal Code.

General Status:

Latvia regulates bladed weapons under the Law "On the Handling of Weapons." Knives are classified as cold weapons when intended for combat.

Restrictions:

Carrying knives in public is prohibited unless actively participating in lawful activities (hunting, sports).

Possession at home is allowed without restrictions.

Warning:

Knife carrying without a justified reason leads to confiscation and penalties. Always ensure knives are transported discreetly when necessary.

General Status:

Lithuania adopts a liberal stance. Most knives are not classified as weapons.

Restrictions:

Switchblades (automatic opening knives) are prohibited if the blade exceeds 8.5 cm or if the knife has a double-edged blade.

Otherwise, knives can be owned and carried freely.

Warning:

While possession is unrestricted, misuse can lead to prosecution. It is advised to avoid public carrying of large or combat-style knives without necessity.

General Status:

As per the Law of 2 February 2022, Luxembourg strictly regulates knives as offensive weapons.

Restrictions:

Permitted knives must meet strict criteria:

- Folding knife, opening manually with two hands.

- Blade length ≤9 cm.

- Single-edged blade with minimum width (20% of its length).

- No authorization exists for carrying larger or automatic knives.

Warning:

Violating knife regulations leads to heavy fines and possible imprisonment. The bearer must strictly comply with dimensional and operational restrictions.

General Status:

Monaco applies legislation similar to France. Public carrying of knives without justification is prohibited.

Restrictions:

Knives considered weapons (combat knives, automatic knives, large fixed blades) are prohibited for public carrying.

Warning:

Monaco maintains strict public security standards. Police may intervene immediately in case of unjustified knife possession.

General Status:

Norwegian law strictly prohibits carrying knives in public spaces without a legitimate reason.

Restrictions:

Carrying any knife in public (streets, vehicles) is prohibited unless justified (professional use, outdoor activities).

Certain knives (automatic, butterfly, gravity knives) are banned from ownership and possession.

Warning:

Violating knife regulations may result in confiscation, heavy fines, or imprisonment of up to 6 months. Self-defense is not accepted as a lawful excuse.

General Status:

The Netherlands enforces strict regulations under the Weapons and Ammunition Act (Wet Wapens en Munitie).

Restrictions:

Prohibited for possession:

- Stilettos, switchblades, butterfly knives, gravity knives, throwing knives, push daggers, disguised knives, zombie knives.

Municipalities may establish "weapon-free zones" where all knives are prohibited.

Warning:

Possession or carrying of prohibited knives is a criminal offence. Even legal knives must not be brandished or carried irresponsibly.

General Status:

Poland is one of the most liberal countries regarding knife laws. Knives are considered tools rather than weapons.

Restrictions:

No specific restrictions on knife ownership or public carrying.

Concealed weapons (knives hidden in everyday objects) are prohibited.

Warning:

Misusing a knife for threats or assaults results in criminal prosecution. Public carrying during mass events may be restricted temporarily.

General Status:

Portugal imposes regulations on carrying knives in public spaces.

Restrictions:

Public carrying of knives without lawful reason is prohibited.

Large knives, automatic knives, and tactical models are particularly scrutinized.

Warning:

Carrying knives for self-defense is illegal. Bearers must prove utilitarian or professional necessity when controlled.

General Status:

Romanian law classifies certain knives as dangerous weapons based on specific characteristics.

Restrictions:

Prohibited in public:

- Knives with a fixed blade.

- Double-edged knives.

- Blades longer than 15 cm or thicker than 4 mm.

- Knives with a handguard.

Warning:

Carrying prohibited knives results in 1–3 years imprisonment or fines. Bearers must ensure their knives fall outside restricted definitions.

General Status:

UK law strictly prohibits carrying knives in public without a good reason.

Restrictions:

Permitted without lawful excuse:

- Folding knives with non-locking blades ≤3 inches (7.62 cm).

Prohibited for possession:

Switchblades, gravity knives, butterfly knives, zombie knives, disguised knives.

Warning:

Offences are punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment. The bearer must immediately justify carrying a knife if questioned by authorities.

General Status:

Slovakia has a liberal knife policy similar to the Czech Republic.

Restrictions:

No formal restrictions on possession or carrying.

Specific premises may restrict entry with knives (e.g., courts, airports).

Warning:

Misuse of knives is punishable under general criminal laws. Bearers must behave responsibly in public areas.

General Status:

Slovenia does not have specific legislation restricting knives.

Restrictions:

No blade length or type limitations under national law.

Public safety laws apply if knives are used improperly.

Warning:

Carrying combat-style knives in urban areas without necessity could lead to intervention by police.

General Status:

Spanish law strictly prohibits the public carrying of knives unless for professional, sporting, or other lawful purposes. Knives are categorized under armas blancas (bladed weapons) and are regulated under Royal Decree 137/1993.

Restrictions:

Prohibited for possession, sale, and carrying:

- Automatic opening knives (spring-assisted).

- Daggers and double-edged knives.

- Concealed weapons (e.g., sword canes).

Blade Length Limits:

Any folding or fixed-blade knife with a blade longer than 11 cm (measured from the hilt) is classified as a weapon and prohibited for public carrying.

Permitted:

Folding knives with blades shorter than 11 cm may be possessed but cannot be carried in public without lawful justification (e.g., during hunting, fishing, or professional use).

Warning:

Carrying a knife in public without a lawful reason is almost always illegal in Spain. Violations can result in immediate confiscation, heavy fines, or criminal prosecution. Certain types of bladed military memorabilia (e.g., bayonets, machetes) are also subject to strict regulation. Bearers must ensure they have a clear and provable justification when transporting any knife.

General Status:

Swedish law forbids carrying knives and other dangerous objects in public places without a lawful reason.

Restrictions:

Only professional, sporting, or utilitarian needs justify carrying knives.

Automatic knives, throwing stars, and similar weapons are prohibited for sale under 21 years of age.

Warning:

Illegal possession may result in fines or imprisonment. Self-defense is not a valid reason for carrying a knife.

General Status:

Swiss law strictly regulates certain types of knives under the Weapons Act.

Restrictions:

Prohibited without authorization:

- One-handed opening knives with locking blades >5 cm and total length >12 cm.

- Butterfly knives, throwing knives, push daggers.

Warning:

Carrying prohibited knives without a license is a criminal offence. Even lawful knives must not be carried without necessity.