# Knife legislation

Knife legislation is defined as the body of statutory law or case law promulgated or enacted by a government or other governing jurisdiction that prohibits, criminalizes, or restricts the otherwise legal manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, possession, transport, or use of knives.
The carrying of knives in public is forbidden or restricted by law in many countries. Exceptions may be made for hunting knives, pocket knives, and knives used for work-related purposes (chef's knives, etc.), depending upon the laws of a given jurisdiction. In turn, the carrying or possessing of certain types of knives perceived as deadly or offensive weapons, such as switchblade knives and butterfly knives, may be restricted or prohibited. Even where knives may be legally carried on the person generally, this right may not extend to all places and circumstances, and knives of any description may be prohibited at schools, public buildings, courthouses, and at public events.

## Austria

In accordance with the Austrian Arms Act of 1996 (Waffengesetz 1996) it is illegal to buy, import, possess or carry weapons that are disguised as another object or as an object of common use (sword canes, e.g., or knives disguised as ink pens, brush handles or belt buckles). For ordinary knives, however, there are no restrictions or prohibitions based on blade length or opening or locking mechanism.
The Arms Act defines weapons as "objects that by their very nature are intended to reduce or eliminate the defensive ability of a person through direct impact", specifically including all firearms. Consequently, certain knives are considered "weapons" in accordance with this definition. Except for firearms, however, which are heavily regulated, such "weapons", including automatic opening lock-blade knives (switchblades), OTF automatic knives, butterfly knives, and gravity knives are implicitly permitted under the Arms Act, and thus may be bought, possessed and carried by anyone over the age of 18 who has not been expressively banned from owning any weapon (Waffenverbot) by the civilian authorities.

## Belgium

Article 3, §1 of the 2006 Weapons Act lists the switchblade or automatic knife (couteaux à cran d'arrêt et à lame jaillissante), as well as butterfly knives, throwing knives, throwing stars, and knives or blades that have the appearance of other objects (i.e. sword canes, belt buckle knives, etc.) as prohibited weapons. In addition to specifically prohibited knives, the police and local jurisdictions have broad authority to prohibit the carrying or possession of a wide variety of knives, to include carriage inside a vehicle, if the owner cannot establish sufficient legal reason (motif légitime) for doing so, particularly in urban areas or at public events. This discretion extends to even folding knives without a locking blade.

## Bulgaria

Bulgarian weapon law is maintained on a yearly basis. It is called ZOBVVPI (Bulgarian: Закон за оръжията, боеприпасите, взривните вещества и пиротехническите изделия) and it covers ONLY the possession and usage of firearms (including gas and signal ones), and pellet or BB (Bulgarian: сачми) pneumatic guns. A state regulation on melee weapons of any kind does not exist, whether knives, swords, bats or electric devices. Neither there is a juridical definition on the terms "melee weapon" or "cold weapon" in any Bulgarian law. Hence it is absolutely legal to possess and carry a knife in Bulgaria without having to procure any reason for doing so. Concealed knife carry is OK, anywhere and anytime. Although there are no restrictions on the possession or carrying of any type of knives or swords, it is not widely accepted or considered appropriate to carry a knife openly in public places such as streets or public buildings, stores or restaurants. In urban areas, expect an instant check and hassle if a policeman sees you to openly carry a larger knife, even if you have legal right to do it. From a society point of view, the open carry of knives in Bulgaria is justified only on rural areas, when fishing or hunting, or when the knife serves as a tool in work activities, such as gardening. Some places like courts, banks, clubs, bars, etc. will deny you the access with any type of weapon (knives included) and most of them don't offer a safekeeping option. It is urban legend in Bulgaria that knives above 10 cm (3.9 in) are illegal to carry on person, so expect the police to try to convince you give up the knife voluntarily, even if such measure is illegal. You should not give up your knife, instead state the purpose of "daily needs", "utility usage" or even "self-defense" for carrying and be clear that you haven't committed any crime. Insist the policeman to cite a law against you carrying a knife in public. Since there is not any such law in Bulgaria, police most likely will let you keep your knife and send you on your way with a "warning". If they insist or are further misbehaving, ask to contact their superior officer prior to giving up your knife or else you will not see it again. Actually, there are some random city councils which try to limit knife lengths above 10 cm (3.9 in) with issuing acts, but these acts are all illegal and have no compliance force, because the councils serve only administrative functions and they don't have the jurisdiction to invent or impose laws of any kind. Remember that although very liberal in terms of knives (weapons) possession and carry, compared to many European countries, Bulgaria is not the place where you can defend yourself with deadly force. If the need for self-defense with a knife ever arises, consider it very carefully. Usually, courts often consider the armed self-defense as "unjustified" based on the Penal Code and the defending side ends up with an effective jail verdict, even if the cause (treat) for initiating self-defense is proven.

## Canada

There is no law banning the carrying in public knives with sheaths, knives that take both hands to open and any knife with a fixed blade and certain non-prohibited folding knives, assuming they are not carried for a purpose dangerous to public peace or for the purpose of committing a criminal offense.
The Canadian Criminal Code criminalizes the possession of knives which open automatically. Section 84(1) defines "a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device attached to or in the handle of the knife" as a prohibited weapon. Only persons who have been granted exemption by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police through the Canadian Firearms Program are allowed to possess (but not acquire) prohibited weapons.
If a person is found in unauthorized possession of a prohibited knife by any law enforcement officer, the person is liable to a maximum of 5 years in jail and the weapon being seized. The Crown can then apply to a Provincial Court judge for the weapon to be forfeited and destroyed. The import and export of prohibited weapons is also strictly regulated and enforced by the Canada Border Services Agency.
Examples of prohibited knives include:
* any knife, including a switchblade, or butterfly knife with a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device in or attached to the handle of the knife;
* Constant Companion (belt-buckle knife);
* finger rings with blades or other sharp objects projecting from the surface;
* push daggers.
Manually-opened or 'one-handed' opening knives, including spring-assisted knives, that do not fall within the categories listed as prohibited weapons definition are legal to own and use, however importation of many of these items has been banned by the CBSA.
There is no length restriction on carrying knives within the Criminal Code, but there is a prohibition against carrying a knife if the possessor intends to carry for a purpose dangerous to public peace or for the purpose of committing a criminal offense.

## China

Due to concerns about potential violence at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China began restricting "dangerous knives", requiring that purchasers register with the government when purchasing these knives. Included in the new restrictions are knives with "blood grooves", lockblade knives, knives with blades measuring over 22 cm (8.7 in) in length, and knives with blades over 15 cm (5.9 in) in length also having a point angle of less than 60 degrees.

## Czech Republic

Czech weapon law from the year 2002 concerns firearms only, with no other legislation concerning knives in existence (with the exception of the paragraphs of the penal code penalizing the use of any weapons in criminal offenses). This means there are no restrictions on the possession or carrying of any types of knives or swords, whether openly or in concealed manner.

## Denmark

Owning a knife:
Legal knives: In Denmark, folding knives (pocket knives) and fixed-blade knives are legal to own, if the blade is no longer than 12 cm (4.7 in). Blades over this length may only be legally owned, if the possessor has a legitimate reason for owning the knife (knives for cooking at home, knife used as a tool, an especially designed knife for hunting, a butcher's knife and so on) or a special collector's permit.
Illegal knives: All knives with automatic-opening (switchblades), push daggers, gravity knives, disguised knives (belt-buckle knife, sword cane, etc.), knives with two-parted handles (butterfly knives), knives with ready access by the wearer (neck or belt knives, boot knives, etc.) are illegal to own or possess. Owning throwing knives and throwing in private or public is subject to permissions.
Carrying a knife: Generelly, you can carry a knife if you have a legitimate reason.
* used for work (craftsmen's tools)
* used for accepted leisure activity, such as during hunting, fishing, hiking, sailing, outdoor picnic, girl/boy scouting or other accepted leisure activity.
The knife should be appropriate for the task – a hunting knife only for hunting, and a boy scout cannot carry a butcher's knife – also you have to convincingly prove to the police, that you actually are on your way to an accepted leisure activity (no good to claim that you are going on a picnic, if you do not carry food, beverage and a blanket for it). The knife should be carried directly to and from the activity.
* Carrying a knife is aggravated illegal in nightlife, as a spectator at sport events, during demonstrations and mass gatherings – such as concerts/festivals, and other situations where you are likely to be drunk/intoxicated or excited. Schools and public transportations are generally no-go, unless you have an obviously legitimate reson.
* Carrying an illegal knife in public is a very severe offence
Sanctions – for violating the above-mentioned legislation for carrying a knife in public – are in most cases only fines (normally 3000 DKK or more) – but in case of repeated illegal knife carrying or for aggravated illegal knife carrying, you might go to jail (most often 4 months – but maximum is 2 years). Danish police, army, state authorities and the Royal Court of the Kingdom of Denmark are exempt from this legislation.

## France

In France, any knife of any blade length with a fixed blade, or a folding blade with a locking system, falls into unregulated Category D weapon (armes de catégorie D en vente libre). Unregulated category D weapons may be legally purchased if over 18 years of age, but they may not be carried on one's person, unless carried "for good reason", for example, as part of the tools of one's profession. If carried in a vehicle, such knives must be placed in a secure, locked compartment not accessible to the vehicle occupants. In addition, French law provides that authorities may classify any knife as a prohibited item depending upon circumstances and the discretion of the police or judicial authorities. Since "reasonable size" knives are merely tolerated in most circumstances, authorities may summarily confiscate it. Knives, whether they are fixed-blade or folding with a locking system, are also considered objects that can constitute a dangerous weapon for public safety, including types such as disguised knives, daggers, and knife-daggers.
Regarding sanctions, if an individual is found outside their residence, carrying or transporting a Category D weapon without a legitimate reason, they can incur a fine of up to €15,000 and a prison sentence of one year. If the offense is committed by two or more individuals, the fine can reach €30,000 with a prison sentence of two years.

## Germany

German knife law establishes three categories of knives: 1) prohibited knives; 2) knives designated as cutting and thrusting weapons; and 3) other knives. Some knives are additionally classified as restricted-use, in that they may be possessed in the home or business, but may not be carried on the person. In addition, paragraph 42 section 5 of the Weapons Act gives each German state the option in certain areas to enact local regulations prohibiting the carrying of weapons "and any dangerous objects" in so-called "weapons ban" areas for purposes of protecting public safety and order. "Weapons ban" areas have been enacted in Berlin and Hamburg.

### Cutting and thrusting weapons

Knives designated as cutting and thrusting weapons, but not otherwise specifically prohibited may be possessed by persons of 18 years and older. German law defines a cutting and thrusting weapon as any object intended to reduce or eliminate the ability of a person to attack another person or to defend themselves. This includes swords, sabers, daggers, stilettos, and bayonets. For example, as a bayonet is a military weapon intended to injure or kill people, it is regarded as a weapon by the criminal law. In contrast, a machete is regarded as a tool to clear dense vegetation. Knives classed as cutting and thrusting weapons are generally restricted to possession and use on private property, and may not be carried in public or at certain public events.

### Restricted-use knives

All knives that are not illegal may be legally purchased, owned, and used by anyone on private property. However, some knives are restricted from being carried in public, which is defined as exercising actual control of a restricted-class knife outside the home, business, or private property.
* All cutting and thrusting weapons such as daggers, swords, or stilettos (see above).
* All folding knives that have a one-handed opening mechanism and can be locked with only one hand (whether automatic, assisted-opening, or manual in nature). A knife that has only one of these two features may be legal to carry (provided it does not violate the principles below and above).
* All knives with fixed blades over 12.0 cm (4.7 in)
Restricted-use knives may be carried if transported in a locked, sealed container, or if there is a commonly accepted legitimate purpose for carrying it, such as participation in a historical reenactment, sporting use (e.g. hunting), or as a necessary tool in a trade or business. The desire to defend oneself, or to use the knife as a tool without proof of necessity for its use is ordinarily not considered a legitimate purpose under the law.

## Greece

It is illegal to carry a knife for use as a weapon in attack or defense. The only general restriction is intended use, not the properties of the knife itself (in particular, there is no restriction of blade length, despite popular belief). However, in practice there will be significant leeway for interpretation for police officers and judges – and much will depend on whether an intended use other than as a weapon can be argued – for which the properties of the knife in question will be very relevant (bad: flick-knife, automated, long blade, neck-knife, tactical). So, carrying a knife that has its main use as a weapon will be illegal. In addition, it is not allowed to carry knives in certain places, such as courtrooms, to football matches, etc. Carrying knives is generally very unusual in towns, but not in the countryside.

### Law 2168/1993 on weapons, explosives, etc.

"Article 1. Meaning of terms, applicability
§ 2. Objects that offer themselves [είναι πρόσφορα] to attack or defense are also considered weapons. In particular:
b) Knives of all sorts, except those where ownership is justified by use in the home, profession or education, or art, hunting, fishing or other similar uses."
The remaining sections refer to: a) sprays and electro-shockers, c) knuckle dusters, clubs, nunchakus, etc., d) flame throwers or chemical sprays, e) fishing spear-guns.
No license is needed for import, trade or carrying of knives for these uses (Art 7, 5).
See also the Areopagus' decision 1299/2008 where the intended use of the weapon found in the car of two criminals is the point of discussion.
A useful article from a hunting journal (in Greek).

## Hong Kong

Under the Weapons Ordinance (Cap 217), certain knives are designated as 'prohibited weapons' in this special administrative region of China, including:
* Gravity knife
* Knuckleduster whether spiked or not and with or without blade
* Any bladed or pointed weapon designed to be used in a fashion whereby the handle is held in a clenched fist and the blade or point protrudes between the fingers of the fist
* Any knife the blade of which is exposed by a spring or other mechanical or electric device
Possession of prohibited weapon is illegal under section 4 of the ordinance and offender is liable to a fine and to imprisonment for 3 years. Any Police officers or Customs officers can seize and detain any prohibited weapon. Once convicted, the weapon is automatically forfeited to the government and can then be disposed of by the Commissioner of Police.

## Hungary

Carrying a knife with blade length over 8 cm (3.1 in) is prohibited in public places in Hungary unless justified by sport, work or everyday activity. Automatic Knives, throwing stars and "French knives" are prohibited regardless of blade length and may be sold only to members of the army, law enforcement and the national security agency. Violation may be punished with a fine up to Ft50,000. Possession at home and transportation in secure wrapping is allowed for everyone.

## Italy

Buying and owning knives is restricted in the case of double edged knives, automatic (open-assisted) knives and weapons such as swords. Carrying knives is permitted only for 'valid reason', e.g. for camping, fishing, etc.; usually not in towns – and never for self-defense. Otherwise only 'transport' is permitted, not 'at hand' but deep in your pack, etc.
There is considerable leeway in practice: police and border guards will sometimes confiscate knives if they are 'too long'. Some tourist sites have metal detectors and confiscate knives.

## Japan

"Swords" means a sword with a blade of 15 cm (5.9 in) or more requires permission from the prefectural public safety commission in order to possess. Permission requirements also apply to any type of sword over 6 cm (2.4 in) (including automatic knives), spears over 15 cm (5.9 in) in blade length, and Japanese glaves. All knives are prohibited from being carried, under a crime law, with an exception for carrying for duty or other justifiable reasons. Possession is considered a petty crime and is not usually punishable by prison time. However, in cases where assault occurs with the knife, there is a penalty of up to 2 years prison or up to a ¥300,000 fine.
Following the 2008 Akihabara Knife Incident, Japan's knife laws were revised. All knives regardless of blade length are prohibited from carry, except for lawful purpose. Such purposes include for duty, work, or outdoor activities such as hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, etc. Blade length applies only to the illegal carrying of knives. A blade length of over 6 centimetres (2.4 in) becomes a violation of the jutouho 銃刀法 (gun and sword law), whereas under 6 cm (2.4 in) is a violation of the keihanzaihouihan　軽犯罪法案 (minor law violation). The former carries a heavier penalty than the latter. So unlike some other countries, blade length does not establish a right to legal carry. It only establishes the charge and degree of penalty. However, in practice, carrying alone is generally considered a minor crime unless used in the carrying out of a criminal act.
"Swords" are defined as being of traditional Japanese construction, where the tsuka (handle) and blade/tang can be separated by pushing through the mekugi. If it can not be taken apart, it is defined as a "knife" even if it looks like a tanto in appearance. Swords must be registered and carried with its ownership permit at all times. After the 2008 incident, all daggers (double edged), and knives that have a "tanto" styled blade became prohibited by adding an additional definition – measurement of a straight line from the upper tip (kissaski) to the center of where the blade meets the guard or handle. If the line goes above the spine it represents a curve and becomes classified as a sword. Additional types of knives prohibited to possess are bayonets, butterfly knives and switchblades/assisted open knives.

## Latvia

Latvian legislation "Law On the Handling of Weapons" defines knives as:
    (1) Cold weapon – an object that has the features of a weapon and that is intended to cause damage utilising human muscle strength or special mechanisms.
and prohibits
    (2) ..to carry non-firearm weapons except the non-firearm weapons necessary for hunters – in hunting and non-firearms necessary to sportsmen for the relevant sport – in competitions or training.

## Lithuania

According to Lithuanian law it is legal to possess and carry most types of knives. This includes hunting knives, pocket knives, multi-tools, survivor knives, butterfly knives etc. as knives are not considered weapons. The only exception are switchblades. It is illegal to carry or possess a switchblade if it meets one of the following criteria: the blade is longer than 8.5 cm; the width in the middle of the blade is less than 14% of its total length; the blade is double sided.

## Luxembourg

According to the law of the 2nd of February 2022 on weapons and ammunition, knives that are considered to be bladed weapons are prohibited. No carry permit can be obtained and carrying a knife can be punished by a fine and/or a prison sentence.
Certain bladed weapons, such as swords or bayonets, can be exempt and are subject to authorisation.
Pocket knives with a safety catch/detent/lock and without a guard are exempt as long as their blade fulfills all the following requirements:
* opens laterally from the handle
* requires two hands to be opened
* only has one cutting edge
* has a maximum length of 9 centimeters
* has a middle width of at least 20% of its length
Multi-Tools with a blade that fits within the above parameters are also included as well as knives without a safety catch that fulfill all the other requirements, even if they can be opened one-handed. Knives with a fixed blade are also included as long as they fit the dimensions.
There are also exemptions for bladed and blunt weapons used for martial arts and other sports.

## Netherlands
### National law

As of 2011, Dutch Law prohibits ownership or possession of the following knives:
* stilettos
* switchblades
* throwing knives
* folding knives with more than one cutting edge
* folding knives with an overall length of more than 28 cm (11 in) when deployed
* butterfly knives
* gravity knives
* disguised knives (belt knife, sword cane, etc.) and push daggers.

### Local law

In addition to national laws, every Dutch city and urban district has the right to prohibit carrying of any knife that can potentially be used as a weapon in certain "safety risk" areas. Such a "no-go" area could include geographically limited urban areas such as bars, cafés, concerts, and public gathering places or events. In public, a knife must be transported in such a manner so that it is not directly usable by the owner, such as storing the knife in a locked case for carrying in a backpack, or placing the locked-up knife in a storage area of a vehicle separate from the passenger compartment.