FYI pulled from a Canadian Knife vendors FAQ web page.
Q - What are the legalities of owning swords or knives in Canada?
A - Knives are classified as either tools, or prohibited by design, the latter of which would include, but is not limited to: butterfly knives (balisongs), switch blades/automatic opening knives, push/punch daggers, knives with brass knuckles. If a knife is not prohibited by design, then the same rules apply to it as do to hammers, axes, screw drivers and so on. It is perfectly legal to own knives and swords that are not prohibited by design in Canada, so long as your purpose for purchasing and/or carrying it is to use it as a tool. Remember, Canadian law does not allow you to carry a knife for the purpose of "self defense". Carrying a knife for the purpose of "self defense" would identify your knife as a weapon, which is not permitted. Some places that do not allow you to carry a knife at all for any reason are airports, court rooms and some other government buildings, as well as businesses that serve alcohol.
Q - Do you sell Butterfly knives?
A - We do not sell butterfly knives, push daggers, brass knuckles or switchblades. All of these items are prohibited under Canadian law.
Q - What is the maximum blades size one is allowed to carry in Canada?
A - There is no specific blade size restriction for carry in Canadian law. However, the larger the size of the blade, the more difficult it would be to identify it as a tool for everyday use. For example; if you are hunting, then a large fixed blade knife on your side is generally acceptable. However, carrying the same large fixed blade knife on your side while walking downtown in a major city would be a different matter. If you have specific questions please contact your local law enforcement agency.
