Carrying a Sebenza abroad?

H

High-Gear

Joined
Oct 9, 2009
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The wife and I are taking a trip to Paris. I figure I'll have to have a blade on me to slice all of that great cheese, right? (note: I did not say "cut the cheese":))

Seriously, I carry a blade or two every day. What are the knife laws in Paris? Will a small sebbie be seen as an instrument of utility, or be confiscated at security at an attraction?
 
I probably wouldn't take a CRK to be honest. There is a chance you would see it gone, most if not all public attractions have security points. Grab your self an Opinel, that's what every one else does when they go to France. :p
 
if it is in your pocket and the clip is not showing off then you will not have any problem. I am sure you will not play with it nor whip it out just to whip it out. i have eaten out with my own opinel in France and no one said anything

my main concern would be to have it stolen whilst in your suitcase....
 
I honestly wouldn't risk it. Just imagine how sad you'd be if it got lost or confiscated. You can get a cheap opinel or go a bit higher and get a delica or aegis whatever.
 
Careful, the laws are very restrictive in Europe.
For example, In the Tour Effiel have to go through a security arch.
Best for travel: Victorinox Climber. Look harmless.
In Europe, the knife always hidden or backpack.
 
Llasi said:
Careful, the laws are very restrictive in Europe.
For example, In the Tour Effiel have to go through a security arch.
Best for travel: Victorinox Climber. Look harmless.
In Europe, the knife always hidden or backpack.
Click to expand...

To me this is logical, in a pocket, no clip..i have never understood the whole pocket clip thing, it's like C&C with a visible holder so that people know you are C&Cing

also high Gear, i forgot you were going there for tourism purposes, so yes indeed, opinel, victorinox, something they are used to see but is not enormous either. If (or when?) you live there, much more choice / freedom
 
There is a small publication called "Messerrecht in Euroa" made by the MesserMagazin and presented by Victorinox.
It says, that you should not carry a lockable knife with you.

I would not risk to carry one while visiting the capitol city and it's sights.
red mag
 
There are European countries where it is forbidden to lockable, England, Denmark ... There are other countries where it is forbidden to open with one hand. In almost all the knives automatic.
The best thing to do is buy a Victorinox 91 mm in France.
 
I vote for getting an Opinel when you arrive. As much as I love my Sebenzas, Opinels are better chees slicers.
 
Even when traveling within the us, I leave my sebenzas at home. Too expensive and not worth the risk of losing them. I just got a ukpk and a smal sodbuster for my trip. No lock, no worries if they get lost or stolen
 
I don't think you need to worry about whether it is legal abroad or not, really. Your local TSA employees at your USA departure airport will make sure that they keep you legal by removing from you checked luggage. It's for your own good, after all. :rolleyes:
 
I have not carried a Sebbie in Europe, but did in the middle east and Africa about five years ago.
 
I have brought my large Sebenza (in my checked luggage) traveling a few times and ultimately decided it was not worth the stress of wondering whether it would be stolen from my bags or confiscated. These days I travel with a Spyderco Salt 1 or similar inexpensive knife. If I was going to France I'd probably buy myself an Opinel upon arrival--I like the #10. If it gets confiscated you are out $10 or so. I highly doubt that as a tourist in France you'd get arrested for carrying any Opinel. Many of my French friends carry big folders at all times at home and traveling.
 
In France, if a policeman or a TSA or Gendarme wants to piss you off, he'll do it whatever the knife is, Opinel Vic, Sebenza etc and even if you don't carry a knife ! OK we aren't allowed to carry knives but as long as you don't stab someone, you'll be another tourist in Paris...
I'm French and I EDC a 3,5" blade folder, sometimes bigger, I never had a problem. My concern is more about the security arches you'll find in museums and monuments if you have a knife in your pocket. If you carry it in your bag, there's no problem at all. Just be carefull in the Metro, lot of steal in there.
IMHO, you can bring you beloved folder with you in Paris, the risks are negligibles. Enjoy your knife everywhere.
Best
Sebastien
 
take a SAK, much safer as it's very known and without locks so it's easier to be accepted
 
How about buying a locally made knife when you are there? Think of it as an excuse to buy another knife;)
 
The world has changed, there was a time (pre-911) when I flew to Europe, did some more flying within Europe and had my large P in my backpack all the time.
 
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