EDC in Germany

Paradiggum

Paradiggum

Joined
Jul 4, 2001
Messages
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Hi all, I'm trying to find out what might be a good pocket knife to carry in Germany.
A friends sister has an exchange student this year (senior year) from Germany. When he first arrived they had a little party to welcome him and we had a bonfire. Most of the time through the summer we do this weekly and he's started coming every weekend. He just loves it. The first time we needed marshmallow sticks about three of us pulled out our pocket knives and started sharpening sticks. He seemed surprised we all carried knives and every weekend since he's asked to borrow one to make a stick or just see one.
Anyway, we thought about getting him a pocket knife for Christmas. I know the rest of the time he's here what he could carry but we're looking to get him something he could take home and be legal having.
I thought about a Spyderco UK Penknife but I thought I'd ask here before I bought anything. Thought there might be someone that lives in Germany or travels there that might have some insight. I did some research into what's allowed but if someone has real life experience carrying there, your input would be appreciated.

Thanks
 
You can't go wrong with a SAK for a practical edc that is acceptable everywhere. However, since the knife would be a memento of his time visiting the USA, a tradtitional US made slipjoint would be nice, like a Case, Great Eastern, etc.
 
My friend works now in Germany. His best advice: Something without lock. SAK's are generally looked as inoffensive tools. If you want to have one hand knife, spyderco slipits are your best friends like UKPK, Urban or Bob Terzuola slipit.

I love my UKPK and its very good knife and great for German.

In 2008 knife law german prohibits one hand opening knife with lock. One hand knife without lock or knife with lock that needs two hands to be open is legal carry. Like GEC #73 scout with liner lock.
 
I think a traditional American slipjoint would be a great idea.
100% legal, useful enough for somebody who has never carried knives before, and a nice souvenir on top.
 
I'd thought about a SAK but he seems really drawn to the various Spyderco and Benchmade knives we carry. That's why I was thinking the UKPK. I have one of the newer FRN versions and like it quite a bit.
He seems to really like my Delica.
But a SAK is still an option. I have a while to decide.
Thanks for all the responses. Any other ideas are welcome.

My friend and I just decided to do this last night so we haven't put a ton of thought into it other than looking up the laws in Germany.

I'll look at some of the traditional American slipjoints. It's not something I've looked much into so if nothing else, it should be some fun research. :thumbup:
 
In Germany, if it's a one hand opening knife (meaning, a knife designed for it), then it should NOT be locking.
If it's a two hand opening knife, then it can be a locking folder.

Indeed, if he is drawn to your Spydercos, then any kind of UKPK or the Urban (check out the Wharncliffe variant!) is a good choice.
 
If he's drawn to the Spyderco style, I also suggest the Bob Terzuola slip joint. s30v blade + carbon fiber. Class act of a knife IMO.

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Otherwise, I suggest a Buck 110. I don't know about you guys, but I can't open that thing one handed.

Gruesse from a fellow German.
 
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I almost always opened my 110 one handed when I carried it. That was hell on my jeans though!

I was gonna suggest a Sodbuster, but reading what he likes it may not be what he wants/likes...
 
A 110 is not a problem, even if it's so smooth you can open it with one hand. Because the knife clearly wasn't designed for one-hand opening, it is ok to carry in Germany.
 
Thanks for all the replies. My friend and I that are doing this, discussed it tonight. We decided to get a SAK. Not sure the model yet. In addition we're going to get a firesteel and other handy little outdoor items.
Rather than spending all the $ on the knife alone it just seemed like a cool idea to get a kit together.
 
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