Finlands knife laws

You're lucky afaik. Finland has some of the most liberal knife laws in the world. There's pretty much no regulation on carrying knives, so you probably won't have any problems buying one, unless you're 4 years old trying to buy a samurai sword, and the shopkeeper refuses to sell you one out of bad conscience.
 
Does anyone know any stores that sell knifes in finland.
 
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First of all, I know this is an old thread, but I thought I have make a correction to this information. I found this thread when searching the site on this specific matter.

Bilmiyorum said:
Finland has some of the most liberal knife laws in the world. There's pretty much no regulation on carrying knives...
Click to expand...

The new finnish Public Order Act (= järjestyslaki) from 2003 clearly states that:

  • Chapter 3: Banned objects and substances
  • Section 10: Possession of objects and substances suitable for injuring others
  • (1) The possession of the following objects or substances intended or suitable for causing serious injury to other people in a public place is prohibited:
    1) edged weapons, broken glass and other similar objects suitable for slashing or stabbing;
    2) batons, chains, bows, wires, cables, baseball bats and other similar objects suitable for hitting;
    3) darts, metal balls and other similar objects suitable for throwing;
    4) corrosive substances and substances that are suitable for seriously injuring or temporarily paralysing a person;
    5) air guns, spring powered weapons, harpoons, catapults, blowpipes and other similar objects suitable for shooting;
    6) laser pointers that are hazardous to health.​

This means, that you can't - in a public place - carry anything with an edge. Period. Scissors, screw drivers, knives or any kind of tool.

There is an exemption to the rule though:


  • (3) The provisions of subsections 1 and 2 do not apply to objects and substances whose possession is necessary for a work assignment or other valid reason.

So if you are, say a carpenter, you can carry a knife or your tools because you need them to do your job, but if don't have a very good reason for carrying a knife (for example), the police will confiscate it if they notice it.

I carry my Leatherman and/or small folding knive in my back bag, and I've never run into any trouble, so luckily common sense (and being smart about it) helps in this matter.
 
PaleAleDude said:
First of all, I know this is an old thread, but I thought I have make a correction to this information. I found this thread when searching the site on this specific matter.



The new finnish Public Order Act (= järjestyslaki) from 2003 clearly states that:

  • Chapter 3: Banned objects and substances
  • Section 10: Possession of objects and substances suitable for injuring others
  • (1) The possession of the following objects or substances intended or suitable for causing serious injury to other people in a public place is prohibited:
    1) edged weapons, broken glass and other similar objects suitable for slashing or stabbing;
    2) batons, chains, bows, wires, cables, baseball bats and other similar objects suitable for hitting;
    3) darts, metal balls and other similar objects suitable for throwing;
    4) corrosive substances and substances that are suitable for seriously injuring or temporarily paralysing a person;
    5) air guns, spring powered weapons, harpoons, catapults, blowpipes and other similar objects suitable for shooting;
    6) laser pointers that are hazardous to health.​

This means, that you can't - in a public place - carry anything with an edge. Period. Scissors, screw drivers, knives or any kind of tool.

There is an exemption to the rule though:


  • (3) The provisions of subsections 1 and 2 do not apply to objects and substances whose possession is necessary for a work assignment or other valid reason.

So if you are, say a carpenter, you can carry a knife or your tools because you need them to do your job, but if don't have a very good reason for carrying a knife (for example), the police will confiscate it if they notice it.

I carry my Leatherman and/or small folding knive in my back bag, and I've never run into any trouble, so luckily common sense (and being smart about it) helps in this matter.
Click to expand...

I read the edged weapon provision as 'intent', as opposed to 'possession'. The OP may want to clarify that with a Finnish lawyer familiar with weapon laws?

I am not a lawyer, nor do I play one on the internet, so please do not attempt anything illegal simply because a guy on the interwebs says he thinks you might be okay.
 
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