going to Germany, will carry something

T

threefeathers

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May 25, 2005
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I was one of the subjects of a recently shown documentary on the Tank Standoff at C P Charlie and I have been invited to participate in the ceremony at C P Charlie as the rep of the 6th Infantry.
I'm being put up in a 5 star hotel in the old East Sector. I want to carry and need to know what I can use in in time to order something. Please give me some legal suggestions.
 
Unbreakable umbrella - the one from Real Self Defense

Small flashlight

Comtech Stinger in clear plastic

I travel quite often with at least 2 of these three as part of my carry-on. Domestic & international.
 
For Germany the rule is, if it locks then it is not allowed to be one hand opening, and if it is one hand opening then it should not lock. You are not likely to run in to trouble but it is better to be forewarned. Slipjoints, Spyderco Slippits and two hand locking folders are all fine, as are small fixed blades.

JD
 
IMO if you're traveling a SAK or a Leatherman are your best bets. Though it looks like leatherman's may be illegal. At least models like the wave that have one hand operation.
 
J D Wijbenga said:
For Germany the rule is, if it locks then it is not allowed to be one hand opening, and if it is one hand opening then it should not lock. You are not likely to run in to trouble but it is better to be forewarned. Slipjoints, Spyderco Slippits and two hand locking folders are all fine, as are small fixed blades.
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This is correct.
In addition, it's best to be discreet in a city.

In addition, I did a quick google for local knife shops, I found: http://www.messerworld.de which are located at Friedrichshagener Str. 58, 12555 Berlin
They seem to carry a number of interesting European brands such as Maserin, Viper and of course Böker which you may like to check out, as I believe they're more difficult to sample in American shops.

Finally, I recommend to have a walk on the MuseumInsel (Museum island) and visit the Pergamon altar. Berlin is a fantastic city, I wouldn't mind living there.
 
From what I've heard about Germany's knife laws, I'd say slipjoint. But if a 2-handed open, locking blade is legal I'd carry my Buck 503. Nice and classy, and it won't close on you.
 
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The museum director of the Berlin Wall Museum Dr. Axel Klausmeier just called and invited me to go with him for a one day tour of the entire wall. They want to film me at Checkpoint 23 where I tried to save the life of a German child, The Zehlendorf S Bahn where I climbed down a rope made from rifle slings to rescue an Anerican G I who had fallen through a skylight, and in the Grunewald where I was with a patrol who assisted a German family in getting through the wire.
 
CWL said:
Unbreakable umbrella - the one from Real Self Defense

Small flashlight

Comtech Stinger in clear plastic

I travel quite often with at least 2 of these three as part of my carry-on. Domestic & international.
Click to expand...

2nd this.

I coin purse style-sap instead of the Comtech for me though.
 
I'd suggest a SAK or Leatherman. Leatherman makes a two handed version of the Wave that you can sometimes find on an auction site.

For air travel I usually carry a Surefire LX 2 or Backup and a County Comm Embassy Pen. The Surefire lights aren't the brightest lights but are built like a tank.
 
threefeathers said:
The museum director of the Berlin Wall Museum Dr. Axel Klausmeier just called and invited me to go with him for a one day tour of the entire wall. They want to film me at Checkpoint 23 where I tried to save the life of a German child, The Zehlendorf S Bahn where I climbed down a rope made from rifle slings to rescue an Anerican G I who had fallen through a skylight, and in the Grunewald where I was with a patrol who assisted a German family in getting through the wire.
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ots of good memories from Berlin. I was stationed with the 6912 Electronic Intelligence group out at Tempelhof 79-81 I would love to go back and visit!
 
threefeathers said:
...where I tried to save the life of a German child, The Zehlendorf S Bahn where I climbed down a rope made from rifle slings to rescue an Anerican G I who had fallen through a skylight, and in the Grunewald where I was with a patrol who assisted a German family in getting through the wire.
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What movie are you referring to? :D

Seriously though...Its awesome you get a trip to Berlin. Its a great city :thumbup: Regarding the choice of knife, the safest (and most practical) choice would be a SAK.

Spyderco slipjoints are pretty big in Europe too. Id recommend the Burger/Skellern designed Böker Ekskelibur. Its a fantastic 2 handed opening linerlock that looks just like the more expensive custom version. Fit and finish is amazing and it feels just fantastic in the hand. Plus itll be legal in Germany.

That being said, theres is a zero chance of you getting stopped and searched if youre just walking around minding your own business AND you look like an average guy.
 
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The Comtech stinger is completely illegal. As is carrying a weapon like a sap. And illegal means you will be in trouble if a cop recognizes it.

Generally speaking, if you carry a locking folder that can be opened with one hand, you need a good reason in case you get caught (which is unlikely though). It is not illegal itself, but you need a reason to carry one. If you carry a weapon of any kind, the same applies, although you won't be able to provide a good reason ;) Self-defense is not a valid reason.

Long story short, I'd carry a small, two handed folder such as a SAK, Opinel or Douk-Douk and a small fixed blade (blade-lenght up to 12cm is legal). Then you're on the safe side.
Any tool like a Leatherman is fine too, even if it has a blade that can be opened one-handed. Tools =/= knifes in the legal sense. No reason is needed.

Do *not* carry any weapons (batons, daggers, , double-edged blades, automatic knives etc), unless you want to get into trouble.

That being said, theres is a zero chance of you getting stopped and searched if youre just walking around minding your own business AND you look like an average guy
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Correct. Don't let them see your knife though. Make sure no clip is visible.
 
CWL said:
Unbreakable umbrella - the one from Real Self Defense

Small flashlight

Comtech Stinger in clear plastic

I travel quite often with at least 2 of these three as part of my carry-on. Domestic & international.
Click to expand...

Instead of an umbrella, you might want to consider a stout cane.
A cane is always legal and you don't look like you're expecting rain.
For starters, Google Canemaster, which makes canes for injuries as well as for taking care of business.
 
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