Knife carry in France?

[Andre]

Can anyone shed some light on what can be carried? I have a trip to Paris coming up very soon and was just wondering whether it would be permissable to carry a folder.

 

[flava]

This topic is far from being simple. Technically, you can carry a knife that was not designed to function as a weapon (like a dirk or dagger). Some LEO's will apply the rule "blade bigger than the hand's width is forbiden"... which is an urban legend but many people beleive it's the rule. Some will consider a locking folder as a weapon... even though it's not stated in any law.
To be on the safe side, go for a non locking folder with a 3" blade or smaller. Something cheap so you can easily replace it.

 

[Andre]

Thanks Flava

I thought it was strictly forbidden, but this means it would probably be ok to carry something small like a Spyderco Cricket or Co-Pilot. Cool. I'll be flying out to your city tomorrow night

 

[touche]

Can anyone shed some light on what can be carried? I have a trip to Paris coming up very soon and was just wondering whether it would be permissable to carry a folder.

I was in Paris in July, 2005. I went into a tourist site that was next door to the police station. I had to check my pocket knife with the police. I was carrying a Kershaw Blackout. When I went to check it with them, they asked if I was British or American--I thought that was a strange question, but maybe the French don't carry pocket knives like the British and Americans do. They tagged it, gave me a claim slip, and after I was done in the tourist attraction, I came back and claimed my knife. The only thing the police officer said to me when I came to pick it up was, "That's a good knife." I wanted to demonstrate the AO feature of the knife, but I was concerned that he might then decide I shouldn't have it, so I just put the knife back in my pocket. No hassle. So, if you take a comparable size knife or smaller, you shouldn't have any problem in Paris. I don't know what would happen in other places in France, but I was in France for 45 days and never had any problem with police about it.

Just a few words of warning--beware of pickpockets. They got my wallet. Don't carry anything in your wallet that can't be replaced. Keep a backup credit card somewhere else that is secure.

Good luck. I hope you have a better time than I did.

 

[flava]

Just a few words of warning--beware of pickpockets. They got my wallet. Don't carry anything in your wallet that can't be replaced. Keep a backup credit card somewhere else that is secure.

Good luck. I hope you have a better time than I did.

Exactly. Even better, don't carry the wallet in your pocket.