knife for backpacking in europe?

[johnnypineapple]

I will be backpacking throughout Europe in a few months and was wondering if anyone here on the forums has been there recently and had any trouble carrying just a small (less than 3" ) folder with them.

Thanks for any input and insight you guys might be able to offer.

 

[Nathan S]

Europe is a big place, and legal restrictions will vary from country to country. Can you be more specific about your countries of destination and the type of backpacking you intend to do? If you're going on outdoors-y kinds of hiking trips , a large folder or a fixed blade knife will probably be acceptable in most places. If you're just going to be bumming from one city to another, though, that won't be the case. In any case, I think you'll find that a SAK will be fine pretty much anywhere. I should add, too, that, especially if you plan on carrying a knife, you should be on your best behavior and try to present a good appearance. The police are much more likely to stop you if you're rowdy or if you are particularly radical looking or unkempt. Bear in mind that the police in Europe don't need reasonable cause to stop you and do a routine check; if they don't like your looks, you might get hassled.

 

[Bobwhite]

Nathan's advice sounds good. A SAK, Opinel or a Laguiole would probably be acceptable in most places if you present yourself as having it for a tool and not a weapon.

 

[frank k]

I am told that many countries in europe have laws against carrying knives that open with one hand or have locking blades.
A non locking SAK or multitool sould make an excellent choice.

-Frank

 

[Will'em]

Originally posted by frank k
I am told that many countries in europe have laws against carrying knives that open with one hand or have locking blades.
A non locking SAK or multitool sould make an excellent choice.

-Frank

I thought it was with out a good reason...which he has if im not mistaken...

 

[Sergiusz Mitin]

... if anyone here on the forums has been there recently...

I’m still here and in fact do not have any intentions to leave

No formal limitations here, in Poland. Carry whatever knife do you like, just behave the way not causing problems and all should be OK. The same in Czech Republic and Slovakia. Pretty liberal knife regulations in Germany, also assuming that your behavior is not aggressive and people scarring. In some areas Germans carry small hunting-styled fixed blades as the part of traditional attire.
As to another countries – the regulations are quite different. Certainly equip yourself with non-lockable blade going to Great Britain, probably small-sized SAK would be the best. Don’t cross 2-inche limit for lockable one-hand-opening blades in Switzerland (this concerns concealed carry in urbanized area). Definitely equip yourself with a knife (no matter folder or fixed blade) without any handguard going to Russia.
As to outdoors open carry probably you should be OK with 4-inche non-weapon-like-looking fixed blade almost everywhere. SPYDERCO Bill Moran Featherweight seems one of the best choices to do everything you would need and to do not cause problems.

 

[richardallen]

in germany right now bali songs are forbidden, as well as automatics with blades ober 8.5cm i think. i'm not sure if fixed blades are that forbidden here. i dont think so. in italy, even a screwdriver may be considered as a weapon, in the netherlands, a double edged fixed blade would be regarded as a weapon. see, it differs a lot. in germany it's up to the police if they say it's a weapon. if you run around flipping your knife, they will stop you. if you're being nice about it and keep it in your pocket they'll be cool about it.

 

[mnblade]

I lived in the Czech Republic for five years and traveled in Austria, Germany, Turkey, and Slovia. When I moved over there in 93, I only brought a SAK Classic and an <a href="http://store.knifecenter.com/pgi-ProductSpec?VN53601">Adventurer lockblade</a>. Mostly, I kept the Classic in my shaving kit and carried the Adventurer as my EDC. I used it all over the place in every kind of scenario imaginable and it never raised an eyebrow.

I've subsequently gone back to visit my wife's family in the Czech Republic and carried my Endura openly, also without problem (I wouldn't do that I other European countries, however).

To answer your question simply: I'd take the SAK or multi tool of your choice. Just don't take anything you couldn't bear to part with. But that's the same on any trip, right?

Other advice ... travel light, bringing less clothes than you think you'll need (you won't regret carrying a lighter bag). Drink the local brews on tap. Don't eat hotel food, experience the <i>real</i> local cuisine. Seek out a local knife shop or two and have a look. Have fun!