Knife laws in Germany

[wes payne]

Hey guys, I might be heading to Germany for a semester of school.. just wondering if anyone knows what you can/cant carry there.

really hoping I can EDC my spydercos, Emersons etc.

 

[RedMinotaur]

Though they cite no citations, Wikipedia appears to have a helpful section here. Of particular note:

In February 2008 a new law was passed which outlaws the carrying of certain types of knives without commonly awarded purpose:

* All switchblades, even those formerly allowed for carrying.
* All locking folders with one-handed opening mechanism. If the knife has just one of these two features, it is still legal.
* All blades over 12.0 cm.

This appears to be supported by Stars And Stripes and the German Messerforum.

The 12 cm (about 4.7 inches) blade limit probably won't give you too much trouble when it comes to an EDC folder. The Messerforum posts seem to indicate that fixed blades with a 12 cm or shorter blade are acceptable. Since (AFAIK) all Emerson folders are locking and one-hand opening capable, they'd not be allowed. Most Spydercos (the Slipit line, which includes the UKPK, is a notable exception) are similarly disallowed. Basically, you'd want to go either the route of a non-locking blade (perhaps it's time to start carrying a SAK, Spyderco UKPK, or Sodbuster/Congress/Stockman/Trapper slipjoint), or a locking folder (like a Buck 110) that requires two hands to open. If you want to start carrying a smaller fixed blade, that'd be okay, too.

 

[TOM1960]

Though they cite no citations, Wikipedia appears to have a helpful section here. Of particular note:



This appears to be supported by Stars And Stripes and the German Messerforum.

The 12 cm (about 4.7 inches) blade limit probably won't give you too much trouble when it comes to an EDC folder. The Messerforum posts seem to indicate that fixed blades with a 12 cm or shorter blade are acceptable. Since (AFAIK) all Emerson folders are locking and one-hand opening capable, they'd not be allowed. Most Spydercos (the Slipit line, which includes the UKPK, is a notable exception) are similarly disallowed. Basically, you'd want to go either the route of a non-locking blade (perhaps it's time to start carrying a SAK, Spyderco UKPK, or Sodbuster/Congress/Stockman/Trapper slipjoint), or a locking folder (like a Buck 110) that requires two hands to open. If you want to start carrying a smaller fixed blade, that'd be okay, too.

Another good choice would be the 3" or 4" Cold Steel "Voyager" folders. The thumb stud can be completely removed with a screwdriver, which I recommend to avoid clothing abrasion while carrying in the pocket. Remove the pocket clip as well and carry it completely concealed, strong side pocket, pivot-down. The knife can still be opened one-handed by thumbing the blade out to 35 degrees or so and then snapping it open. The blade can also be snapped open with a hard flick of the wrist (making it an illegal "gravity knife" in NYC, but legal for carry in Germany).

 

[RedMinotaur]

If you want something inexpensive, practical, and fairly easy to find in Western Europe, you could get an Opinel, which is a two-handed opening locking folder. It's available in a number of sizes, styles, and in both carbon and stainless steel. It shouldn't draw too much attention, if that matters to you.