Knife laws in Italy? Vacation advice needed.

[dracarys03]

I may be taking a trip to Italy later this winter, and I would like to know what kind of self defense items are legal there. Are there any restrictions on the length or type of blade a pocketknife has? What about an assisted open knife like the Kershaw Leek? How about pepper spray? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I may just end up buying a knife there to use for the duration of my trip instead of dealing with checking it in and everything, but I need to know what kinds of knives are legal to carry.

 

[Merek]

I carried a Swiss Champion in a belt sheath and a Spyderco Endura clipped in my front pocket all over Motta St. Anastsia, Catania, Taormina and Syracusa (in Sicily) a couple of years ago. May not be considered 'Italy' proper. I did not visit any museums or the like.
The people were incredibly nice and the police were apparent and professional.
No Need for self defense unless you intend to drive. There is nothing quite like it....

 

[pollo]

hello,
i'm actually italian so i think i'll be able to help. (now i live in portland,OR)
The basic rule is do not carry a knife with the blade longer than your four fingers. if the blade is a tad longer it does not matter. the four fingers thing is just an indication. do not carry fixed blade in towns or cities. no double edges at all. absolutely no balisongs or automatics. Assisted are ok but laws are not extremely clear about it.
concealed or not does not make a difference, but i'd clip it inside a pocket.

hope it helps.