Knife Laws in Italy

[Captain Skippy]

Asked before on this subject but without any results. Can anyone direct me as to where I can get good factual information about knife laws in Italy.

Thanks

 

[glistam]

This is quite difficult to source because these are laws in a non-English speaking nation, and Italian government and law are, well, not terrible stable from what people tell me.

My best understanding is that you cannot EDC any sort of knife out in public. Carrying any knife must have a legitimate reason, and the police are rather limited in what they consider "legitimate," a fact made all the more difficult by the language barrier. When purchasing knives or carrying for food use, it is best that they remain packaged and in some sort of bag like a sales bag or backpack in a manner that suggests no intention to pull it out rapidly. Offensive knives such a daggers or switchblades are outright illegal to own even at home in a locked display case: You must have a special permit.

I learned this information from a German knife magazine, and from several forum users who live in Italy and speak English. I went to Italy myself in 1997 with a Gerber multitool, which back them was allowed onto the plane and through customs 4 times. However it remained in my hotel room while in Italy just because I didn't feel I needed it with me at the time. Police in my experience were quite friendly people; even paramilitary ones with submachine guns were happy to tell me where a popular cafe was located.

The only truly authoritative manner I can think to get a solid source answer is to contact the American consulate, or to seek out an Italian attorney that speaks English, which many do.

 

[Ramm9]

Just a thought but you might want to Google for a few Italian knife shops in Rome and Milan and send them an email asking about the laws. Most of the larger shops have no problem with English

A knife seller in Italy is a Coltelleria.

Here is the type to search for.
www.coltelleriabianda.ch

http://www.avallishop.com/ITA/Home.asp

http://www.armiusate.it/annunci/index.php?catid=101&order=sitetitle&way=1

http://www.maxblade.it/contact_us.php?osCsid=ac2996b618cf2890177aa44a2d4984c4

 

[MVF]

Per my trip to Rome last summer, no locking blades and no fixed blades. My advice would be to keep a small SAK in your pocket and not tell anyone ; )

 

[Captain Skippy]

I have purchased a small benchmade (less than 2 inch blade) and a "tactical pen" as well as a small Fenix P20 flashlight. Hard to go empty handed. Thanks for the info.