Moving to Paris

Joined
Jun 13, 2007
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18
I hear they are very relaxed there but I wonder about getting the knives I have over...customs and all that. I would hate to ship a box of knives over and have them taken.
 
I was just there, and things seemed pretty relaxed regarding knives. I followed the letter of the law never the less, no locking blades. I just didn't want to risk it, and I figured the tourist attractions is where people would be the least lenient.

When we flew into CDG, we didn't even have to go through customs at all. We had our passports stamped at immigration, and it seemed like the French customs were stopping people at random as you left the baggage claim area. We didn't get stopped and walked right out the door. As far as shipping, I don't really know what to tell you.

I stopped at a knife store there "Courty and Fils". They have a website. The guys there were very helpful and could likely answer any of the questions you have.

If I were you I'd stock up on some nicer production knives here (benchmade, spyderco, or even some Reeves stuff if you've got the dough). I couldn't believe the prices on knives like this in Paris, and you could likely get alot of mileage in trades if you pick up some stuff on the cheap and bring it over. Even Byrd's seemed really expensive to me.
 
The laws regarding the sale of knives seems to be pretty relaxed in France but I am not exactly sure what the laws are regarding what you are allowed to carry in public places.

I do not think that there are any knives actually banned in France as I have seen automatic knives being offered for sale there, as well as other weapons such as brass knuckles, pepper sprays and stun guns which are banned in Britain.
 
Hi,
As a french guy, from Paris, like many other countries, we have no restriction regarding sale, BUT regarding what we are allowed to carry : NOTHING. You can't carry a knife in public places. Police is quite ok with swiss army knife that's all, the rest is prohibited. Not only the policemen can take your expensive Sebenza, or fantastic Tom Mayo Custom, but he can also arrest you for a 48h period.... not a joke. Don't try kidding the cops with that. I know tourists are very quite in Paris and transparent for the police, but don't take a risk to loose a nice piece : my advice, a small small blade, cheap, gentle, a SAK.
But it's just my opinion.
 
That's absolutely true, american knives are extremely expensive in Paris. I suppose european productions are expensive too on the US market. How cost SAK, Opinel, Laguiole in USA ?
Thanks for answers.
Danlam :)
 
Swiss army and opinel cost about the same here if not cheaper. However opinel and douk soul are hard to find except on the Internet so one always ends up paying shipping. I remember a post by a bf member from Finland saying what he paid for Mora knives and it was more expensive than here which surprised me. I still bought some opinels and a douk douk as souvenirs even though prices (with the euro being strong) cost about the same as I would pay online in the US.
 
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