Travel to Europe

A

aggiegrads

Joined
Aug 20, 2007
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Howdy. I am looking for a recommendation for a knife to take to Europe. I will be spending three weeks in Switzerland and three weeks in Germany. I have looked into laws, and it looks like I am limited to the following:

1. Blade less than three inches

2. Cannot be one-handed opening

So what I would like is knife that meets these requirements one a few of my own:

a. Regardless of the law, I need to carry something that does not present itself as a weapon. I need something that looks more "grandpa" or "boyscout" and less "mall ninja". It all boils down to the LEO/security screener/customs agent's judgment and I want to make sure what I carry is immediately seen as a tool and not a weapon.

b. Must be a locking blade. I do not like slipjoints. I hate putting pressure on a blade to close it.

c. Good blade material. I looked at the Buck 503 and Kershaw Whiskey Gap, but they are 420HC and AUS-6 respectively. I would like a higher grade steel.

d. Price. I would prefer to spend $50 or less, but can go up to an absolute max of $100 for a knife that fits all of my requirements and could double and a good EDC to take to the office.

e. Use - mainly menial tasks, although I will take it on a few hiking trips since I will have a couple of free weekends during my travels. For everyday use, I mainly prefer a "slicer" since the majority of the use is opening envelopes, cutting tape, and slicing fruit, cheese, etc.

Right now, I EDC a Benchmade 940. The blade is a little long for everyday purposes, so if I could find something that would make a better EDC, I'm listening. I also have a BM mini Grip, and if I don't get any good recommendations, I'll tighten down the bushing and take my chances in Europe.

Bottom line is I need to take something I'm willing to lose.

I hope that this isn't too tall of an order.

-Steven
 
How about the Fallkniven U2.

2.5" blade of high quality 3G steel.

Totally Sheeple friendly.

Two hand opening.

Not sure of US pricing but should be available for between 50 - 100 bucks.

FallknivenU2-1.jpg


Or, why not shop around over there and bring a nice little knife back with you. (assuming you would have time to shop)

Kevin
 
Dag-Nabit, this is exactly what I was looking for. I thought that Fallkniven's were out of my price range, and didn't even check.

Any chance of finding this at a B&M? I'm near Portland, OR. It's a knife Mecca - My work location is three blocks from Kershaw and one block from CRKT. Gerber is three miles away, and Benchmade, Leatherman, and Al Mar are all close by as well.

Any other choices? Keep em coming.
 
the new knife laws in germany are a little bit complicated. You are not allowed to carry a one handed folder regardless of the blade length or a fixed blade longer than 12 cm (4.7 inches).
According to a police official: If you remove the device to open the folder with one hand, like the pin, it should be fine.
So if you remove the pin from your benchmade folder and it should be ok.
One more thing, having a one handed folder on your carry on is not a good idea, it´s a felony in germany.
have fun in europe.
 
I think I read someplace that under the new knife laws in Germany, not only is one handed opening illeagal, but like the U.K. and France, the blade cannot lock either. Probably the safest knife to carry would be a sak or similar. Things have changed alot in Germany in the past year or two, knife law wise.
 
I would say that the swiss army knives are your best bet.
the sentinel, nomad, trailmaster, locksmith, pickniker, rucksack, hunter, outrider, Hercules and work champ knives are all avialable in two handed opening versions. but their website doesn't specify blade lenght.
spyderco make a "DKPK" which is non-one handed opening and non-locking, but it might still look a little to tactical.
opinels might be worth a look, although I'm not sure how avialable they are in the US.
 
Queen Cutlery Teardrop Liner Lock. looks old school like a slipjoint but has a discrete but good liner lock. Bone handles give a good grip too.
 
Went to England twice with a SAK Traveler. No problems anywhere. Plus, if you're in Europe, you'll be buying wine, and that often-overlooked corkscrew elevates you to hero status with the pop of a cork.
 
Willgoy, Thanks for the tip on the Queens. I have never heard of them either, but again, you guys nailed it.

Jackknife and Mountain Hunter, thanks for the tips on German law. I had found more information for Swiss law, so I'm glad you had this info.

Again, I don't want a slipjoint. SAKs are everywhere in Switzerland; that's just not what I want to carry. I'd also rather have a better blade steel.
 
aggiegrads said:
Any chance of finding this at a B&M? I'm near Portland, OR.
Click to expand...

Obliviously I don't know the specific stores in your area, but Fallknivens should be available at some B&M stores.

To give you an idea on pricing, I found them listed for between $60 - $75 on line.

Hope you find what you are looking for and have a great trip.

Kevin
 
I second the Fallkniven U2...I have one and I love it. Amazing steel and conservative looking folder. Perfect for your needs, I also may recommend attaching a small lanyard to it for a better grip.
 
A lot of great suggestions, especially the SAKs. When I travel I always take along, I think it's called The Mountaineer"? Two and a half inch locking blade, CORKSCREW, can opener, etc. I've been asked a couple of times by LEOs and my answer is always the same. "It's my wine, bread and cheese knife".

You'll be in the land of the SAK, I agree you might want to wait until you are there and then pick up something that works for the local laws. I'm sure the sales folks will know those. Sounds like a great trip.

Greg
 
I'd probably just carry along a peanut, but with your need for a locking folder, how about an EKA Executive Sportsman? 2.25" 12C27 Sandvik blade.

w188949854.jpg
 
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How about an Opinel? They're cheap, they lock and while the blade isn't some high-tech steel it works well for the intended purpose.
 
BlackHills said:
How about an Opinel? They're cheap, they lock and while the blade isn't some high-tech steel it works well for the intended purpose.
Click to expand...

I was thinking of recommending the Opinel as well, seeing as though it's rooted in French tradition and has a locking ring, but the only issue that arises is that the locking ring is only available for models #6 and up, and since the #6 has a blade larger than the 3" limit, it didn't quite fit the bill.

Still a wonderful little knife though. Just got it nice and sharp. Ready for another day's work.
 
YayILikePie said:
I was thinking of recommending the Opinel as well, seeing as though it's rooted in French tradition and has a locking ring, but the only issue that arises is that the locking ring is only available for models #6 and up, and since the #6 has a blade larger than the 3" limit, it didn't quite fit the bill.

Still a wonderful little knife though. Just got it nice and sharp. Ready for another day's work.
Click to expand...

Hmmm. My #6 blade measures 2 7/8".
 
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