URGENT!! Question on Euro Knife Law

[DemoDick]

I know, I know, Pi$$ Poor Planning...

In less than 12 hours I will be flying to Holland for a few weeks vacation. My SO and I will also make a few side trips (Belgium, Luxembourg). I normally carry any number of knives in addition to a firearm in the States, but won't be able to carry a gun overseas. While I will have a SureFire E2D Executive Defender flashlight with me, I'm not at all comfortable walking around otherwise naked in a foreign country and would very much like to know what kind of blade I can legally carry.

I've searched this forum and gotten some info, but if anyone could answer a few questions I'd appreciate it.

1. I'm assuming that assisted openers are not an option. Correct?
2. Does Holland have any laws regarding blade length, locking mechanisms, or edge style?
3. Would my CRKT First Strike be completely out of the question?

As I understand it, knives are notoriously expensive over there. I would rather bring one with me than have to pick one up after I get there.

One last thing, does status as an American LEO hold any water overseas with regards to getting out of potential legal jams should a misunderstanding arise?

Any help you guys can give me would me much appreciated.

Demo Dick

 

[Autococker07]

While I have traveled extensively in Europe with a blade (mostly Spyderco Endura & Rescue, and less frequently with a Halo3) having never been questioned or bothered about them, I would HIGHLY advise picking up an el cheapo when you get there... forget quality & expensive knives... buy one you are prepared to surrender if hassled. As a tourist you will be viewed differantly than citizens, if you are detained/questioned etc. I have also been known to purchase a cheap, large (10-12in) flattip screwdriver when in 'liberalized' Europe. But I would not even consider bringing a nice knife with me... too many chances of getting shook down & losing it... or worse... Buy local & dispose before your return... much cheaper in the long run. .02 Jim

PS... American LEO "status" will only single you out for special treatment overseas... I would be discreet with that too...

 

[RainerWahnsinn]

hi DemoDick,

tell me your email and i´ll send you a few european laws for knife. Sorry all in german, may be it helps if you can read or translate. And there is a Tabelle you can read anyway

Greetings from Rainer

 

[DemoDick]

While I have traveled extensively in Europe with a blade (mostly Spyderco Endura & Rescue, and less frequently with a Halo3) having never been questioned or bothered about them, I would HIGHLY advise picking up an el cheapo when you get there... forget quality & expensive knives... buy one you are prepared to surrender if hassled. As a tourist you will be viewed differantly than citizens, if you are detained/questioned etc. I have also been known to purchase a cheap, large (10-12in) flattip screwdriver when in 'liberalized' Europe. But I would not even consider bringing a nice knife with me... too many chances of getting shook down & losing it... or worse... Buy local & dispose before your return... much cheaper in the long run. .02 Jim

Roger that. I dug out an Endura and cleaned up the edge last night but the thought of handing it over to anyone makes me ill. I'll pick up a POS when I get there.

PS... American LEO "status" will only single you out for special treatment overseas... I would be discreet with that too..

Always am.

hi DemoDick,

tell me your email and i´ll send you a few european laws for knife. Sorry all in german, may be it helps if you can read or translate. And there is a Tabelle you can read anyway

Thanks, but my German has gone by the wayside due to disuse. I do appreciate the offer though. I'm going to play it safe and pick up something innocuous when I get there.

Thanks everyone.

Demo Dick

 

[Hannya]

In belgium, knives are forbidden if you can lock the blade or if its fixed and if the size of the blade is bigger than the palm of your hand.

 

[DemoDick]

In belgium, knives are forbidden if you can lock the blade or if its fixed and if the size of the blade is bigger than the palm of your hand.

Good to know. Thanks.

Demo Dick