A pocket knife is a fantastic self-defense tool. It can and did save lives. A sharp blade is all it takes to neutralize an enemy and to secure the situation. However, because it is an exceptional weapon, many terrorists use it for offense reasons worldwide. As a result, it got banned from carrying in many places.
After the incident of 9/11, it was clear that a change needed to happen. Later, people were forbidden to carry self-defense tools on airplanes. In addition, some countries made it illegal to carry concealed pocket knives. That change was bound to happen. Now, it was more difficult than ever to pull out a terrorist attack.
If you want to get a pocket knife and are doubtful whether it is illegal to carry one, read this post. We will cover everything about the laws of pocket knives worldwide. Lastly, whether or not it is legal to have a concealed pocket knife.
Is carrying a pocket knife illegal?
In general, you can carry a knife whose length is under 3 inches worldwide. If its length is above 3 inches, you have to have it in a sheath unconcealed. Additionally, in most countries, there is no restriction on the type of knife you can carry. Lastly, it is illegal to possess a pocket knife that disguises itself as another object.
Every country has its knife legislation. The written above applies to most countries. As such, follow it to confirm the police can’t arrest you. For example, in Austria, there is no length restriction. That means that you can carry a pocket knife the exceeds 3 inches. However, you can’t have a pocket knife that disguises as other objects.
US knife legislation
In the US, there are certain types of knives that the government forbids possessing. These knives are switchblades knives and ballistic knives. If you own and carry it concealed out in public, the police can arrest you. Because of that, you ought not to have them in public at all.
In addition, in the US, you can’t carry any knife when entering certain places. These places are on TSA territory and in military/governmental areas. Finally, each state has its laws. Thus before you carry a concealed pocket knife anywhere, ensure that it is indeed legal. Some states forbid having a lethal pocket knife. Therefore, most pocket knives will be illegal to carry.
Another fantastic example is Canada. That is the Canadian law regarding knife legislation. “A knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device attached to or in the handle of the knife, is criminalized. In Canada, it is illegal to carry a pocket knife that opens up automatically. Unlike its ally, there is no mention in the law of the knife’s length. Each country has its rules. Hence assure you read the knife legislation of your nation.
To summarize, each country has its rules and laws. Generally, it is legal to carry a concealed pocket knife worldwide. However, if the pocket knife length exceeds 3 inches, then it’s considered a deadly weapon. As a result, some countries forbid carrying such weapons. Finally, the US banned taking certain knife types. Such as ballistic and switchblades knives.
| CountryKnife LegislationAustriaIt is illegal to possess, buy, or import any type of weapon disguised as something else. However, there are no restrictions whatsoever on the length and the mechanism of the knife. | |
|---|---|
| Belgium | Owning an automatic, butterfly, flick, throwing, daggers are not allowed. In fact, carrying any weapon that seems like something else is banned. |
| Canada | The Canadian government criminalizes the possession of knives that open automatically. As such, butterfly knives, switchblades, and flick knives are not allowed to own. However, there is no length restriction on the knife you possess. |
| China | In China, after every knife purchase, you have to check in with the government to see if it’s allowed to carry. |
| France | There are no length and type specifications in French law. However, if you have malicious intent, and the knife you carry is considered dangerous for the environment, the police can arrest you. |
| Italy | Carrying knives is allowed only for valid reasons. As such, if you are caught with a knife and are worried to have offensive intent, the police can arrest you. Additionally, swords, automatic knives, and double-edged knives are not allowed. |
| Sweden | The Swedish law prohibits the carry of a knife in public areas, such as schools and parks. Moreover, knives that are intended for the injury of personnel are banned. |
| Slovakia | If the person the carries the knife is worried to have hostile intentions, the police may arrest him. There are no length or type restrictions in the law. |
| United Kingdom | Generally, carrying knives is allowed. However, any knife that opens up automatically, such as flick knives is not allowed to carry. Any detachable blade that launches can lead the police to get you behind bars. |
| United States | Switchblades and ballistic knives are forbidden from possessing. The sale, possession, purchase of these knives is a break of the law. Adding to that, every state has its own laws. Read the state’s laws you live in for a specific perspective. |
Can I be arrested for carrying a pocket knife?
Each state has its knife legislation laws. If you violate it, you can get arrested. However, in most countries, carrying a pocket knife is legal. Thus even if you concealed the pocket knife, you are in the right. On the other hand, in Austria, carrying a deadly weapon is illegal. Because of that, if you have a lethal pocket knife, you are in the wrong and may get arrested.
As mentioned in the previous section, Canada has forbidden to carry a pocket knife that opens up automatically. Thus if you get caught having one, you may get arrested.
Because their length does not exceed 3 inches, they don’t count as lethal weapons. As such, most pocket knives are legal to carry worldwide. In addition, if you own a pocket knife for self-defense, it’s plausibly legal to have it worldwide.
The police prevented many terrorist attacks because they caught the terrorists carrying deadly weapons. Later, they arrested them. Now, you might not be a terrorist. But, you must understand the amount of responsibility and power you have when carrying a pocket knife. It can undoubtedly injure people. As such, understand the laws and the reasoning behind them. And most importantly, don’t be stupid in this matter.
The single piece of advice I can give you on this subject is constantly read the rules. Before visiting any country or state, read its knife legislation laws. That is how you can avoid getting arrested and carry a pocket knife safely. Remember, these tools injure people all the time. Ensure you are careful when having them.
Which knives are legal to carry?
Currently, in the US, all knives are legal to carry except switchblades and ballistic knives. In general, all pocket knives due to having worldwide. However, it is illegal to take a pocket knife with you to an airplane and in military/governmental areas.
So, what is a ballistic knife? And why is it illegal?
A ballistic knife is a knife with a detachable blade that can eject to a distance of several meters/yards by pressing a trigger or operating a lever or switch on the handle. (Wikipedia)
A ballistic knife is a knife that launches its blade when a trigger activates. It was in use by armed forces in the 1970s and is a lethal weapon. Some people consider it to be one of the most deadly weapons available. Ballistic knives are illegal for many reasons. The central one is that it is simple to injure someone, and it can quickly kill. As a result, the US forbids people to possess ballistic knives. Lastly, you will get arrested worldwide if you own and move around in public with a ballistic blade.
What is a switchblade knife? And why is it illegal?
A switchblade knife is an automatic knife. When you press its trigger, its blade will flick from deactivated to an activated one. Because these are remarkably sharp knives, most people consider them to be lethal weapons. In addition, most countries banned switchblades knives. People who carry a switchblade knife plausibly have malicious intent. As such, they are dangerous to use, and I recommend not to touch nor possess a switchblade knife. Finally, law enforcement can arrest you if you move in public with this kind of knife.
Ultimately, a pocket knife is not a deadly weapon. As such, you can carry pocket knives as self-defense tools internationally. However, if you use them for offensive intent, law enforcement can arrest you and throw you in jail. As a result, watch out for what you are carrying. Overall, when you own a pocket knife, you have responsibility. Use that responsibility to assist others in danger, and have a tool to defend yourself.
Is it legal to carry a concealed pocket knife?
A concealed pocket knife is a way of carrying it. If other people can’t see that you have the pocket knife, then it is hidden. Generally, it is legal to have a concealed pocket knife. However, if the pocket knife itself isn’t legal, then it is illegal having it on you.
Before we jump to conclusions, it’s essential to understand that every country has its laws. As such, something that is legal in the US may be illegal in the UK. Therefore, check your country’s knife legislation.
In addition, a concealed knife is hidden. As a result, if the pocket knife is in your pocket, you carry a concealed pocket knife. One exception is that if you own a dagger or an automatic knife that exceeds 2 inches, it’s illegal to have it in public.
Conclusion
In this post, we have covered the topics of knife legislation. Before buying a pocket knife, or any type of knife, read your country’s laws. I’ve covered some examples of different countries regarding their knife legislation. However, you may live in a state where everything is different. Therefore, the single best piece of advice I can give you is to read the law. If you don’t read the law and end up overriding it, the police can arrest you.
Lastly, if you possess a pocket knife, you have a responsibility. Therefore, use it only as a self-defense tool. In addition, to assist others that need help.