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Non Tool Forum => Gadget Freak and EDC Forum => Topic started by: bmot on September 30, 2013, 03:28:21 PM

Title: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on September 30, 2013, 03:28:21 PM: I was thinking, in spirit of the "guide to the international trader"-topic, I thought it'd be a good idea to have a thread where knife-carrying laws of all countries are put together.

(Mods, if this thread already exists, don't be afraid to close this one ;) )

DISCLAIMER: this thread is not meant to be bashing local knife laws, just purely informational! :police:

(If a mod can put a link to each country/state/city here, it could become an awesome encyclopedia-thingy)

The Netherlands (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg780844.html#msg780844)
United Kingdom (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg780880.html#msg780880)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on September 30, 2013, 03:32:21 PM: The Netherlands (or Holland, for some people :facepalm: ):

In the Dutch weapon-laws, there are two categories talking about knives. Any knife that doesn't fall into one of these categories is legal to own and carry.

Category 1:
Knives and weapons in this category are illegal (without a permit). This means you can't have them in your possession or trade them.

Knives that fall into this category are:
- Automatic knives
- Balisongs
- Folding knives with a total length greater than 28cm (11.02 inch)
- Folding knives of which the blade has more than 1 cutting edge (a saw also counts as a cutting edge here)
- Ballistic knives
- Weapons that like something else than a weapon
- Arrows and arrowheads, made to be fired by a bow, and having sharp parts, apparently designed to be used to induce an injury.

Category 4:
Knives in this category are legal to have, and to trade, but you can't carry them. That means: during transport, they should be packed in a way you don't have immediate access to them.

Knives in this category are:
- Knives of which the blade has more than one cutting edge, as far as it doesn't fall in category 1. (Again, a saw on the back of a fixed blade also counts as a second cutting edge)
- Rapiers, swords, sabers and bayonets
- Objects from which can be assumed that they're not meant for anything else than causing injuries at persons, or threatening, taking into account the circumstances it is found in. This means any knife can be illegal to carry, in certain places. (for example in bars, concerts or (football) stadiums)

Things that -are- legal (considering the circumstances):
- Locking knives
- OHO knives
- any folding knives -under- a total length of 28cm (and with only 1 cutting edge per blade)
- any fixed blades with only 1 cutting edge
- assisted opening knives

(disclaimer: I'm in no ways a lawyer, I just found this on the internet, and even though I think it's a reliable source, I reject any responsibility if I'm wrong ;) )
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: xt60043f on September 30, 2013, 05:27:29 PM: UK

Nothing.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: AimlessWanderer on September 30, 2013, 05:54:25 PM: Quote from: xt60043f on September 30, 2013, 05:27:29 PM
UK

Nothing.

Not very helpful ..... ::)

Essentially all switchblades, flick knives and balisongs etc are banned outright

Generally carry of a non-locking blade under 3" is permissible.
Larger blades, locking blades and fixed blades can be carried with good reason (not lame excuse to just try and get away with it). For the purposes of this thread stick to sub 3" non locking blades, unless you know that your needs warrant something else in the eyes of the law.

NOTE: Any blade and indeed any item carried (or deemed to be carried) for the purposes of use as a weapon is prohibited. Threaten someone with a Spyderco Bug, 58mm Classic, or even a pencil, and it will be deemed an offensive weapon. Some places may have blades prohibited outright such as schools and other public buildings
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Steinar on September 30, 2013, 07:00:25 PM: Norway:

The actual law on carrying knives in public, in Norwegian: http://www.lovdata.no/all/tl-19020522-010-040.html#352a

Illegal knife types, again, the actual law in Norwegian: http://www.lovdata.no/cgi-wift/wiftldles?doc=/usr/www/lovdata/ltavd1/filer/sf-20021220-1844.html&emne=batangakniv*&#map001

Short version, all knives need justification for carrying in public places. If you're going hiking, it's OK carrying a fixed blade, if you're wearing a traditional costume, it's OK wearing a traditional knife and so and so forth.

Stillettoes, balisongs and automatic knives are illegal to possess. Assisted openers are legal, but mainly because the lawmakers haven't discovered them, so don't wave one around in front of an LEO.

There is nothing special legally about locking blades, OHO, etc.

Personal impression from a native knife carrier: SAKs and multitools are generally ignored. Most people are reasonably enough to realize it's nice having a knife for your lunch apple. (There is also legal precedence for this from at least on court case.)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: El Rago on September 30, 2013, 08:00:59 PM: In Spain it is also quite restrictive. There is also a "joker card" of sorts that allows the police to use his/her judgment about it as well.

so forbidden weapons:

-daggers
-sword canes
-swith blades

a dagger is considered any bladed weapon that has double edges, sharp point and less that 11cm blade lenght.

onwer ship: Prohibited unless at home for colection/display

use: prohibited use on any device that is considered a weapon (machete, knives and other bladed weapons). Also prohibited use of non automatic knives with blade lenght exceeding 11cm. These prohibitions exclude at home collection/display of bladed weapons over 11cm

carry, display, use:totally prohibited public carry/display of anyhting considered a weapon (fire arms and bladed weapons) this also include dartguns. It will also be considered illegal carry/use of weapons in public establishments as well other places for reunions, sports.

there is however a certain "leeway" as a cop can decide if you are carrying a weapon. Depends on his mood that day, but as per the law it can be impounded. Furthermore, if you are caught carrying anything considered a weapon, if you need it for anything considered legal (carrying a gun to the range, your knife set to the restaurent kicthen) then it is within the scope of your work. As long as you do not have inmediate access to it, then you can carry it as well. Same goes for survival knives at a hunting range or a clearing machete for farm work.

one handed knives are not particulary prohibited. as are locking knives.

as stated b4, this is pure google.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Pacu on September 30, 2013, 08:25:07 PM: USA

(feel free to edit)

Big northern cities...best not carry anything other than a SAK

South is a free fer all usually at the sheriff's, troopers, local police discretion. Never conceal a big sheath knife. Just carry it wide open on the belt and usually no trouble.

The USA is a big place so best check into local laws to be safe. I'm from the south ( Texas ) so we are pretty knife happy down here.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: RoboYeti on September 30, 2013, 10:42:06 PM: (Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, this post is not legal advice and should be considered for entertainment purposes only)

For Chicago:

I live in Chicago, but I have never checked the local laws. Inspired by this thread, I looked up the section on "Deadly Weapons" in the municipal code. The code bans switchblades, stilettos, daggers, dirks, bowie knives "commando knives" and spring loaded knives.

Individuals under age 18 are prohibited from carrying any kind of knife with a blade 2 inches or longer. "Utility knives" are also specifically banned for individuals under 18.

Individuals over the age of 18 are prohibited from carrying any kind of knife with a blade 2.5 inches or longer.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Nhoj on October 01, 2013, 03:31:43 AM: I'm lucky I live in upstate NY, there really are no knife restrictions here :think:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: JAfromMn on October 01, 2013, 03:58:16 AM: Not that I ever travel but I think I'd leave my knife in the car before I got on any plane and I'd buy a new knife when I got where I was going.

its a excuse to buy a new knife.

it can be traditional to the country your visiting you can keep as a reminder of the journey.

just don't forget to mail it to yourself before getting on a plane again :)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on October 01, 2013, 04:39:24 AM: Quote from: JAfromMn on October 01, 2013, 03:58:16 AM
Not that I ever travel but I think I'd leave my knife in the car before I got on any plane and I'd buy a new knife when I got where I was going.

its a excuse to buy a new knife.

it can be traditional to the country your visiting you can keep as a reminder of the journey.

just don't forget to mail it to yourself before getting on a plane again :)

Good point :)

Though I don't really like travelling by plane, and, within Europe, that's quite possible, lots of trains, and car-distances aren't too far, too... (Certainly from my tiny little home country :whistle: ).

Not travelling by plane, of course, means less trouble with planes :D, and means that I'd take a multitool (or just a knife) which could very well be locking and/or OHO, which means I would want to know if that's illegal in the country I'd travel to.

I suppose this could be less of an issue in the USA, where more traffic is done by flight.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: 3rdpig on October 01, 2013, 05:08:48 AM: I'm in Arizona, if you show up here without a knife and a pistol we have loaners, all we ask is that you help us guard the border and prevent illegal entry.

Oh, that's the border with California, not Mexico! >:D
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: xt60043f on October 01, 2013, 09:44:37 AM: My point being there is NOTHING you can carry with impunity. It all comes down to the officers discretion.

You knife may only be a non-locking, 1" long letter opener but the fact is if an officer is having a bad day and has you on a 27B/6 section 2 of the 'I don't like the look of your face son' act then he can confiscate anything remotely pointy and charge you with carrying an offensive weapon.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Dr. Bahn on October 01, 2013, 12:53:54 PM: Germany

1.) Pocket knives which can be openend with one hand AND have a locking mechanism are "problematic" except
a) you have a "legal reason" to carry them,
b) they are transported in a locked case.

2.) Pocket knives which can be opened with one hand but don´t have a locking mechanism or knives which can´t be opened with one hand but do have a locking mechanism can be carried without restrictions.

3.) Multitools with one-hand-opening/assisted blades seem to fall under 1.) above. All other can be carried without any restriction.

4.) OTF´s, Balisongs, pushdagger etc. are considered as weapons and are not legal.

5.) Side opening automatic knives with a blade not longer than 8,5 cm are legal if
a) you have a "legal reason" to carry them,
b) b) they are transported in a locked case.

6.) Fixed blades are legal if the blade is not longer than 12 cm. You need a "legal reason" or carry them in a locked box if they are longer than 12 cm. Daggers (or any knives with two sharp edges), swords etc. are considered as weapons and are not legal.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: AimlessWanderer on October 01, 2013, 01:12:22 PM: Quote from: xt60043f on October 01, 2013, 09:44:37 AM
My point being there is NOTHING you can carry with impunity. It all comes down to the officers discretion.

You knife may only be a non-locking, 1" long letter opener but the fact is if an officer is having a bad day and has you on a 27B/6 section 2 of the 'I don't like the look of your face son' act then he can confiscate anything remotely pointy and charge you with carrying an offensive weapon.

Whilst I cannot comment on your locality, I can say I have never had a problem. I have used SAKs in a city hospital (eating an apple), and openly worn a 4" sheath knife whilst boating through several towns (including operating a lock directly outside a courthouse), plus fixed spectacles in pubs and so on and so on. I would say advice for travellers would be carry no more than a 91mm SAK or MT equivalent, and use discretion and common sense in use (don't go waving it about unnecessarily)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Essexman on October 01, 2013, 02:11:03 PM: Quote from: xt60043f on October 01, 2013, 09:44:37 AM
My point being there is NOTHING you can carry with impunity. It all comes down to the officers discretion.

You knife may only be a non-locking, 1" long letter opener but the fact is if an officer is having a bad day and has you on a 27B/6 section 2 of the 'I don't like the look of your face son' act then he can confiscate anything remotely pointy and charge you with carrying an offensive weapon.

It's posts like this that gives the UK a bad name on the internet.

You know full well that even if the officer did as you have said above it would go no further as the CPS would throw it out before getting to court.

Please stick to facts and qoute law, not Daily Mail articles and "my mate down the pub told me...".
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: xt60043f on October 01, 2013, 03:29:13 PM: 1. Nobody said anything about pubs or mates.
2. That is the law.
3. Nobody reads the daily fail.
4. No need to be so acerbic.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: enki_ck on October 01, 2013, 03:44:42 PM: Thanks for your input. We now have the regulations for the UK. The OP said no discussions or law bashing so please if you wish to continue, take it to PM.

:salute:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: AlephZero on October 01, 2013, 07:50:58 PM: I'll gather some info about finnish law, and post the info here later :)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on October 01, 2013, 08:01:06 PM: Quote from: Aleph78 on October 01, 2013, 07:50:58 PM
I'll gather some info about finnish law, and post the info here later :)
:salute:

All thanks for your useful additions :salute:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: enki_ck on October 01, 2013, 08:17:19 PM: I think it would be best if we added links to the laws we're describing. For instance I'll add the one for Germany cause I have it bookmarked for some reason. ;)

I'll add the Croatian law land it's link later on when I've had a chance to verify some things. :salute:

Quote from: Dr. Bahn on October 01, 2013, 12:53:54 PM
Germany

1.) Pocket knives which can be openend with one hand AND have a locking mechanism are "problematic" except
a) you have a "legal reason" to carry them,
b) they are transported in a locked case.

2.) Pocket knives which can be opened with one hand but don´t have a locking mechanism or knives which can´t be opened with one hand but do have a locking mechanism can be carried without restrictions.

3.) Multitools with one-hand-opening/assisted blades seem to fall under 1.) above. All other can be carried without any restriction.

4.) OTF´s, Balisongs, pushdagger etc. are considered as weapons and are not legal.

5.) Side opening automatic knives with a blade not longer than 8,5 cm are legal if
a) you have a "legal reason" to carry them,
b) b) they are transported in a locked case.

6.) Fixed blades are legal if the blade is not longer than 12 cm. You need a "legal reason" or carry them in a locked box if they are longer than 12 cm. Daggers (or any knives with two sharp edges), swords etc. are considered as weapons and are not legal.

http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/__42a.html
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: nate j on October 02, 2013, 05:07:56 AM: Quote from: Pacu on September 30, 2013, 08:25:07 PM
USA

(feel free to edit)

Big northern cities...best not carry anything other than a SAK

South is a free fer all usually at the sheriff's, troopers, local police discretion. Never conceal a big sheath knife. Just carry it wide open on the belt and usually no trouble.

The USA is a big place so best check into local laws to be safe. I'm from the south ( Texas ) so we are pretty knife happy down here.

Agree the US is really tough because of the patchwork of state laws. Further, in any state which in which the state legislature has not enacted knife law preemption, counties, cities, and other localities are free to pass laws that are even more restrictive. Best to try to check specific locations where you will be traveling if possible. In much of the country, there are few if any restrictions, while some cities, such as New York, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, have such strict laws that even the aforementioned SAK may not technically be legal.

Here are a couple of decent resources:

http://www.akti.org/resources

http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=1

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm - This used to be pretty good, but seems not to have been updated in a few years.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on October 02, 2013, 11:05:15 AM: Quote from: nate j on October 02, 2013, 05:07:56 AM
Quote from: Pacu on September 30, 2013, 08:25:07 PM
USA

(feel free to edit)

Big northern cities...best not carry anything other than a SAK

South is a free fer all usually at the sheriff's, troopers, local police discretion. Never conceal a big sheath knife. Just carry it wide open on the belt and usually no trouble.

The USA is a big place so best check into local laws to be safe. I'm from the south ( Texas ) so we are pretty knife happy down here.

Agree the US is really tough because of the patchwork of state laws. Further, in any state which in which the state legislature has not enacted knife law preemption, counties, cities, and other localities are free to pass laws that are even more restrictive. Best to try to check specific locations where you will be traveling if possible. In much of the country, there are few if any restrictions, while some cities, such as New York, Boston, Chicago, and Philadelphia, have such strict laws that even the aforementioned SAK may not technically be legal.

Here are a couple of decent resources:

http://www.akti.org/resources

http://www.kniferights.or...ew&id=67&Itemid=1 (http://www.kniferights.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=67&Itemid=1)

http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm - This used to be pretty good, but seems not to have been updated in a few years.

I quite understand it might be a hard question for the USA, indeed... But maybe you can write down what laws -you- have, locally? If we collect all the small pieces, we'll have the most part covered, eventually ;)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: getahl on October 03, 2013, 02:35:56 PM: Off the top of my head, California has no length limit. Folders must be concealed, fixed blades must be open. Bali's and switchblades are legal to carry if blade is under two inches. Concealed blades, such as a sword cane or hairbrush knife, saps, daggers, batons, knuckles, belt buckle knives, and several other things are out and out illegal to carry. I will have to track down the law to link to. There is no state level preemption, so local laws may be more restrictive than state laws. I am not a lawyer, and anything I post should not be considered legal advise; I'm just a guy on the Internet.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: AlephZero on October 03, 2013, 08:19:25 PM: As promised, here's what I got for finnish law...

Stilettos are outright illegal, as are disguised blades and shurikens

Blades as themselves are allowed to be carried on person if needed for work related reasons

What this means? Say, if you work on a construction site, you're allowed to carry a puukko (or other knife) unconcealed.

If you carry a SAK, a folder or any other blade, without any work related reason, it can be possibly confiscated IF you are searched.. I doubt this would happen with SAKs, but folders are probably fair game and fixed blades definitely

http://www.finlex.fi/fi/laki/ajantasa/2003/20030612?search[type]=pika&search[pika]=j%C3%A4rjestyslaki
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: enki_ck on October 03, 2013, 11:58:35 PM: CROATIA:

Article 5, paragraph 5 of the Weapons law.

http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2007_06_63_1959.html

Quote
5)

Hladno oružje] su bodeži, kame, mačevi, sablje, bajunete i skakavci čije se sječivo nalazi pod pritiskom sabijene opruge, a iz drške iskaču pritiskom na puce ili polugu boksera i metalnih zvjezdica za bacanje, bez obzira na dužinu oštrice ili skrivene oštrice, bokseri te druga potajna oružja sa skrivenim oštricama (oružni štapovi, oružni kišobrani i sl.). Hladnim oružjem smatraju se i predmeti pogodni za nanošenje ozljeda kada se nose na javnim mjestima.

Or translated :D

5)
Cold weapons are daggers, kamas, swords, bayonets and spring assisted knives whose blade is under tension by a loaded spring and jump out the handle by pressing a button, brass knuckles and throwing stars, no matter the length of the blade or if the blade is hidden and other hidden weapons with hidden blades (walking sticks, umbrellas and similar with hidden weapons). Also considered cold weapons are objects suitable to infect injuries when carried in public places.

And no, it's not me translating it badly, it really is written that way. ::)

If it doesn't fall under that category of knives described above, you can carry it. Multitools and SAKs are mostly ok. I'm not completely sure about assisted opening knives or knives with a false back edge like the Spydie Native, CRKT M16 or the similar.

And hope the police officer who stops you knows the law too. ;) They mostly do though as I nicely tested it out for you. ;) I got searched this winter from head to toe during a what looked like a drug raid. I was at a local cafe/bar with about 8 friends for drinks and a chat, we were the only guests except for a couple in a booth. :D One of my friends asked me to bring some of my multitools as he was interested in getting one. And then comes the police. I had on me: Skeletool, Wave, Spirit X, ST300 and a Rambler on my keys. :ahhh Maybe more. >:D The cop searching me asked at one point "Is that all?" and I replied "Not yet" :D I was just waiting for the rest of the guys to start laughing. Not a single question was raised about the legality of any of them by any of the 20 police officers there. They did search my socks though. :doh:

That doesn't mean you can walk around town with your fixed blade strapped to your belt though. That would most surely get you arrested.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on October 04, 2013, 12:08:14 AM: Quote from: enki_ck on October 03, 2013, 11:58:35 PM
CROATIA:

Article 5, paragraph 5 of the Weapons law.

http://narodne-novine.nn....beni/2007_06_63_1959.html (http://narodne-novine.nn.hr/clanci/sluzbeni/2007_06_63_1959.html)

Quote
5)

Hladno oružje] su bodeži, kame, mačevi, sablje, bajunete i skakavci čije se sječivo nalazi pod pritiskom sabijene opruge, a iz drške iskaču pritiskom na puce ili polugu boksera i metalnih zvjezdica za bacanje, bez obzira na dužinu oštrice ili skrivene oštrice, bokseri te druga potajna oružja sa skrivenim oštricama (oružni štapovi, oružni kišobrani i sl.). Hladnim oružjem smatraju se i predmeti pogodni za nanošenje ozljeda kada se nose na javnim mjestima.

Or translated :D

5)
Cold weapons are daggers, kamas, swords, bayonets and spring assisted knives whose blade is under tension by a loaded spring and jump out the handle by pressing a button, brass knuckles and throwing stars, no matter the length of the blade or if the blade is hidden and other hidden weapons with hidden blades (walking sticks, umbrellas and similar with hidden weapons). Also considered cold weapons are objects suitable to infect injuries when carried in public places.

And no, it's not me translating it badly, it really is written that way. ::)

If it doesn't fall under that category of knives described above, you can carry it. Multitools and SAKs are mostly ok. I'm not completely sure about assisted opening knives or knives with a false back edge like the Spydie Native, CRKT M16 or the similar.

And hope the police officer who stops you knows the law too. ;) They mostly do though as I nicely tested it out for you. ;) I got searched this winter from head to toe during a what looked like a drug raid. I was at a local cafe/bar with about 8 friends for drinks and a chat, we were the only guests except for a couple in a booth. :D One of my friends asked me to bring some of my multitools as he was interested in getting one. And then comes the police. I had on me: Skeletool, Wave, Spirit X, ST300 and a Rambler on my keys. :ahhh Maybe more. >:D The cop searching me asked at one point "Is that all?" and I replied "Not yet" :D I was just waiting for the rest of the guys to start laughing. Not a single question was raised about the legality of any of them by any of the 20 police officers there. They did search my socks though. :doh:

That doesn't mean you can walk around town with your fixed blade strapped to your belt though. That would most surely get you arrested.

Thanks for this, and, the story attached :D :salute:

I'd like to point out that so far, pretty much every law I've read here has a sentence/part like this:

Also considered cold weapons are objects suitable to infect injuries when carried in public places.

Good thing to keep in mind when visiting a bar or any other public place ;)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: ironraven on October 06, 2013, 04:30:17 AM: USA, Vermont:

Auto openners are iffy except for fire, rescue, EMS, military personnel (active or Guard/Reserve), and those with a disability. There is a question for clarification of the law which may modify this.

Nothing at all in courthouses, mental institutions, corrections centers or the work camp, for what should be fairly obvious reasons; ditto schools (25 years ago, pretty much every guy had a knife in high school) except for certain trade and outdoors programs. Technically carrying a knife into a state or local office building, or hospital is a violation of the same law, but so long as you aren't being a smurfhead about it, no one says anything about a folder or multi for the most part. I know they've stepped up security at the statehouse in the past few years, but I had my SAK, LM and folder on me last spring when I was last there, but they did ask my roommate to leave his neck knife out in the truck but let him in with his folder and SAK.

You have to be IIRC 14 to buy knives. (Store policy may say 16 or even 18!)

And you can't carry a weapon over six feet in length concealed; local municipalities may have open carry regs. :rant:

On a slight side note, my dad doesn't carry a knife, but he knows my brother and I do. I remember the time asked for a knife and my little brother handed him a boot knife; when asked why it was in his boot, he said because it was a boot knife. My brother was 13 at the time, and this was quite legal so sayeth the judge (and scout master) in the room at the time.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: nate j on October 06, 2013, 08:21:44 AM: Quote from: ironraven on October 06, 2013, 04:30:17 AM
...you can't carry a weapon over six feet in length concealed...

Seems like that would be tough to pull off, law or no law.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: nuphoria on October 06, 2013, 11:28:44 AM: It's interesting how much the law differs so much, even with Europe... good info guys, thank you :tu:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: styx on October 06, 2013, 12:06:30 PM: To add on to Enki from a practical perspective (my mother works in the po po).

Open assisted folders slowly with 2 hands if needed. The faster it opens the more chance of it being "confiscated" as a weapon.
Any manual folder that passes the rule of thumb (OHO, traditional, locking or non locking) of the blade being shorter than the width of your palm is good. Try to keep it below 10cm of blade length though.
What they don't see is legal (their words, not mine).
Depending on the situation you can argue for a bigger folder and get away with it such as forgotten camping, farming or other type of tool (this is why you can technically carry an axe trough the city but it has to be out of sight). Actually tested that axe thing while doing some demolition work.

Another big thing is that there is a difference between confiscated and "confiscated" so make sure you get a receipt and the badge number.
They have the right to ask you to empty out your pockets, pat you down and look in your bags, but they are not allowed to open your bags, touch anything inside of them (so they can only look from different angles) and they can not put their hands in your pockets.

Does anyone know Belgian laws?
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on October 06, 2013, 12:24:16 PM: According to the Internet (http://www.wapenunie.be/wapenwet#h2) (I'll ony put knife-related stuff here)

Quote
Art. 3. § 1. Als verboden wapens worden beschouwd :

5° spring- of valmessen met slot, vlindermessen, boksbeugels en blanke wapens die uiterlijk gelijken op een ander voorwerp;

12° werpmessen;
13° nunchaku's;
14° werpsterren;

17° voorwerpen en stoffen die niet als wapen zijn ontworpen, maar waarvan, gegeven de concrete omstandigheden, duidelijk is dat degene die ze voorhanden heeft, draagt of vervoert, ze wenst te gebruiken voor het toebrengen van lichamelijk letsel aan of het bedreigen van personen.

Which means in English:
The next weapons are illegal:

5° locking automatic knives, balisongs, brass knuckles, and weapons that look like something else.
12° throwing knives;
13° nunchaku's;
14° throwing stars;

17° things that aren't designed as a weapon, but, seeing the situation, it's clear that the person that's carrying them wishes to use them to induce bodily harm or threatening of persons.

Quote
Art. 9. Het dragen van een vrij verkrijgbaar wapen is alleen toegestaan aan diegene, die daartoe een wettige reden kan aantonen.
Which means: "carrying a freely available weapon is only permitted to persons who have a lawful reason to do so"

(or something like this, Top-Gear-24 probably knows more about this ;) )
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Steinar on November 03, 2013, 08:45:05 PM: Could someone chime in with what the current rules in Sweden are?
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Mr Biriyani on November 13, 2013, 12:52:01 AM: Knifelaws in Sweden.

First of all you are not allowed to carry any kind knife in public places.
Exampels of exeptions from that is if you are a carpenter and have your dedicated carpenter knife on you. Military with uniform.Out in the woods picking mushrooms having your dedicated mushroom knife. etc.

But there are really no restrictions of what you can owe. I think you can have any kind and size of knife,sword or machete.

As I understand it you have to be 21 to buy or owe certain knifes as autoknifes,stillettos or butterflyknifes.
Which is remarkable beacause the legal age for most things are 18.

This is the short version and I don´t know exactly how the law is used. For example I carry a small folder in a pouch stuffed away in my rucksack almost everyday. And I think thats legal. But I´m not sure.
As it is not easy accessible. As a "normal" citizen I´m not worried about it I think the law came to let the police take knifes and similiar weapons from people having them at wrong places as around soccer games and such. The law is fairly new.
We had a popular polititian Anna Lindh whos was minister of foreign affairs that was murdered by a madman in a knife attack 10 years ago which also affected the sight of knifes in public places.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: MWDP on December 23, 2013, 08:06:41 PM: I will be traveling to Canada in March next year, anyone have any good tips on what (not) to bring? Obviously I won't carry my Spyderco Military or ZT0550 but I'd like to know if carrying a Cadet in my pocket would get me in trouble, and if I could sneak by a larger blade of some sort. Thanks in advance!
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: enki_ck on December 23, 2013, 08:13:27 PM: We have our fair share of Canadians around here (one even owns this place :P ) so if you don't get your answer by Christmas we'll :twak: them a bit. :D
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on December 24, 2013, 01:28:28 AM: I'm actually surprised that none of them answered here, yet... :pok: :pok: :pok: :pok:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: WWW on December 28, 2013, 04:02:16 PM: If you're coming to Brazil you'll not have much problems whatsoever. The law only specify what is a white weapon and what is a fire-arm. It does so because the possesion and carry of a fire arm is regulated, meaning you need a permit to own and carry one.

Knife wise you could carry pretty much anything but a little bit of good sense is welcomed. Don't try to open carry a machete and/or large cutting tools of this kind. Technically and LEO can't not arrest you for carrying it (only if you were caught trying to chop someone's head and etc) but is better not to. Push daggers and similars are considered as weapons with the sole purpose of causing harm but again the sole possession and carry of such are not reason for a LEO to arrest you.

This http://www.camachoknives.com/porte.html was written by a lawyer and now knife maker from Rio de Janeiro, and all the information above was based on my understanding of the article.

Just for a quick recap, MT's, SAK's, auto's, bali's, assisted opener's and fixed blades are all legal.

Any additional info is welcomed!
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: dmanuel on January 13, 2014, 12:45:49 PM: Can anyone cover knife laws in Philippines for me? I get all kinds of answers from guards and local cops, most of whom are trying to confiscate my knife in one hand and holding out the other .... :td:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on January 13, 2014, 08:47:12 PM: Quote from: dmanuel on January 13, 2014, 12:45:49 PM
Can anyone cover knife laws in Philippines for me? I get all kinds of answers from guards and local cops, most of whom are trying to confiscate my knife in one hand and holding out the other .... :td:

A quick google search gives me this as a first page:
Quote

BATAS PAMBANSA BILANG 6

AN ACT REDUCING THE PENALTY FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF BLADED, POINTED OR BLUNT WEAPONS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NUMBERED NINE.
Section 1. Paragraph three of Presidential Decree Numbered Nine is hereby amended to read as follows:

"3. It is unlawful to carry outside of one's residence any bladed, pointed or blunt weapon such as "knife", "spear", "pana", "dagger", "bolo", "barong", "kris", or "chako", except where such articles are being used as necessary tools or implements to earn a livelihood or in pursuit of a lawful activity. Any person found guilty thereof shall suffer the penalty of imprisonment of not less than one month nor more than one year or a fine of not less than Two Hundred Pesos nor more than Two Thousand Pesos, or both such imprisonment and fine as the Court may direct."

Sec. 2. Article twenty-two of the Revised Penal Code shall apply to persons previously convicted under paragraph three of Presidential Decree Numbered Nine.

Sec. 3. Any law or ordinance which is inconsistent herewith is hereby repealed.
Sec. 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

http://www.chanrobles.com/bataspambansabilang6.htm#.UtRB4vTuIrU

Of course, I can't verify any sources for this...

If this is right, though, I'd be very careful with any knife-carrying...
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on March 25, 2014, 12:00:49 PM: Just bumping this up to attention here :)

Quote from: bmot on September 30, 2013, 03:28:21 PM
I was thinking, in spirit of the "guide to the international trader"-topic, I thought it'd be a good idea to have a thread where knife-carrying laws of all countries are put together. (Mods, if this thread already exists, don't be afraid to close this one ;) )DISCLAIMER: this thread is not meant to be bashing local knife laws, just purely informational! :police: (If a mod can put a link to each country/state/city here, it could become an awesome encyclopedia-thingy)

The Netherlands (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg780844.html#msg780844)
United Kingdom (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg780880.html#msg780880)
Norway (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg780899.html#msg780899)
Spain (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg780948.html#msg780948)
Germany (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg781178.html#msg781178)
Finland (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg782084.html#msg782084)
Croatia (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg782212.html#msg782212) (and an addition (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg783109.html#msg783109))
Belgium (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg783114.html#msg783114)
Sweden (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg800997.html#msg800997)
Brazil (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg819793.html#msg819793)
Phillipines (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg828408.html#msg828408)

For the USA:
Vague general feeling (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg780958.html#msg780958)
Chicago (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg781003.html#msg781003)
California (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg782005.html#msg782005)
Vermont (http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,47532.msg783033.html#msg783033)

Links:
http://www.akti.org/resources
http://pweb.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm - This used to be pretty good, but seems not to have been updated in a few years.

Also, this addition I'd like to make:

Quote from: bmot on October 04, 2013, 12:08:14 AM
I'd like to point out that so far, pretty much every law I've read here has a sentence/part like this: Also considered cold weapons are objects suitable to infect injuries when carried in public places.

Good thing to keep in mind when visiting a bar or any other public place ;)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: bmot on March 26, 2014, 09:57:26 AM: Just as another bump, and maybe an inspiration... A list of countries I woul personally be interested in:

France, Italy, Switzerland, Portugal, general eastern Europe, Denmark, more places in the USA, Canada?

Please, do share :)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Freaver on May 07, 2014, 09:21:48 PM: Well, I guess I can chime in with the laws of Denmark - at least the way I understand them.

No one-handed/assisted blades, no locking blades and no blades longer than 2,75 inches/7 cm. This is measured from the tip of the blade to the scale, not just the sharpened part.

IIRC, locking blades are legal if used for a "legal reason", i.e. camping, hunting, fishing, work, etc, but blades that can be opened with one hand, whether they're with thumb studs/hole, assisted opening, OTF, flippers or anything else is illegal to carry and own.

It is possible to get a permit for collecting knifes, swords and the like, but I don't know what such a permit lets you own and even then, it wouldn't be legal to carry said knives, unless they are in a locked box.

If I've forgotten something or misunderstood something, I'm sure AHB can help out; he's the reason I more or less understand the laws. :D
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 25, 2014, 03:38:37 PM: Hello all. I've been absent for 2 years and I would like to make this my return post. First let me say, bmot thanks for the most recent deal and your generosity, given my history with the USMC. Second, Grant I know you missed me, don't be ashamed to admit it. Your feelings for me aren't wrong Grant, they're just different and that's ok. :rofl:
Lastly, all of you need to move to Oklahoma with me and carry anything you damn well please, including your 6 foot long "Light Saber" or whatever. Anyone who has a problem with whatever you're carrying can feel free to call me. Whereupon I will formally advise them, according to the law here, just exactly how they can go stand on their head and tamp sand in their ***hole!
Man, I missed you guys!
Stew and new k9 partner "Bo" :salute:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Grant Lamontagne on May 26, 2014, 12:39:32 AM: Welcome back amigo! I dunno about everyone else here but for some reason I missed you! :pok:

Good to have you back man- our nonsense quotient was starting to slip! :D

Def
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 03:42:34 AM: Thank you Boss. I'm full of nonsense and depending upon whom you listen to, I'm full of some other stuff as well. No need to reply Ashley, we already know what you think I'm full of... :pok:. I really have missed Ashley. She didn't take any crap off of me. Still, she was too scared to openly admit my overall superiority in every way. Take that Ashley! He said with authority, while running for his life... :whistle:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: jerseydevil on May 26, 2014, 04:12:08 AM: Quote from: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 03:42:34 AM
Thank you Boss. I'm full of nonsense and depending upon whom you listen to, I'm full of some other stuff as well. No need to reply Ashley, we already know what you think I'm full of... :pok:. I really have missed Ashley. She didn't take any crap off of me. Still, she was too scared to openly admit my overall superiority in every way. Take that Ashley! He said with authority, while running for his life... :whistle:

Ash hasn't been too active here lately. I talk to her all the time though, so I'll be sure to pass that along..... >:D

Welcome back. :cheers:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: ducttapetech on May 26, 2014, 02:48:19 PM: Glad to have you back!!! It has been awhile.

live from Nate's mobile
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Sparkydave on May 26, 2014, 05:50:47 PM: So is a locking knife allowed to be carried in spain? I have a tenacious or ambitious on me when going to and from work
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 08:25:04 PM: Quote from: jerseydevil on May 26, 2014, 04:12:08 AM
Quote from: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 03:42:34 AM
Thank you Boss. I'm full of nonsense and depending upon whom you listen to, I'm full of some other stuff as well. No need to reply Ashley, we already know what you think I'm full of... :pok:. I really have missed Ashley. She didn't take any crap off of me. Still, she was too scared to openly admit my overall superiority in every way. Take that Ashley! He said with authority, while running for his life... :whistle:

Ash hasn't been too active here lately. I talk to her all the time though, so I'll be sure to pass that along..... >:D

Welcome back. :cheers:
Thank you Sir. Now I really will be in trouble, and deservedly so... :pok:
Thank you as well duct, it's good to be back. :cheers: to all.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: jerseydevil on May 26, 2014, 09:01:47 PM: Quote from: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 08:25:04 PM
Quote from: jerseydevil on May 26, 2014, 04:12:08 AM
Quote from: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 03:42:34 AM
Thank you Boss. I'm full of nonsense and depending upon whom you listen to, I'm full of some other stuff as well. No need to reply Ashley, we already know what you think I'm full of... :pok:. I really have missed Ashley. She didn't take any crap off of me. Still, she was too scared to openly admit my overall superiority in every way. Take that Ashley! He said with authority, while running for his life... :whistle:

Ash hasn't been too active here lately. I talk to her all the time though, so I'll be sure to pass that along..... >:D

Welcome back. :cheers:
Thank you Sir. Now I really will be in trouble, and deservedly so... :pok:
Thank you as well duct, it's good to be back. :cheers: to all.

Yep I'm sure you will be. I heard what you threatened to do to her yard.....

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 11:34:32 PM: I was going to do it in all 4 corners brother and "mark my territory". :rofl: I don't think it scared her...
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 11:38:27 PM: My plan was to do it and then blame it on Kirk like you told me too...or was that supposed to be a secret? :whistle:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: enki_ck on May 27, 2014, 12:04:14 AM: Quote from: scattergun13 on May 26, 2014, 11:38:27 PM
My plan was to do it and then blame it on Kirk like you told me too...or was that supposed to be a secret? :whistle:

Nah, everybody on MTO knows to blame Kirky for stuff like this. >:D

Welcome back. :cheers:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 27, 2014, 02:26:03 AM: Thank you very much old friend. I sense as a "holy man" that jersey and I may need a bondsman and a good lawyer. Right along with a therapist, some acupuncture, a priest, a safe word and an airtight alibi. :drink:
Really,
Stew....
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Ashley on May 27, 2014, 09:03:19 PM: Stew and Tom the two cuts up that make me world a mess. Tom is a damn Yankee that's a mets fan and Stew well I can't tell what he is. :whistle:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 28, 2014, 02:29:12 AM: Quote from: Ashley on May 27, 2014, 09:03:19 PM
Stew and Tom the two cuts up that make me world a mess. Tom is a damn Yankee that's a mets fan and Stew well I can't tell what he is. :whistle:

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Well let me help you with that...
Stew is the all knowing "Stewyzypha" who can stop a speeding bullet...well. once anyway.
Stew puts the "style" in "doggy style"!
Stew spells his name S T with an oooooooh...
Stew is so handsome that at Christmas time, I touch my own elf!
Stew will have his own religious cult and it will be called "Plentywood"

Did any of that help? :D
STooooooh!
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: jerseydevil on May 28, 2014, 03:48:24 PM: I find it slightly ironic that I'm being called "Yankee" by someone whose state exists only because the area refused to join the Confederacy in 1861..... ::)

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Ashley on May 28, 2014, 04:59:48 PM: And that above is why I love you so stew you touch your own elf. Tom you can't even speak normal ask any wv local. You say I have a drawllllll well hell at least I'm understandable. You need spit that gunk outta ya mouth and speak clearer. :D

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: jerseydevil on May 28, 2014, 05:07:39 PM: :twak: Allayouseguys are the ones talkin funny, not me, aight? :P

Sent from my SCH-S738C using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: ducttapetech on May 28, 2014, 05:26:45 PM: Lmao! ya don't speak tat funny at tall Tom.
Ash, youza a Yank too. :)

live from Nate's mobile
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 28, 2014, 09:07:28 PM: All of you are still more than welcome in my cult. We need cult names and a secret handshake. :think:
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: scattergun13 on May 28, 2014, 09:09:56 PM: Quote from: Ashley on May 28, 2014, 04:59:48 PM
And that above is why I love you so stew you touch your own elf. Tom you can't even speak normal ask any wv local. You say I have a drawllllll well hell at least I'm understandable. You need spit that gunk outta ya mouth and speak clearer. :D

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Why yes, yes I do! And I'm frequently thinking of you or the rules of Cricket. It doesn't take much for me... ;)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Huntsman on June 04, 2014, 09:08:09 AM: :b2t:
Nice wiki on this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knife_legislation

Apologies if it's already in the thread.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: nervium on June 24, 2014, 05:53:49 PM: in Turkey; balisongs, switcblades, daggers and big size fixeds can cause problem. If you have a low-profile you can walk around with an Endura in your pocket without no problem. once i landed on a Turkish Airlines plane with a Gerber BG folding with sheath on my belt, on a public airport, but that was an extraordinary situation about a disaster mission.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Mextreme on July 02, 2014, 05:56:58 AM: Quote from: Mr Biriyani on November 13, 2013, 12:52:01 AM
Knifelaws in Sweden.

First of all you are not allowed to carry any kind knife in public places.
Exampels of exeptions from that is if you are a carpenter and have your dedicated carpenter knife on you. Military with uniform.Out in the woods picking mushrooms having your dedicated mushroom knife. etc.

But there are really no restrictions of what you can owe. I think you can have any kind and size of knife,sword or machete.

As I understand it you have to be 21 to buy or owe certain knifes as autoknifes,stillettos or butterflyknifes.
Which is remarkable beacause the legal age for most things are 18.

This is the short version and I don´t know exactly how the law is used. For example I carry a small folder in a pouch stuffed away in my rucksack almost everyday. And I think thats legal. But I´m not sure.
As it is not easy accessible. As a "normal" citizen I´m not worried about it I think the law came to let the police take knifes and similiar weapons from people having them at wrong places as around soccer games and such. The law is fairly new.
We had a popular polititian Anna Lindh whos was minister of foreign affairs that was murdered by a madman in a knife attack 10 years ago which also affected the sight of knifes in public places.

Actually the small changes in the law are excellent for the law abidding citizen and allows all pocket knifes and multi tools even though it leaves a lot up to the police officer. If you have no criminal intent you can carry what ever folder you whish the officer has to consider that you are carrying it as a weapon to be considered as a weapon.
Normally that means that if the police arrest someone shoplifting and he has a boxcutter he can add carrying the knife to the charges and confiscate it. If you go about your business you will have no problem.

Actually the exception for "normal pocket knifes" which leaves a lot to the officer but for the law abidding citizen and a tourist with a SAK should be just fine.
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: shark_za on January 23, 2015, 08:41:15 AM: I came across this topic and see that South Africa has not been covered.

Knives fall under the Dangerous Weapons Act, [Act No. 15 of 2013].
This act was brought in after the shooting of rioters and the use of "traditional weapons" at gatherings.
Firearms are controlled under another act. They used this pretence to enact it and us collectors and users made sure relevant provisions were made to protect our rights. Its a tricky one as it is an interpretation law and you get the wrong cop on the wrong day and you may be busy.

Definitions
1. In this Act, unless the context otherwise indicates— ‘‘dangerous weapon’’
means any object, other than a firearm, capable of causing death or inflicting serious bodily harm, if it were used for an unlawful purpose.

Application of Act
2.
This Act does not apply to the following activities:
(a) Possession of dangerous weapons in pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity;
(b) possession of dangerous weapons during the participation in any religious or cultural activities, or lawful sport, recreation, or entertainment; or
(c) legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapons

Prohibition of possession of dangerous weapons
3.
(1)Any person who is in possession of any dangerous weapon under circumstances
which may raise a reasonable suspicion that the person intends to use the dangerous
weapon for an unlawful purpose, is guilty of an offence and liable on conviction to a fine
or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding three years.
(2) In determining whether a person intends to use the object as a dangerous weapon
for an unlawful purpose, all relevant factors, including but not limited to, the following
must be taken into account:
(a) The place and time where the person is found;
(b) the behaviour of the person, including the making of any threat or the display of intimidatory behaviour;
(c) the manner in which the object is carried or displayed;
(d) whether the possession of the object was within the context of drug dealing, gang association or any organised crime or any other criminal activity; or
(e) any other relevant factors, including any explanation the person may wish to provide for his or her possession of the object: Provided that this paragraph shall not be interpreted as an obligation on the person to explain his or her possession of the object.

Summary
Use it for legal purpose its legal, use it for illegal purpose and its illegal. Doh!
There are no banned knives, you can have switch-blades, ballisongs, (They are just knives ffsakes) locked blades , fixed blades , big ones, small ones, OHO whatever.
Just don't be a C#^t.
Walk down the street threatening people with your saber strapped to your belt and you will be asked to explain your intentions.
Threaten someone with your knife and you will get trouble (probably shot first before the police get there)
Heck, cutting biltong is a cultural thing that may not be infringed >:D)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: Noa Isumi on January 23, 2015, 03:17:32 PM: USA Texas

Someone above said were pretty lax her in Texas...but we actually do have some rules.
This is most of what Penal Code 46 boils down to for both knives and firearms.
I also included HB195 which is currently in the submission/waiting to go to committee phase in the state house.

You can own almost any weapon you want. Carry and use it on real property all you want; that is land you own, lease or have specific permission and usually your car/truck/boat counts too.
However public possession beyond transport from store to real property has some rules.

No blades over 5.5in, without having a real use (filet knife for a fisherman, machete for landscaper etc.)
No double edge blades (archery broad heads are exempt from this one)
No throwing knives, stars, and darts
No axes, tomahawks without a being a having a requirement for such like landscaping, reenacting, camping.
No swords or bowies, unless part of a ceremony, reenactment, or theater, etc.
No sword canes, or spears (spear head with out shaft is regulated as knife)
No clubs, batons,tire thumpers etc. unless you are a bonded security guard.
No brass knuckles, blackjacks, nunchuck, slaps or saps
No chemical weapons (except basic pepper spray type items)
No body armor if you have a felony record, this includes steel plate, real or makeshift
No anything in a school, courthouse, prison, and some government office buildings.

Switchblades and ballisongs are legal to carry as long as they fall under 5.5in and single edge like any other knife.
All martial arts weapons are legal in the dojo even if banned for public carry this counts as a real use exception
No lock back knives in the city of San Antonio (local law)
Ballistic Knives are 50 state illegal as per Federal law.

FIREARMS;
No possession for felons, domestic violence records, or restraining orders....duh there's a big list of offences and determinations both state and federal that can and will get you banned from posessing or attempting to purchase a firearm.

No open carry of hand guns, licensed carry (CCW) is permitted after class, background check, fingerprints, and range qualifier (takes about 6wks for paper work and a total cost 250-300usd on average) It is about as much paper work, and costs more than the federal form 4 to get permission to buy a machine gun we're just lucky it doesn't take a year to process or require special permission from the sheriff like a form 4 does.

We do honor out of state licenses.
CCW Weapon must stay concealed, with reasonable effort, we are not going to bust you if your shirt pills out or flaps in the breeze but if you are flashing your holster your go'in for a ride.
.
No possession including CCW holders in any building marked with a "30.06 sign" at the main entrance, using a side entrance to avoid the sign is not an excuse. "30.06" signage is a specific sign baring firearms from a property, and it must be the proper sign placed visibly out in the open. Obeying non 30.06 signs is a courtesy not a requirement and does not carry the extra possession charge, they can only get you for trespass if you refuse to leave when asked.

No possession in a bar
No open possession in a restaurant with a bar.
No possession in school, hospital, amusement park, government building, and a bunch of other places.

Open carry of long guns is permitted any ware that does not have a specific location ban as above. This includes all rifles, shotguns and appropriate NFA items (with paper work on you of course).
You may not carry in a threating manor or in such a way to cause alarm or panic.
Black powder pistols/revolvers are legal for open carry as well.

There is an additional Weapons ban from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission making "unlicensed possession of a weapon" in any place that sells alcohol a felony offence.
That includes bars, restaurants, liquor stores, gas stations, and groceries.

There is a new piece of legislation here in TX that will change a lot of this if passed....
HB195 is a "Constitutional Carry" that basically means if you legally are allowed to own a firearm you can carry it open or concealed no jumping through hoops for another license beyond the form 4473 and the NICS background check that's already done at purchase in all firearms stores and shows.
But what people don't talk about is in re-writing PC46a to remove the extra license requirement they also removed the wording for "possession of "illegal knife" and "illegal club"" meaning many of those knife restrictions, as well as the ban on tomahawks and batons should go away unless specifically re-written. It does not remove the definition of "illegal knife/club" from the glossary but rather removes the "possession of" from the law its self with trickle down re-writes to bring the rest of PC46 in line to the changes.
So the glossary should update as well.
And the TxABC ban will need to be updated too for this to work.
So It has a long way to go.

Texas is one if only 4 states (believe that was the number) that does not allow open carry of hand guns; In spite of the Federal Supreme Court ruling that "open was a right" and "concealed was a privilege" and that you could "no more ban arms by type than you could ban free speech by media/format" I'm paraphrasing a little here since I don't have the case opinions in front of me at the moment. So this would actually bring Texas in line with the Court ruling and give a bit more too.

Sorry for rambling but I wanted to be thorough on Texas laws both current and hopefully pending as It is often mis-represented as the "the wild west " or that we "can carry whatever we want" and still "have show downs in the streets at hi noon".
Arguments both for and against possession often have more to do with such stereotypes than they do with reality and I only seek to inform here not argue or debate..
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: ScotInFinland on January 11, 2017, 06:46:55 PM: Just to clarify the Brittish rules. Any multitool or knife needs a justifiable reason. If your hiking up a mountain you can carry a small knife. If you are walking along a path, you cannot (you wouldent need one or a normal road).

Similarly multitools with blades are the same, if you are camping in the wilderness or on a jobsite in the city, you can justify carrying one. But if you are on your lunch break and nip to macdonalds with it still on your belt, that is illeagal and if cought you can be charged.

The whole jist is you need immeadate justification. You could need it at work, but you wouldent need it going to work. This works with multi tools, knifes are more restricted, basicaly camping in the woodsis ok But not traveling. And not for large knives, parangs, machetes, you better be on a training course to carry one of those
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: RVER on January 27, 2017, 02:09:36 PM: PA Knife law: No blade length restriction, you can carry a butcher knife concealed if you want as long as you don't commit a crime with it. Switchblades, gravity knives, double edged dirks or daggers are NOT permitted to be carried outside of the residence except for theater...

CCW: Permit costs $15.00 and is issued by the county Sheriff's Office. Paperwork is minimal and the process takes about 20 minutes. You may carry anywhere except for schools, courthouses, federal buildings.

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: pomsbz on February 27, 2017, 04:28:12 PM: I'm confused about the British laws as explained on this thread. It is my understanding that a non locking folding knife under 3" is legal to carry. Full stop.

Seems pretty clear here: https://www.gov.uk/buying-carrying-knives

You do not require a good reason to carry a folding knife 3" or less. Full stop. That's from the horses mouth. Anything else is just scare mongering or authority power tripping. I believe that there is a card with this law printed on it that can be carried to show police who are trying to enforce a non existent law.

This does not of course allow one to use anything as an offensive weapon, or give rise to the accusation of such,

(I'm a Manchester boy though I don't currently live in the UK)
Title: Re: A knife-carrying guide for the international traveller.
Post by: pomsbz on February 27, 2017, 04:47:05 PM: Knife carrying in Israel.

The law is split between whether the onus of proof of intent is on the police or on the individual.

Any locking, fixed blade knife or non locking blade over 10cm is assumed to be carried for illegal purpose unless the individual can show that they were carrying the knife for a legal reason. This incidentally also applies to blunt trauma weapons, etc. There is a loophole that a multitool is commonly assumed to be a tool rather than a knife. If you are going camping and have a knife or are a builder with a hammer then that is fine. Having either of those in a mall without a good reason and you will be taken in for questioning and the possibility of arrest. Self defence is not considered as an excuse for carrying a blade.

Any non locking folding blade under 10cm is assumed to be carried for a legal purpose and the onus is on the police to prove otherwise.

I do not know of any restrictions of knife types whatsoever but some might prove very difficult to explain as having a legal purpose for carry. Such as a dagger or tactical blade in the street.

All knives without exception are illegal to carry in government buildings, schools or other public places such as malls, bus stations or hospitals unless there is a demonstrable necessity for having them there such as builders or returning an item for repair, etc. Security is very tight on such places but also intelligent. I've been stopped going into the mall with my Leatherman, waved through and told to leave it at home next time. I've seen a cook when entering a government building declare their large chef's knife wrapped only in a dirty cloth and they asked him just to leave it there till he left.

Being intelligent is key. There are far more terrorist/criminal stabbings than shootings in the country, it is a Middle Eastern country and the criminal weapon of choice will almost always be a knife. The laws are based on real world problems. A locking or fixed blade in the city will raise some serious eyebrows. A Victorinox or Leatherman (though locking) will raise almost none.