Knife Laws & Shipping Restrictions

At Knivestore.com, we take legal compliance seriously. Knife legislation varies significantly across Europe. We restrict certain product categories in countries where their sale, import, or possession is prohibited or requires a permit.

Please note: This page provides general guidance based on our current knowledge and does not constitute legal advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of this information. Knife legislation is subject to change, and other countries in Europe and the world may have different legal regulations that we cannot fully cover. It is your responsibility to ensure that any knife you order complies with the laws of your country. If in doubt, consult your local authorities before ordering.

Country-by-Country Overview

Austria (AT)

No purchase restrictions. All knife categories are available. Carrying fixed blades or one-hand-opening knives in public without a legitimate reason may be subject to restrictions.

Germany (DE)

Restricted: Automatic knives (switchblades), OTF knives, assisted openers. Carry restrictions (§42a WaffG): Fixed blades with a blade length over 12 cm and one-hand-opening folding knives may not be carried in public without a legitimate reason. All other categories are available for purchase and home possession.

Netherlands (NL)

Restricted: Automatic knives, OTF knives, push daggers, folding knives with an overall length exceeding 28 cm (open). Stilettos and switchblades are classified as Category I (prohibited).

Belgium (BE)

Restricted: Automatic knives, OTF knives, throwing knives, stilettos. Carrying knives in public without a legitimate reason is prohibited.

Denmark (DK)

Restricted: Automatic knives, OTF knives, assisted openers, one-hand-opening knives (flippers, thumbstud, thumbhole), fixed blades with a blade length over 12 cm. Denmark has some of the strictest knife laws in Europe. Only slipjoint and traditional two-hand-opening knives may be freely purchased.

France (FR)

Restricted: Automatic knives, OTF knives, throwing knives, daggers (Category D weapons). Folding knives and fixed blades are generally available for purchase, but carrying in public may require justification.

Sweden (SE)

Restricted: Automatic knives, OTF knives, assisted openers. Import of automatic knives requires a police permit. Possession under age 21 is prohibited.

Portugal (PT)

Restricted: Automatic knives, OTF knives, throwing knives. Switchblades and throwing knives are classified as Class A weapons (possession prohibited).

Greece (GR)

Restricted: Automatic knives, OTF knives, double-edged daggers. Knives that cannot be justified as tools or for professional use may be subject to seizure.

Latvia (LV)

Restricted: Automatic knives (spring knives), OTF knives, assisted openers, bayonets.

Estonia (EE)

Restricted: Automatic knives, OTF knives. The legal status of certain blade types is ambiguous. We apply a precautionary approach.

Hungary (HU)

Restricted: Automatic knives. Sale of switchblades to private individuals is prohibited. Customs may seize such items.

Luxembourg (LU)

Most knife types are available for purchase. Carrying in public is restricted.

Finland (FI)

No specific purchase or possession restrictions for most knife categories. Carrying in public without a legitimate reason is prohibited.

Italy (IT)

No specific purchase restrictions for most knife categories. Carrying fixed blades or locking folders in public requires justification (e.g. work, outdoor activities).

Czech Republic (CZ), Poland (PL), Slovakia (SK), Slovenia (SI), Croatia (HR), Bulgaria (BG), Romania (RO)

No significant knife restrictions. All categories are available for purchase. General rules about carrying weapons in public may still apply.

Lithuania (LT)

Most knife types are available. Certain blade specifications (length, edge type) may apply to automatic knives.

What We Restrict

We automatically block the following product categories from shipping to countries where they are prohibited:

Category

Restricted In

Automatic Knives / Switchblades

DE, NL, BE, DK, FR, PT, SE, HU, GR, LV, EE

OTF Knives

DE, NL, BE, DK, FR, PT, SE, GR, LV, EE

Assisted Openers

DE, DK, LV, SE

Throwing Knives

BE, PT, FR

Double-Edged Daggers

GR

Fixed Blades (blade >12 cm)

DK

Folding Knives (overall length >28 cm)

NL

If a product is restricted in your country, it will not appear in your local store or cannot be added to your cart.

Your Responsibility

Even where we ship a product to your country, you are responsible for ensuring that import, possession, and carry comply with your local laws. Knife legislation can change, and local regulations (municipal, regional) may impose additional restrictions beyond national law.

Knivestore.com shall not be held liable if items are seized by customs or law enforcement authorities.

Questions?

If you are unsure whether a specific product may be shipped to your country, contact us at info@knivestore.com before placing your order.