Can I carry a knife in Switzerland?
It depends on the type and intent — ordinary knives are allowed, certain types banned. The Weapons Act (WG) bans certain knives by construction, not by blade length: switchblades (one-hand automatic), butterfly knives, throwing knives and daggers (symmetrical, double-edged blade). Their acquisition, import and carrying are prohibited (exceptional permit possible). Allowed are kitchen knives, the pocketknife / Swiss Army knife and ordinary folding knives. But: even an allowed knife may not be carried with intent to misuse (WG 28a), and carrying an actual weapon needs a permit (WG 27). At events additional bans can apply. In short: yes, ordinary knives without bad intent — banned types no.
📋 The rules
- Ban by construction, not by blade length
- Banned: switchblades, butterfly, throwing knives, daggers
- Allowed: pocketknives, kitchen & ordinary folding knives
- No carrying with intent to misuse (WG 28a)
- At events: additional bans possible
🔓 Exceptions
- Exceptional permit for banned knives (collectors etc.)
- Manually opened one-hand folding knife: not a prohibited weapon
- Carrying an actual weapon: carry permit (WG 27)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Acquiring, importing or carrying a banned knife (switchblade, butterfly, throwing knife, dagger) without an exceptional permit, or carrying a knife with recognisable intent to misuse, is an offence under the Weapons Act — from a fine to imprisonment, with confiscation. Beware a myth: "knives with a blade over 5 cm are banned in Switzerland" — that's not what the statute says; the WG bans certain constructions, not a blade length. Tip: the pocketknife is allowed, but don't carry a knife at demos, sports events or on a night out, where it could be seen as a threat.
📎 Official sources
- Fedlex · Weapons Act (WG, SR 514.54) →
- fedpol · prohibited weapons →
- ch.ch · owning weapons in Switzerland →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I carry a pocketknife?
Yes. The pocketknife or Swiss Army knife, kitchen knives and ordinary folding knives are allowed and may be owned and carried. But you mustn't carry them with a recognisable intent to threaten or injure someone, otherwise you commit an offence under the Weapons Act.
Which knives are banned?
Under the Weapons Act, certain constructions are banned: switchblades with a one-hand automatic blade, butterfly knives, throwing knives and daggers with a symmetrical, double-edged blade. Their acquisition, import and carrying are prohibited, unless you hold a cantonal exceptional permit.
Is there an allowed blade length?
The Weapons Act names no blade length as a limit. Certain constructions are banned, not knives above a certain length. The often-cited limits of five centimetres of blade don't come from the statute. What matters is the construction and the intent with which you carry it.
Can I take a knife to a demo?
Better not. Even a knife that's allowed in itself may not be carried with intent to misuse. At demonstrations, sports events or on a night out, additional bans by cantons or organisers can apply. There, carrying a knife can lead to a report and confiscation.
What's the penalty for carrying a banned knife?
Acquiring, importing or carrying a banned knife without an exceptional permit is an offence under the Weapons Act. Depending on the case you face a fine, a monetary penalty or imprisonment, plus confiscation of the knife. If in doubt, it's worth checking beforehand.
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