🔪 Can I carry a knife?

With conditions

Quick answer

Owning most knives at home is legal, but carrying a knife in public is only allowed if you have a legitimate reason. Under the Weapons Act of 8 June 2006, some knives are prohibited weapons (art. 3): automatic switchblades with a lock, butterfly knives, throwing knives and throwing stars, and disguised blades — which you may not even own. Ordinary utility knives (pocket knife, kitchen knife, Opinel, cutter) and even daggers and swords are freely available, but as soon as you carry such a knife in public, that is only allowed with a legitimate reason (art. 9): a fisherman with his knife, a handyman on the way to work, a hiker with a multitool for outdoor use. Without a legitimate reason it is unlawful carrying of a weapon. Any knife also becomes a weapon the moment circumstances show you intend to use it to threaten or wound. Many municipalities additionally ban carrying knives in the street or at events via a GAS regulation.

📋 The rules

Prohibited weapons (art. 3): locking switchblades, butterfly knives, throwing knives, throwing stars, disguised blades
Ordinary knives (pocket, kitchen, Opinel, cutter) are freely available to own
Carrying in public is only allowed with a legitimate reason (art. 9); without = unlawful carrying
Any knife becomes a weapon by circumstance the moment you use or show it to threaten
Many municipalities ban carrying knives in the street or at events via a GAS regulation
Minors may not buy weapons; local knife bans apply to them too

🔓 Exceptions

A legitimate reason = professional use or an outdoor activity (an angler, a handyman, a hiker with a multitool)
At home, or while travelling to or from a lawful use (a purchase, work), carrying is no problem
A legitimate reason does not help you with a prohibited weapon (flick knife, butterfly knife), nor against a municipal knife ban in the street or at events

⚠️ Penalties & fines

Carrying a prohibited knife, or an ordinary knife without a legitimate reason (unlawful carrying of a weapon), is punishable under the Weapons Act: up to 25,000 euros in fines (the amount before surcharges) and/or up to 5 years in prison, with seizure and destruction of the weapon. If you only breach a municipal knife ban, you risk an administrative fine of up to 500 euros for adults (175 euros for minors). What people do not see coming: once the circumstances show you meant to threaten, even a kitchen knife becomes a weapon.

📎 Official sources

Last verified: 2026-07-12

❓ Frequently asked

May I carry a pocket knife?

Owning an ordinary pocket knife is fine. Carrying it in public is only allowed with a legitimate reason, for instance for your work, for fishing or for an outdoor activity. Without a reason it is unlawful carrying of a weapon (art. 9).

Which knives are banned outright?

Automatic flick knives with a locking blade, butterfly knives, throwing knives, throwing stars and concealed blades are prohibited weapons (art. 3). You may not even own those at home, let alone carry them.

What counts as a legitimate reason?

An objective, acceptable reason to have the knife on you: professional use (angler, handyman), an outdoor activity, or transport to or from a lawful use. Self-defence does not count as a legitimate reason.

Can the municipality ban knives in the street?

Yes. Many municipalities ban carrying knives in public or at events through their administrative fine regulations, on top of the Weapons Act. That can mean a fine of up to 500 euros, even with a legitimate reason.

When does an ordinary knife become a weapon?

As soon as the circumstances show you want to use it to threaten or injure: it is then a weapon by circumstance. A kitchen knife or a box cutter falls under the Weapons Act at that moment.

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