Can I carry a knife?
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 outdoor activity (fisherman, handyman, hiker with a multitool)
- At home or while transporting to/from a lawful use (purchase, work), carrying is no problem
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Carrying a prohibited knife or having an ordinary knife without a legitimate reason (unlawful carrying) is punishable under the Weapons Act: up to €25,000 fine (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 a GAS fine up to €500 for adults (€175 for minors).
📎 Official sources
- FPS Justice · prohibited weapons →
- Police · what the Weapons Act says →
- ejustice · Weapons Act of 8 June 2006 →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I have a pocket knife on me?
Owning an ordinary pocket knife is allowed. Carrying it in public is only allowed with a legitimate reason (e.g. for your work, fishing, an outdoor activity). Without a reason it is unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Which knives are completely forbidden?
Automatic locking switchblades, butterfly knives, throwing knives, throwing stars and disguised blades are prohibited weapons (art. 3). You may not even own them.
What is a legitimate reason?
An objective, acceptable reason to have the knife on you: professional use (fisherman, handyman), an outdoor activity or transporting to/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 via a GAS regulation, on top of the Weapons Act. That can bring a GAS fine up to €500.
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