Weapons Act knives - Read the guide and avoid fines in a few minutes

Do you have a knife in your pocket on your way to an activity, or is there a folding knife in the car “just in case”? The rules in the Weapons Act can be decisive for whether a knife is considered a legal tool or an illegal weapon. Here you will get an overview of key principles, typical pitfalls and practical considerations, so that you can better assess your situation.

The Weapons Act regulates knives to limit insecurity and misuse in public spaces. In practice, the most important thing is often not whether you own a knife privately, but why and how you carry it outside the home. Many misunderstandings arise when knives are carried “just in case” without a practical purpose. The assessment typically concerns the type of knife, location, situation and intention.

A worthy purpose could be, for example, work, leisure activity or transportation to and from a specific use situation. “Self-defense”, on the other hand, is not a purpose that makes carrying a knife acceptable. It is therefore wise to think in terms of tool rather than protection, and to be able to explain the specific use.

Some knife types are subject to stricter restrictions and may in many cases be illegal to possess or carry, depending on the design and mechanics. In practice, it makes sense to be extra careful with knives that are primarily associated with combat or quick use. If you are in doubt about a particular type, it is better to leave it at home than to guess.

Avoid bringing “the same knife” for every purpose. Instead, choose a tool that matches the activity and that appears to be a practical tool. If you are going out into nature, it may also be relevant to pack functional equipment so that the purpose is clear, e.g. OUTDOOR .

Even an otherwise legal knife can cause problems if it is carried in a way that seems unnecessary or insecure. Transportation should typically be direct, matter-of-fact, and discreet, and the knife should be kept packed away until needed. Also consider whether you will need it on the trail at all, or whether it can stay at home.

Ask yourself: “Can I explain exactly what I need it for right now, and does it make sense in that context?” If the answer is unclear, you increase the risk that the authorities will consider carrying it as problematic.

Violations can result in fines and in some cases, more severe consequences, depending on the circumstances. This is especially true if the knife is carried in places or situations where it creates particular insecurity. Therefore, small “practical” choices, such as leaving the knife lying around, can often be the safest solution.

When packing for an activity, it's easy to focus on all the practicalities and forget about the legalities. A good habit is to plan lightly and functionally so that you don't end up with "extra" items that can be hard to justify. At the same time, well-thought-out equipment can make the trip easier, like a towel that dries quickly and can be washed less often, which can save water and reduce unnecessary packing. If you're missing basic equipment for everyday life and travel, you can find your way around in the Store .