How long can a knife be in Denmark - see rules and fines

If you have a folding knife in your pocket or a fixed blade knife in your bag, it is crucial to know the limit for legal knife length in Denmark. The rules are not only about centimeters, but also about where you are and whether you have a worthy purpose for carrying the knife.

In Denmark, the starting point is that you are only allowed to carry a knife in public if the blade length is 7 cm or less. Knives with a blade length of more than 7 cm are generally illegal to carry in public unless you have a valid reason that can be recognized according to the rules. This follows from the regulation of knives in the Weapons Act, including the provisions in Sections 6 and 10.

It is important to distinguish between owning a knife and carrying it in public. Many knives may be legal to have at home, but illegal to carry around if the conditions are not met.

The blade length is key, but the type of knife also matters in practice. A folding knife with a lock is still considered a knife according to the rules, and the 7 cm limit also applies here. The same applies to fixed-blade knives.

Some knives are prohibited regardless of blade length. This includes automatic knives, butterfly knives and switchblades. Here, choosing a short version does not help, because the design itself is prohibited from possession or carrying according to the rules.

Even if the blade is 7 cm or shorter, you should think about the situation. If you don't need the knife, there is rarely a good reason to carry it in public. If you have a relevant purpose, it is wise to store the knife securely, for example in a bag or case, so that it is not freely accessible.

A practical example is outdoor activities, where a smaller knife can be relevant for simple tasks. If you are packing light for the trip, it can also be an advantage to choose equipment that takes up minimal space, such as a quick-drying towel from OUTDOOR, rather than heavy alternatives.

If you carry a knife with a blade length of more than 7 cm, it typically requires a recognizable purpose, such as work, hunting or fishing. Documentation is important here, such as job-related ID, hunting license or fishing license, so that you can prove the purpose if you are asked. The point is not to “circumvent” the rules, but to be able to show that the knife is a tool linked to a specific activity and not something you just happen to have with you.

Violations can result in fines or imprisonment, and in serious cases the punishment can be increased. In addition, there are special zones where knives are completely prohibited, such as schools, educational institutions and certain public authorities. In these areas, it is wise to leave the knife at home, regardless of blade length and intention.

If you want an overview of equipment for everyday use and trips, you can get your bearings in the Store and choose practical alternatives that do not create legal doubts in public spaces.