Legal situation in Germany
When purchasing knives, the legal framework must be taken into account. Purchasing, selling and owning the rescue knife we offer is permitted under German weapons law. The use of fixed knives with a blade length of over 12 cm, of cutting and stabbing weapons, as well as knives that can be locked with one hand, is regulated in Section 42a of the Weapons Act (Weapons Act), which prohibits the use of apparent weapons and certain portable objects . Carrying these items is only permitted if there is a legitimate interest.
Excerpt from the weapons law:
- It is prohibited to carry 1. sham weapons, 2. cutting and thrust weapons in accordance with Annex 1, Section 1, Subsection 2, No. 1.1 or 3. knives with a blade that can be locked with one hand (one-hand knife) or fixed knives with a blade length of more than 12 cm.
- Paragraph 1 does not apply 1. to use in photography, film or television recordings or theater performances, 2. to transport in a locked container, 3. to the carrying of the items in accordance with paragraph 1 numbers 2 and 3, provided there is a legitimate interest is present. Further regulations remain unaffected.
- A legitimate interest according to paragraph 2 no. 3 exists in particular if the items are carried in connection with the practice of the profession, the maintenance of customs, sport or a generally recognized purpose .
Internet link: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/__42a.html
Explanations:
"Slashing and thrusting weapons" are objects whose intended purpose is to be used as a weapon (e.g. double-edged daggers or bayonets). The mere suitability of an object does not make it a weapon. For example, a kitchen knife can of course also be used as a weapon, but the intended purpose is crucial for its classification as a commodity, which is why a kitchen knife is not classified as a weapon.
One-hand knife or knife with a "one-handed lockable" blade : Knife with a device for one-handed opening and a blade lock. Knives that only have one of these features are not affected by Section 42a of the Weapons Act.
"Generally recognized purpose": This formulation suggests that this refers to normal popular sentiment or common sense, according to which carrying a rescue knife, for example, is common and appropriate. Self-defense is not recognized by the legislature as such a purpose. Whether there is a generally recognized purpose in each individual case is therefore a matter of interpretation.
Further restrictions on the use of knives are in Section 42 of the Weapons Act (6), which prohibits the use of weapons at public events; Ordinance authorizations for prohibited zones defined. This regulation gives state governments the right to create additional weapons ban zones in places where large numbers of people come together. In these weapons ban zones, the carrying of knives is more restricted beyond Section 42a of the Weapons Act.
Internet link: https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/waffg_2002/__42.html
Note on your own behalf
We would like to point out that this overview represents initial, non-binding information and does not constitute legal advice in the strictest sense. There is no guarantee that the information is accurate or complete. Orderers outside the Federal Republic are responsible for ensuring that the import and possession of the ordered items do not violate the laws of their home country.
