Knives and pepper spray by country
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
Rules compared for carrying pocket knives, locking and fixed-blade knives and pepper spray in public places. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Folding pocket knives | Locking or one-handed knives | Fixed-blade knives | Pepper spray | Exceptions and legitimate reasons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Not banned unless one-handed or automatic | Banned unless legitimate interest | Banned over 12 cm unless legitimate interest | Objects with irritant substances are prohibited weapons unless the substances are officially approved, range and spraying time are limited and the item bears an official test mark. | Legitimate interest, closed container, film |
| Netherlands | Banned if two edges or over 28 cm open | Not a criterion | Banned if more than one cutting edge | Banned (category II weapon) | Only permit holders and hunters |
| United Kingdom | Carrying in public places, England & Wales: Allowed if edge 3 in or less and non-locking | Carrying in public places, England & Wales: Needs good reason | Carrying in public places, England & Wales: Needs good reason | Carrying in public places, Great Britain: Prohibited weapon | Carrying in public places, England & Wales: Good reason: work, religion, costume |
| France | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Daggers are category D weapons | Category D if 100 ml or less | Offence without legitimate reason |
| Spain | Carrying bladed weapons banned; over 11 cm banned | Automatic knives prohibited | Daggers prohibited; carrying banned outside home | Prohibited unless approved by Ministry of Health | Home, workplace, sport; authority decides |
| Italy | Folding blade 5 cm+ banned if locking or one-hand | Banned if blade 5 cm or more | Banned over 8 cm without justified reason | 20 ml, range 3 m; non-compliant stay under arms law | Justified reason (giustificato motivo) needed |
| United States | — | — | — | — | — |
| Canada | Allowed, unless automatic or gravity/centrifugal | Allowed if opened by hand; automatic opening banned | No length limit; push-daggers and disguised blades banned | Banned for use on people; bear spray allowed | Concealed carry and prohibited weapons need authorisation |
| Mexico | — | — | — | — | No lawful purpose is an offence; work/sport tools excepted |
| Ireland | Needs good reason; no size exemption | Flick-knives: offence without excuse | Needs good reason | Firearm if designed to discharge noxious liquid | Good reason, work or recreation |
| Australia | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Portugal | Blade over 10 cm is a weapon; carry must be justified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Weapon if blade over 10 cm; carry must be justified | Only approved sprays, with a class E licence | Collection, re-enactment, normal place of use |
| Belgium | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | Legitimate reason needed; some knives banned | Prohibited weapon | Legitimate reason required |
| Sweden | Banned in public unless justified (befogat) | Same ban; spring knives not under 21 | Banned in public unless justified (befogat) | Weapons Act: police permit, very restrictive | Justified (befogat) holding, e.g. work, picnic, foraging |
| Denmark | Banned in public without recognised purpose | Butterfly and spring knives need a permit | Over 12 cm: permit unless recognised use | Permit only, for a special need for protection | Work, hunting, fishing, sport, similar purpose |
| Hungary | Banned over 8 cm unless an exception applies | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned over 8 cm unless an exception applies | Up to 20 g, no capsaicin; in a case or hidden | Work, sport, hunting, daily life: if justified and hidden |
| Finland | Banned in public without acceptable reason | Same ban; no locking distinction | Banned in public without acceptable reason | Permit needed (Firearms Act) | Work task or other acceptable reason |
| Norway | Banned in public without legitimate purpose | ⚠ Not yet verified | Banned in public without legitimate purpose | Banned (illegal weapon) | Allowed only with a legitimate purpose |
| New Zealand | Any knife: offence without reasonable excuse | Any knife: offence without reasonable excuse | Any knife: offence without reasonable excuse | Disabling substance: offence without reasonable excuse | Lawful authority or reasonable excuse |
Before you rely on it
This comparison covers national rules, and for the United States also state rules. Other regional or local rules can apply on top of them, and rules change. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details before you act.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.