Knives and pepper spray in the Netherlands (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: The Netherlands treats folding knives with two edges or over 28 cm when open as prohibited weapons. Pepper spray is a category II weapon and may not be carried.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Folding pocket knivesCarrying in public places | A folding knife is a prohibited category I weapon if its blade has more than one cutting edge or it is longer than 28 cm when opened. Stilettos, fall knives and butterfly knives are always category I. [1] |
| Locking or one-handed knivesCarrying in public places | The list of weapons does not use locking or one-handed opening as a criterion. [1] |
| Fixed-blade knivesCarrying in public places | An edged weapon whose blade has more than one cutting edge is a weapon, and carrying it in public is banned. Swords, sabres, rapiers and bayonets are category IV weapons. [1] |
| Pepper sprayCarrying in public places | Objects meant to hit people with toxic, suffocating or incapacitating substances are category II weapons. Carrying and possessing them is banned, apart from permit holders. [1] |
| Exceptions and legitimate reasonsCarrying in public places | The ban on carrying category II to IV weapons has two exceptions: holders of a carry permit under Article 29, and people allowed to hold hunting or pest-control weapons. There is no general exception for a legitimate reason. [1] |
Notes
- A knife outside these types can still be a category IV weapon if it is reasonably meant to injure or threaten people (Art. 2 lid 1, category IV, 7°).
- The article does not name pepper spray. It covers objects meant to hit people with toxic, suffocating or incapacitating substances.
Sources
- Ministerie van Justitie en Veiligheid (wetten.overheid.nl): Wet wapens en munitie (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.