Trivia About German Switchblade Laws

Posted by JeffersonJose256 on November 23rd, 2020

Germans have been dealing with the production and manufacture of switchblades since the post-second world war period. These knives were designed for use by hunters and campers advertised under various German names like Springer, Springmesser, Jagdspringmesser, or Federmesser. Gradually, they were manufactured in large numbers and exported to other parts of Europe as well as America. 

In modern times, it is normal to choose the german switchblades as a collector’s item. Carrying a knife is now pretty common and more customary for people who have an eye for these relics. Despite the development and modernization, there are certain laws in Germany that contradict its centuries-old manufacturing of german switchblades. In case you are planning to visit Germany with your knife collection or wish to buy something from there, this article can come in handy for those times.

Decoding the German Switchblade Laws

German weapon laws are extremely complex. Since there is no equivalent term for switchblades in the german language, many types like flippers or semi-automatics, are subjected to individual specific regulations which can create some additional complication. In the larger context, the German knife laws can be categorized into the following types:

• Completely banned knives
• Knives which are legal but cannot be publicly carried
• Legal knives which can be carried among the general public

The Banned Category

❏        Switchblade balisong

❏        Switchblade stiletto

❏        Cane sticks containing blades

❏        Belt buckle knives

❏        Out the front (OTF) switchblades

❏        Push dagger

Legal But Publicly Unpermitted Category

❏        Karambit knives

❏        Automatic knives with blade length 8.5 cm and a sharp edge on one side.

❏        Semi-automatic knives

❏        Any foldable knife that can be opened with one hand (especially blade lock mechanism)

❏        Fixed blades of the length over 12 cm

❏        Fixed blades with more than one sharp edge

❏        Daggers, swords, and axes

These can be legally transported in locked suitcases and attaché cases. Any sort of instant access to these items in public areas is considered illegal and will be seized.

Legal Possession and Carry Among Public Category

You can choose thefollowing German switchbladesand knives and carry them legally in public.

• Fixed blades with blade length under 12 cm (4.72 inches). Note that the measurement is taken from the tip to the most forward parts of the scale.
• Folding knives that can be opened with one hand without locking the blade.
• Folding knives that can be opened with two hands (include blade lock).

German Knife laws can cause perplexity. On one hand, it is illegal to carry a 5-inch kitchen knife but it is legal to carry any fighting knife as long as the blade length does not exceed 12 cm (except Karambits).

For your next trip to Germany, pack accordingly and protect your expensive knives against seizing by customs and local police.

In case you are looking for an addition to your knife collection, find the best German switchbladeshere.

Author’s Bio: The author is an avid blogger and the article talks about german switchblade laws.