German law about knives (with new regulations from 30.10.2024)

Knife Law in Germany 2025 – § 42a WaffG & New Regulations | PUMA Solingen
Guide Knife Law Status: October 2024

Knife Law in Germany 2025

What am I allowed to carry, what is forbidden? § 42a WaffG regulates the carrying of knives in public – supplemented by important new regulations that came into force on October 31, 2024. Here you will find all relevant information summarized compactly.

12 cm
Max. blade length (fixed-blade, public)
§ 42a
Central Paragraph in WaffG
§ 42b
New regulation long-distance transport 2024
10
Legal exceptions

§ 42a WaffG – The Carrying Ban

It is forbidden to carry the following
  • Imitation firearms (deceptively realistic replicas of firearms)
  • Thrust and bladed weapons (e.g., double-edged daggers, bayonets)
  • One-hand knives – knives with a blade that can be opened with one hand and locked
  • Fixed-blade knives with a blade length over 12 cm
The prohibition does not apply
  • During photo, film, or television shoots, as well as theater performances
  • For transport in a locked container
  • With a legitimate interest (profession, custom, sport, or generally recognized purpose)
What is a "one-hand knife"?
One-hand knives are considered only those knives that possess both a device for one-handed opening and a blade lock. If one of these features is missing, the knife does not fall under § 42a WaffG.
What is the "generally recognized purpose"?
The term is not further defined by law – it refers to common sense. A hunter may carry their knife in the forest, but not in the cinema in the evening. Self-defense is explicitly not considered a recognized purpose. General statements like "one-hand knives are generally forbidden" are therefore incorrect.

New Weapons Act – Changes from 31.10.2024

New
§ 42a para. 1a WaffG

Carrying ban at public events

The carrying of knives of any kind is generally forbidden at public events (folk festivals, fairs, sporting events) – regardless of blade length or opening mechanism.

Exceptions
  • Delivery traffic and professional use by traders
  • Persons without direct access during transport
  • Use in buildings with the consent of those responsible
  • Commercial exhibition at fairs and markets
  • Emergency services in civil protection and disaster relief
  • Film, theater, and historical representations
  • Carrying in connection with tradition, hunting, or sport
  • Gastronomy employees and guests
  • Generally recognized purposes
Important: "Not readily accessible" means that the knife can only be reached with more than three hand movements – a locked storage is not strictly necessary. Thus, knives can also be moved through knife prohibition zones.
Attention
§ 42a WaffG

Prohibition of switchblades

Since 31.10.2024, switchblades are generally forbidden in Germany. Possession and use are punishable.

Exceptions
  • Persons with hand or arm disabilities (legitimate interest)
  • Professional use: hunting, crafts, sailing, mountaineering
  • Commercial dealers and manufacturers
Newly regulated
State law

Weapon prohibition zones

State governments can define specific weapon prohibition zones where carrying knives is restricted or forbidden. In these zones, controls are possible at any time. The known exceptions generally apply, but may vary regionally.

New Paragraph
§ 42b WaffG

Carrying ban in public long-distance transport

The carrying of knives is forbidden in public long-distance transport and in enclosed station areas (e.g., train stations, long-distance bus stations). The 10 legal exceptions also apply here. Knives transported not readily accessible are still permitted.