France has a protracted historical past with knives. The nation is residence to among the world’s most famed knife makers. French knives are recognized for his or her high quality and craftsmanship. As such, it’s no shock that the French have very particular legal guidelines concerning knives.
A pocket knife is a small, folding knife that may be carried in a pocket. It’s additionally generally referred to as a penknife or a jackknife. Pocket knives have been round for hundreds of years and have been used for every part from opening letters to self-defence. At present, pocket knives are nonetheless fashionable as each instruments and collectibles. They’re authorized to hold in France so long as they aren’t utilized in a threatening or violent method.
Nevertheless, it’s necessary to pay attention to different legal guidelines and laws concerning knives in France, particularly for those who’re a first-time traveler. These legal guidelines are designed to stop individuals from carrying knives that may very well be used to commit crimes or trigger public dysfunction. This information will inform you concerning the necessary legal guidelines concerning pocket knives and the way to carry them as a vacationer in France with out breaking the regulation.
Information To Carrying Pocket Knives In France
Carrying a pocket knife in France isn’t so simple as it appears. There are strict legal guidelines in place that you just want to pay attention to. Thus, the next is a information to carrying a pocket knife as a vacationer in France:
Verify The Legal guidelines Earlier than Travelling
It’s necessary to know the regulation earlier than carrying a pocket knife in any nation, and France is not any totally different.
The very first thing you’ll want to know is that the French legal guidelines and restrictions concerning weapons and knives are very strict. It’s unlawful to hold any kind of weapon in public, even when it’s only a pocket knife.
Acknowledge that the authorized that means of a ‘public place’ in France is kind of broad. It consists of conventional public areas like parks and streets and personal companies open to the general public, resembling eating places and retailers. It means it’s usually not allowed to hold a pocket knife in any of those locations.
When you’re carrying the knife for a particular objective, resembling searching or tenting, you will need to have a sound cause and be capable to present proof to the police in the event that they ask.
Moreover, it’s authorized to hold a pocket knife with a blade lower than three inches so long as it’s not a hard and fast blade knife. Any knife with greater than three inches is prohibited to each residents and foreigners. You must also observe that French regulation doesn’t permit carrying any kind of hid weapon. So, pocket knives should be carried in plain sight.
Select The Proper Knife
When selecting a pocket knife to hold whereas touring, it’s important to contemplate what kind of knife is authorized to hold in France. For instance, as talked about, pocket knives with blades lower than three inches lengthy are authorized to hold.
So, what kinds of pocket knives are restricted in France? Properly, that will depend on the blade size, utilization, and sort. Listed here are among the restrictions:
- Your knife should not be longer than 12 centimeters. It’s about 4.7 inches.
- Your knife should not be capable to lock into place. It signifies that folding knives are usually allowed, however fixed-blade knives aren’t.
- Your knife mustn’t have a serrated edge. You possibly can carry a pocket knife with a plain edge however not one with a serrated edge.
- Your knife mustn’t be designed for fight and to be used as a weapon. Thus, knives like switchblades and swords aren’t allowed.
- The ultimate restriction is that your knife mustn’t be designed for concealment. It signifies that knives like daggers and stilettos aren’t allowed.

Pack, Carry, And Use The Knife Safely
When packing the pocket knife, you’re speculated to ensure that it’s secured so nobody can simply entry it. For instance, you possibly can pack the knife in a suitcase or backpack. It signifies that you shouldn’t carry the knife in a sheath or holster.
Lastly, it is best to by no means carry or use a knife threateningly. It consists of utilizing to threaten somebody or to commit against the law. When you do any of this stuff, you’ll be breaking the regulation, and you could possibly be arrested.
Comply with The Guidelines
When carrying a pocket knife, following the foundations and laws stipulated in every part above is essential. Do you have to break any of those guidelines, you threat being arrested and slicing your journey brief. No person desires that.
What To Do If The Police Cease You
First, it’s regular to be stopped by the police. Due to this fact, for those who’re carrying a knife and the police cease you, the very first thing you wish to do is keep calm. Don’t attempt to run away or disguise the knife. Doing this will likely present that you just’re responsible of an offense when you aren’t.
As a substitute, politely hand over the knife to the police officer and allow them to know that you just’re a vacationer. Be ready to indicate them your passport and clarify why you’re carrying the knife.
When you have a sound cause, resembling searching or tenting, the police will doubtless examine the knife and ship you in your means. Nevertheless, for those who don’t have a sound cause, you could possibly be arrested and charged with against the law.
Different Suggestions For Carrying A Pocket Knife In France
Along with helpful ideas resembling figuring out the regulation and choosing the proper pocket knife, there are just a few different ideas that’ll show you how to when carrying a pocket knife in France.
- First, it’s all the time a good suggestion to grasp the way to use your pocket knife earlier than you journey. This fashion, you’ll be ready if you’ll want to use it whereas in France.
- Second, it is best to be sure that to maintain your pocket knife clear and in good situation. This may assist to make sure that it capabilities correctly ought to you’ll want to use it.
- Lastly, it will be greatest for those who all the time had been respectful when carrying your pocket knife in France. Keep in mind that not everybody could also be as snug with knives as you’re so it’s necessary to be thoughtful of others.

Can You Carry A Pocket Knife In France? – Abstract
To conclude, for those who’re planning a visit to France and want to deliver a pocket knife, it’s important that you become familiar with the nation’s legal guidelines on bladed weapons. So, verify that it falls into one of many exceptions listed within the legal code and be certain that you carry and use it responsibly. In any other case, you could possibly be topic to a advantageous and even imprisonment.
Try to be advantageous for those who’re carrying the knife for a sound cause and also you’re not utilizing it threateningly. Simply be ready to indicate the police your passport and clarify why you’re carrying the knife for those who’re stopped.