How legal is it to carry a knife in Norway?
You’ve packed your bag and are ready to head out. But before you leave, you start wondering – what were the rules about that knife again? Should you let it hang from your belt in its sheath while you take the bus to the edge of the woods?
The good news is that if you’re heading into the woods to hunt or work, you’re generally allowed to carry a knife. However, there are some rules you should be aware of – unless you want your knife confiscated and to receive a hefty fine.
What does the law say?
Section 189 of the Penal Code establishes a general ban on being armed in public. This means that, generally speaking, you’re not allowed to go out among people carrying a knife or other weapon if it is suitable for injuring others. This can be punished with up to 1 year in prison (so it’s important to be careful!) or a fine.
Exceptions
That said, fortunately, you don't necessarily have to put your dream of owning a traditional Norwegian costume knife or a gutting knife on the back burner. The general law makes exceptions for carrying a knife for work, outdoor activities, and so-called legitimate purposes.
This means that if you're working as a carpenter, or are going to whittle your way to a proper campfire, you can safely carry the knife with you. Still, it's recommended that you keep it packed away in public places, so you don't cause unnecessary alarm. If you're going to the hairdresser, for example, you probably shouldn't bring your work tool along!
If you want to use a knife for cultural purposes, such as wearing it with a traditional Norwegian costume, this falls under legitimate purposes and is therefore legal.
It should be mentioned that carrying a knife for self-defense does not fall under the exceptions to the Penal Code, and should therefore definitely be avoided.
Illegal knives
Even if you use a knife for the right purposes, whether for work or building a campfire, it’s important to know which knives you’re actually allowed to use.
If the knives you’re interested in are categorized as “fighting knives,” it’s important to know that buying, selling, and owning them is illegal. Even if you don’t use them in public, it’s illegal to keep them at home, and if they’re discovered by customs, you risk being reported for this.
These knives include switchblades, stilettos, balisongs (also known as butterfly knives), and machetes. Because they’re considered combat weapons, they aren’t used for normal work or outdoor activities and therefore don’t fall under the exceptions in the Penal Code.
Legal knives
Anything considered a utility knife is allowed to be carried under the exceptions in the Penal Code. Examples include pocket knives, fishing knives, butter knives, and multitools.Training knives may also be owned and carried, as long as they aren’t sharp and can’t hurt anyone. It’s still best to keep them out of sight in public to avoid causing alarm.
Going on a trip?
Now that you’re sure you’re carrying the right knife for the right purpose, you still can’t just hop on the first plane and head off on an adventure. If you want to bring your knife when traveling by air, it’s best to play it safe and pack it in your checked luggage, as long as it’s a legal knife. If you want to take it in your carry-on luggage, it can’t be longer than 6 centimeters. This also applies to kitchen scissors!
Now you’re ready to whittle, gut, and wear as much traditional Norwegian clothing as you can handle, and you’ll find all the knives and accessories you need at game-on.no!
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