Changes to the German Weapons Act

Dear Customer,

The new weapons law brings changes that also affect knives. Published on October 30, 2024, and coming into force on October 31, 2024, several new regulations are relevant for the sale, everyday use, and handling of knives. Here we give you an overview of the most important changes.


1. Prohibition of carrying knives at public events

Carrying knives at public events (such as festivals, fairs, or sporting events) is now generally prohibited – regardless of blade length or opening mechanism. However, the revised law includes a comprehensive list of exceptions, which we will briefly outline here. The following are exempt from the ban on carrying knives at the aforementioned events:

1. Delivery traffic
2. Business owners and their employees and agents of business owners who carry knives in connection with their professional activities,
3. People who transport a knife from one place to another in a way that prevents it from being readily accessible,
4. Persons who carry a knife in or on certain buildings or areas with public transport, as well as in means of transport and facilities of public passenger transport, in or on which crowds may occur and which are subject to a right of domicile, with the consent of the owner of the right of domicile, if carrying the knife serves the purpose of being in the area of ​​the right of domicile or is related thereto,
5. the commercial display of knives at trade fairs, markets and exhibitions,
6. Rescue workers and emergency personnel in civil protection and disaster relief in connection with their activities,
7. Participants in photo, film or television recordings, theatrical performances or historical reenactments, if knives are used for this purpose,
8. Persons who carry knives in connection with the preservation of customs, hunting or the practice of sports ,
9. Owners of catering establishments, their employees and agents, as well as their customers,
10. Persons who carry knives in connection with a generally recognized purpose.

The requirement of transporting knives in a way that prevents immediate access was specified in Annex 1, Section 2, Number 13. It states verbatim: "A knife is not considered readily accessible if it can only be reached with more than three movements." A locked container is therefore not required. According to the explanatory memorandum to the law (p. 44), the use of knives is permitted despite the prohibition on carrying them if, for example, they are used briefly for peeling or cutting food brought along.


2. Ban on switchblades

Since October 31, 2024, a general ban on the possession and use of switchblades of all kinds has been in effect in Germany. They are now prohibited items, and possession is a criminal offense. According to Annex 2 of the Weapons Act, Section 1, Number 1.4.1, possession of certain switchblades is only permitted for individuals with a legitimate interest that necessitates one-handed use.

• for example due to a missing arm or a missing or dysfunctional hand or
• the handling in connection with the exercise of a profession (e.g. hunting, craft) or
• during sports (e.g. sailing or mountaineering).
• The same applies to commercial dealers or manufacturers of such knives.

The examples mentioned above can be found verbatim in the explanatory memorandum to the law on page 48. Therefore, distribution will only be made to authorized persons.

The classification of the Böker Plus Rescue OTF (01KALS146) as a tool remains unchanged. This rescue tool may still be owned and carried without restrictions. The popular Böker Plus Micro OTF are also unaffected by the stricter regulations and, according to our legal opinion, may continue to be owned without restrictions. A statement from our lawyer is available for download here .


3. New regulations for weapons-free zones

State governments can prohibit and restrict the carrying of knives through legal ordinances. Within these defined weapons-free zones, individuals can be checked at any time. The aforementioned list of exceptions for carrying knives at public events should generally also apply to weapons-free zones. Please note that the regulations and exceptions for carrying knives within a weapons-free zone may differ regionally from the list of exceptions in Section 42. Please inform yourself about any individual exceptions or extensions.


4. Prohibition of driving in public long-distance transport.

The newly created Section 42b of the Weapons Act prohibits carrying knives on public long-distance passenger transport. This also includes buildings and bus stops, provided they are enclosed on the sides. The aforementioned 10 exceptions to the carrying ban also apply to public long-distance passenger transport. Therefore, transporting knives that are not readily accessible remains permitted.


These legal changes present new challenges for many knife owners. We recommend that you familiarize yourself thoroughly with the individual changes and comply with the legal requirements. Please note that even among firearms law experts and our lawyers, there is uncertainty regarding the interpretation and application of the revised law. We cannot provide you with precise information or assessments of future case law.

Thank you very much for your understanding.

Your Böker team