Legislation for knives in the Netherlands

Owning and trading in all knives from the range of Knifestore.nl are permitted under Dutch law. This means that you can buy and own these items. However, you should not carry these knives with you always and everywhere.

To clarify what is and is not allowed, we have set out the legislation on knives more simply. However, this does not take away and is certainly not a guarantee that you do not have to be aware of the applicable laws yourself.

You can read the official version of the law here: Weapons and Ammunition Act

The law

Category 1 and 4 of Article 2 of the Weapons and Ammunition Act discusses legislation regarding (pocket) knives. We have highlighted the points that we must adhere to and which (partly) apply to our articles.

Knives that do NOT fall under category 1 or 4 - property allowed, carry with you too

In principle, no provisions apply to knives that do not fall into a category.

Category 1 weapons - forbidden

Weapons in this category are prohibited without exemption. This applies to both possession and trade in these weapons. This category includes:

  • Stilettos (spring knives): knives with laterally protruding blades
  • Fall knives: knives with protruding blade (with or without spring)
  • Butterfly knives: knives with a two-part handle that can be folded around the blade (see note below)
  • Foldable knives with a total extended length above 28 cm
  • Foldable knives of which the blade has more than one cutting edge
  • Throwing stars
  • Felling knives (also called palm or fist knives) and ballistic knives
  • White weapons similar in appearance to an object other than a weapon
  • Arrows and arrows, designed to be arc shot, which have cutting parts with the apparent intent to cause serious injury

Category 4 weapons - possession allowed, in public do not wear

Possession of these weapons is permitted. Not wearing it in public. If you transport such a weapon, it must be properly packed. It is also important that you cannot immediately have this weapon at hand.

  • Bare weapons (knives), the blade of which has more than one cutting edge and / or cutting edge, insofar as they do not fall under Category 1
  • Swords, swords, sabers and bayonets
  • Objects of which, given their nature or circumstances under which they are found, it can reasonably be assumed that they are not intended for any other purpose than to harm or threaten injury to persons - and which do not fall under one of the three other categories.

The last point is very important if you carry a (permitted) knife with you. The question that you can ask yourself is: Is it sensible and explainable to have a knife available in the current situation? If you are unsure about the answer, it is clear. It is better to store your knife in a place where you cannot have it immediately available.

Local regulations

In addition to the National Weapons Act, you must also take into account local regulations. A knife that you are normally allowed to carry with you may be prohibited by local regulations, for example in entertainment areas or football stadiums.