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How long can a knife be in Denmark?

Size does not make a knife legal, the purpose does.

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Short answer

Denmark has no blade length that is automatically allowed in public places. Under the knife law, any knife may only be carried or kept in a publicly accessible place, a school or a youth club when there is a recognised purpose, such as work, hunting, fishing or sport. Knives with a blade over 12 cm need a police permit to buy, own, carry or use, unless they are designed for work, household use, hunting, fishing, sport or a similar purpose. The old exemption for small folding knives disappeared when the current knife law took effect on 1 July 2016.

Practical info

Why

  1. The rule covers every knife, whatever its size.
  2. Over 12 cm a police permit is the main rule.
  3. A kitchen or hunting knife over 12 cm is fine when used for that purpose.

Details

Breaking the knife law can lead to a fine or up to 4 months in prison, and up to 2 years under aggravating circumstances.

Tip

Leave knives at your hotel or in your luggage when you go out in town, and carry them only for the activity you need them for.

What may differ

Whether a purpose counts is judged case by case, so the same knife can be legal on a fishing trip and illegal in a bar.

Common misconception

A knife with a blade under 7 cm is always legal to carry in Denmark.

What actually happens

That exemption was removed in 2016: small folding knives also need a recognised purpose in public places.

People also ask

  • Can you carry a pocket knife in Denmark?
  • Which knives are illegal in Denmark?
  • Can I keep a knife in my car in Denmark?

Sources

This answer is for reference only. Laws, fines and rules can change, so check the Danish authorities before you travel.

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