Austrian knife law

miso2

miso2

Joined
Nov 19, 2014
Messages
2,633
Hi all,

I am visiting Austria near Vienna for a couple of weeks and would definitely need a knife, as I am staying in a dorm like place. According to Wikipedia and an old thread here, there seems no restriction of carrying an ordinary knife. So I am thinking of taking my Boker Exskelibur I with me.

Is there anything I should be aware of or concerned in regard to carrying a knife there? Thank you!



Miso
 
Hi Miso2. I “trespass” Austrian border rather frequently, either for job related activities or for leisure. I am not Austrian so take what I’m saying with the benefit of doubt or at least double-check, I can be wrong in some issues :). I can only report my own experience and the knowledge I have. I would say the European legislation is pretty much standardized and harmonized; basically, in almost all countries, it applies the principle of “justified reason to carry”, meaning you need a reason to carry around a cutting tool (work related, outdoor activities of sorts, camping/hunting, etc.). Austria is a little more "relaxed" than Italy in this respect. There are no restriction to carry even OTF/automatic/switchblades/double-edged knives, etc. Size doesn’t matter, open or concealed carry neither. The only limitations I am aware of is about carry of knives which doesn’t look like knives, e.g. belt knuckles, cane-daggers, blades hidden in pens, etc.

Then, as always it is in most European countries, there are “unwritten rules” and a basic common sense applies: generally you are not supposed to carry a machete downtown Vienna, for example :). In Austria not so much because is illegal (like it is in Italy instead), but because is inappropriate according to the People common way of living. I would say it's more the way you act and bear yourself rather than what you carry which is mostly questioned by LEOs. Be respectful, polite, law abiding and no on will bother you. Never had issues on the trails either with fix blades or folders, never had issues in Austrian cities with gents folders/SAKs, going around as a tourist family man or as professional on business trips.

I guess you'll be fine with your Boker Exkelibur :thumbup:. Have fun and stay safe!
 
Hi Herlock,

Thank you very much for your insight. It is very helpful indeed. I am going to stay in a rural area so hoped it is OK to carry Exskelibur kind of a knife there. I am relieved now.


Miso
 
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