Italy · checked 2026-10-27 · Medium confidence

Knife carry law in Italy

Italy tightened knife law on 25 April 2026. Carrying blades over 8 cm, or locking/one-hand folders of 5 cm or more, without a 'giustificato motivo' is now a crime with 6 months to 3 years. Butterfly, spring-activated and double-edged knives are banned outright. Other cutting tools still need a justification.

This summary rests on mostly official, partly secondary sources. Open questions are listed at the end. Treat anything marked unclear as a reason to leave the item at home.

How we apply the law

Rules are checked from the top. The first one that fits decides. Every verdict on this site comes from this list, not from hand typed cells.

1ProhibitedA folding knife or a multitool, automatic, blade at least 50 mm
Folding knives of 5 cm or more with a spring/automatic mechanism ('a scatto') are in art. 4-bis: carrying outside home is a crime of 1-3 years with no 'justified reason' defence written into the text.
Source
2ProhibitedA folding knife or a multitool, gravity or flick opening
Butterfly ('a farfalla') blades are named in art. 4-bis: 1-3 years if carried outside home. Flick/inertia knives are not named but are likely treated as 'a scatto'. Avoid.
Source
3UnclearA folding knife or a multitool, spring assisted, blade at least 50 mm
Spring-assisted folders of 5 cm or more may be 'a scatto' (art. 4-bis, banned outright) or fall under art. 4 comma 8 (justified reason possible). The official annotation also mentions one-hand openers inconsistently. High risk.
Source
4ProhibitedAny knife or tool, double edged
Blades with two cutting edges and a sharp point are treated as weapons without licence (art. 4-bis): carrying outside home is a crime of 1-3 years.
Source
5Reason neededA folding knife or a multitool, with any locking blade, blade at least 50 mm
Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Source
6Reason neededA folding knife or a multitool, one hand manual opening, blade at least 50 mm
Folders of 5 cm or more that open one-handed (thumb stud, flipper, wave) are in art. 4 comma 8: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years), even without a lock. Caution: art. 4-bis(1) as amended also names folders 'apribili con una sola mano' with no justification defence, so a stricter reading (1-3 years) is possible; commentators call the two articles contradictory.
Source
7Reason neededA folding knife, a fixed blade or a multitool, blade at least 80.1 mm
Any sharp or pointed blade longer than 8 cm, fixed or folding: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). How the blade is measured is not defined in the text.
Source
8Reason neededA folding knife, a fixed blade or a multitool, blade up to 80 mm
Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Source
9UnclearScissors only or a keychain tool
Art. 4 comma 2 also covers 'any other instrument' clearly usable to harm given time and place. Small scissors or keychain tools are rarely prosecuted but no official guidance found; carry only with an ordinary purpose.
Source
10UnclearAnything else
Catch-all: combination not covered. Assume a 'giustificato motivo' is needed to carry any blade outside home; butterfly, spring and double-edged blades are banned outright.
Source

34 popular knives and tools, checked here

Specifications come from the makers. Where a maker does not publish the cutting edge length, a length rule can only be answered if even the full blade length falls on one side of the line. Otherwise the result is unclear, on purpose.

Product	Specs	Result
Gerber Dime	blade 38.1 mm (1.50 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Art. 4 comma 2 also covers 'any other instrument' clearly usable to harm given time and place. Small scissors or keychain tools are rarely prosecuted but no official guidance found; carry only with an ordinary purpose.
Kershaw Leek	blade 76.2 mm (3.00 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Spring-assisted folders of 5 cm or more may be 'a scatto' (art. 4-bis, banned outright) or fall under art. 4 comma 8 (justified reason possible). The official annotation also mentions one-hand openers inconsistently. High risk.
Leatherman Micra	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Art. 4 comma 2 also covers 'any other instrument' clearly usable to harm given time and place. Small scissors or keychain tools are rarely prosecuted but no official guidance found; carry only with an ordinary purpose.
CRKT Squid Assisted	blade 60.2 mm (2.37 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Spring-assisted folders of 5 cm or more may be 'a scatto' (art. 4-bis, banned outright) or fall under art. 4 comma 8 (justified reason possible). The official annotation also mentions one-hand openers inconsistently. High risk.
Leatherman Squirt PS4	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Art. 4 comma 2 also covers 'any other instrument' clearly usable to harm given time and place. Small scissors or keychain tools are rarely prosecuted but no official guidance found; carry only with an ordinary purpose.
Victorinox Swiss Card Classic	blade length not published	Unclear Why Art. 4 comma 2 also covers 'any other instrument' clearly usable to harm given time and place. Small scissors or keychain tools are rarely prosecuted but no official guidance found; carry only with an ordinary purpose.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X	blade length not published	Unclear Why This turns on a length the maker does not publish (the cutting edge). If this rule applies: Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Buck 110 Folding Hunter	blade 95.3 mm (3.75 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Leatherman Arc	blade 70.1 mm (2.76 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Benchmade Bugout	blade 82.3 mm (3.24 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Victorinox Cadet (Alox)	blade 64 mm (2.52 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Victorinox Classic SD	blade 40 mm (1.57 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Victorinox Climber	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Morakniv Companion (stainless, Hi-Vis Orange shown)	blade 104 mm (4.09 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Any sharp or pointed blade longer than 8 cm, fixed or folding: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). How the blade is measured is not defined in the text.
Spyderco Delica 4 (Lightweight)	65 mm cutting edge (2.56 in)	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
CIVIVI Elementum	blade 75.2 mm (2.96 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami SK (Niwaki-sold Kanekoma)	blade 71 mm (2.80 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Victorinox Huntsman	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
ESEE Izula-II	blade 66.8 mm (2.63 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Spyderco Ladybug 3	43 mm cutting edge (1.69 in)	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Benchmade Mini Bugout	blade 71.6 mm (2.82 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
W.R. Case & Sons Mini Trapper	blade 69.9 mm (2.75 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Opinel No.07 Stainless Steel	blade 80 mm (3.15 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel	blade 85 mm (3.35 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Spyderco Para 3	67 mm cutting edge (2.64 in)	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Gerber Paraframe I (stainless, plain edge)	blade 76.5 mm (3.01 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1 (RAT I)	blade 88.9 mm (3.50 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Spyderco Roadie	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Leatherman Skeletool CX	blade 66 mm (2.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
Victorinox Spartan	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Smaller or non-locking, two-hand knives (up to 8 cm, or folders under 5 cm) can still be 'strumenti atti ad offendere' (art. 4 comma 2): carrying without a justified reason is an offence of 1-3 years' arrest plus a €1,000-10,000 fine.
Spyderco Squeak	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Reason needed Why Folders of 5 cm or more that open one-handed (thumb stud, flipper, wave) are in art. 4 comma 8: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years), even without a lock. Caution: art. 4-bis(1) as amended also names folders 'apribili con una sola mano' with no justification defence, so a stricter reading (1-3 years) is possible; commentators call the two articles contradictory.
CRKT Squid (Thumbstud)	blade 54.76 mm (2.16 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.
W.R. Case & Sons Trapper	76.2 mm cutting edge (3.00 in)	Reason needed Why Any sharp or pointed blade longer than 8 cm, fixed or folding: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). How the blade is measured is not defined in the text.
Leatherman Wave Plus	blade 74.2 mm (2.92 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Folders with a blade of 5 cm or more, single edge, pointed and with any blade lock: carrying without a justified reason is a crime (6 months-3 years, art. 4 comma 8). The reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop.

What the verdict does not cover

Public transport and restricted zones: Art. 4-bis comma 2 raises the penalty by one third to one half when carrying happens near banks, post offices, ATMs, public parks, stations, bus stops or inside trains and public transport vehicles (vehicles added in 2026), at gatherings or public meetings, or near schools. Art. 4 comma 8 expressly applies this comma. Carrying at public meetings is separately punished (art. 4 comma 5).
Schools, workplaces and events: Aggravation near schools and at gatherings (see above). Sporting events increase the penalty under art. 4 comma 3. Airport and workplace rules not verified.
In a vehicle: The statute says 'fuori della propria abitazione o delle appartenenze di essa' with no vehicle exception, so a knife in a car is outside the home. A Cassazione case (Sez. I 35452/2021) concerned a 8.5 cm folder in a car glovebox; the outcome was not verified. Pack knives away and keep your reason evident.
Age limits: New art. 4-quater: selling or giving a covered knife (art. 4 comma 8 and 4-bis instruments) to anyone under 18 is banned, including private sales; fines €500-3,000, higher on repeat; sellers must check ID; online sellers need age verification (those online duties start 60 days after the conversion law). Parents of a minor caught carrying face a €200-1,000 fine (art. 4-ter).
Buying and importing: No general ban on owning or buying knives found, apart from outright carry bans on certain types and the age limit above. Online retailers must verify age (from late June 2026). Import by tourists was not verified.
Penalties: Art. 4 comma 8: prison (reclusione) 6 months-3 years. Art. 4 comma 3: arrest 1-3 years plus €1,000-10,000. Art. 4-bis: prison 1-3 years, increased by a third to a half in listed places. Mandatory confiscation of the knife. For comma 8 and 4-bis, the prefect may suspend driving licence or gun licence for up to 1 year. Foreign adults caught are reported to the questore.
Recent changes: DL 24 Feb 2026 n. 23 (in force 25 Feb 2026) became law with L. 24 Apr 2026 n. 54; conversion changes took effect on 25 Apr 2026. Parliament restored the 'giustificato motivo' for locking and one-hand folders (moved from art. 4-bis into art. 4 comma 8) and added trains and public transport to the aggravating places. Earlier: DL 123/2023 raised penalties under art. 4 comma 3. Some web pages still quote older penalties such as 6 months-2 years.
Pending changes: Possible constitutional or interpretive disputes over the overlap between art. 4 comma 8 and art. 4-bis were raised by commentators; no court ruling found yet. Prosecutors' circulars (e.g. Bologna, 7 May 2026) exist but were not read.

Reasons the authorities have accepted

Work or trade use (cook, craftsman, farmer) with the knife stowed and the link to work evident
Camping, hiking or fishing trip, outdoor sport
Hunting (the hunter federation FIDC lists hunting as a recognised reason)
Direct transport to or from a place where the knife will lawfully be used
Cassazione standard: the reason must be real, current and checkable at the stop, not invented afterwards; a vague or late explanation fails

Sources

Legge 18 aprile 1975 n. 110, art. 4 comma 2 (as in force; reproduced in Gazzetta Ufficiale 11 May 2026 coordinated text)
“Senza giustificato motivo, non possono portarsi, fuori della propria abitazione ... strumenti da punta o da taglio atti ad offendere”
Senato, Dossier n. 651 (explains art. 4 vs 4-bis for the draft decree)
“interpretare il porto di tali oggetti come assoluto e sempre vietato fuori dall'abitazione”
Giustizia Insieme (7 Apr 2026): 'giustificato motivo' in case law
“Il giustificato motivo non è quello ricostruito a posteriori, bensì quello che emerge nell'attualità del controllo”
Normattiva: DL 23/2026 (vigente)
Normattiva: Legge 110/1975

What we could not confirm

Spring-assisted and flick/gravity knives: the amending text says 'meccanismo a scatto, indipendentemente dalla presenza del blocco', but the annotated text in the Gazzetta also contains a stray 'o a scatto oppure apribili con una sola mano'. Which regime applies to one-hand openers (art. 4 c.8 with justification, or 4-bis without) was read as c.8 per the operative amendment; not confirmed by case law.
How blade length is measured (8 cm and 5 cm thresholds) is not defined in the text read.
Cassazione decisions on Swiss Army knives, multitools and Opinel (a Cass. 10696/2013 headnote on Opinel was only seen in a search snippet) were not read; no case found for the post-April 2026 rules.
Whether the 'lieve entità' ammenda-only route in art. 4 comma 3 applies to knives, since the text says 'soli oggetti atti ad offendere'.
Rules for knives in checked and hand luggage on flights, and EU travel with knives, were not checked.
Municipal ordinances (sindaco) banning knives in some Italian cities were not checked.
Checked 2026-10-27 on the text reproduced by earmi.it: art. 4 comma 8 and art. 4-bis(1) both name one-hand-openable folders of 5 cm or more, one with and one without 'giustificato motivo'. Commentators disagree on which prevails; ask an Italian criminal lawyer and check prosecutors' circulars.

Keep going

General information, not legal advice. Know something we got wrong? Tell us and include a source.