Germany and Israel....

[Bob G]

I'm planning a trip to Israel, with a stop over in Germany this summer. I would like to take my Case medium stockman (3318). Any one know if that is a problem in those countries. We not be going through Great Britian at all.
Haven't been overseas since the late 80's, and I'm sure much as changed since then.
Bob

[Mark123]

Bob,

Can't speak for Israel but I'm in Germany now and not sure what you are asking about-Bringing it into the country? Carrying it while here?
Based on my experience here, there shouldn't be any issues with either.

[Bob G]

I was thinking of bringing a small folding knife, a stockman pattern. Guess I just feel undressed without one, as I've been carrying one since 1962. I'll be in Germany for a day, so it's no big deal. I'll be in Israel for a little over a week and would like to pocket carry the little knife.
Bob

[Bastian]

I can only speak for Germany: You should not have any problems carrying your pocket knife over here. In general it is allowed to carry non-selfopening knifes (regardless what length your blade is) as far as i know :)

But in some places (like the popular Reeperbahn in Hamburg) it is not allowed to carry weapons and there your small knife would be considered as a weapon... IMMO there are signs showing "no weapon"-zones. Stupid law, I know.

[messerjocke2000]

Well, knives fall into one of three categories in germany:
1. "verbotene Gegenstände" (illegal items), illegal to own, carry, sell and make: Balisongs, OTF switchblades, pushdaggers,Gravity knives, sideopening switchblades which are not considered pocketknives.
2. "Hieb- und Stichwaffen" (knives which are considered to be weapons. Legal to carry by anyone over 18 years of age, except on "öffentliche Veranstaltungen" (public events), like county fairs, carnivals etc. The Definition is somewhat vague: Items which by their "Wesen" (design, Intention) are supposed to weaken or take away a persons ability to defend themselves. Definetely weapons are: Sideopening switchblades which are: under 8,5cm in length AND more than 20% of their length wide AND not doubleedged. Daggers, bayonets, swords, etc. Yes, you could carry a Katana legally, at least as far as the weaponslaws are concerned...

3. The rest. can be purchased and carried freely (except on political demonstrations, where anything that MIGHT be dangerous is basically illegal).
Folders, fixed, locking, non-locking, doesn´t matter.

There is no restriction on bladelength in germany, although even cops may tell you differently (as wide as ones hand, 10cm etc.)!

State and local administration may create "Waffenfreie Zonen" (zones free of weapons) where carrying any weapon is illegal.
In Hamburg they even prohibit baseballbats on the Reeperbahn... Go figure...

Anyways, with your slipjoint, you ought to be fine except for political demonstrations.
[edit] almost forgot: don´t bring any Stingers to germany, they are considered to be Schlagringe (knuckles)!


Kilian

[matts2]

I'm planning a trip to Israel, with a stop over in Germany this summer. I would like to take my Case medium stockman (3318). Any one know if that is a problem in those countries. We not be going through Great Britian at all.
Haven't been overseas since the late 80's, and I'm sure much as changed since then.
Bob


I carried just my Leatherman in Israel and it was fine. I don't think that knives are really going to bother people who tend to carry sub-machine guns. Assume that you will go through security frequently and assume that they are going to check your luggage entering and exiting the country.

It will be an amazing trip: there is something impressive to see where ever you look: Crusader built upon Roman upon Greek upon Jewish.

[tadbik]

Sorry but matts2 is wrong. All knives are illegal in Israel. The guys who carry guns are licensed to do so. Having said that, it all depends on the time and place. If you're camping and you've got your Leatherman or SAK, no police officer is going to hassle you. If you go to a bar or night club on the other hand ANY sharp item will definitely mean you won't be enjoying the rest of your trip if you're caught by the security or police. SInce a number of incidents of stabbings by youths, there is a zero tolerance policy where youths gather.

Having said all that and in contradiction to what most people think about Israel, you are much safer than in an average U.S. city. You can walk without fear at night in almost any place in Israel. Maximum, carry a good flashlight, so that you won't stumble over any Roman ruins!

Have a good trip!

Dave
(Israel Border Police)