(hd) With the amendment of the Weapons Act, the handling of switchblade knives was generally prohibited. The term "handling" includes acquiring, possessing, carrying, transferring and transferring. Only persons who have a legitimate interest in using a switchblade knife, e.g. because they absolutely need it to carry out their profession, can invoke an exemption. In this case, the switchblade knife must meet certain technical requirements: The blade may be no more than 8.5 cm long and may only be sharpened on one side. In addition, it may only emerge from the side of the handle. The exemption regulation is interpreted restrictively by the weapons authority. It goes without saying that citizens who legally acquired a switchblade knife before the amendment to the Weapons Act, but who cannot now invoke the exemption in the new weapons legislation, should not be criminalized. A nationwide amnesty regulation has therefore been created. Until October 1, 2025, switchblade knives can be handed in to the police without penalty.
Please send any queries to:
Herford district police authority
Press office Herford
Phone: 05221 888 1250
Email: %20pressestelle.herford [at] polizei.nrw.de (pressestelle[dot]herford[at]polizei[dot]nrw[dot]de)