Is it legal to carry a pocket knife in Spain in 2025?

¿Alguna vez te has preguntado si puedes llevar una navaja encima sin meterte en problemas? Tal vez la guardas en el coche por seguridad, o formas parte del 30 % de personas que lleva una multiherramienta en la mochila “por si acaso”.

What many do not know is that, in Spain, the legality of carrying a pocket knife depends on several key factors: the blade size, the purpose of use, and the context in which it is carried.

España, carrying a pocket knife is allowed only if it meets certain requirements: no debe superar los 11 cm de hoja, no puede portarse con ánimo defensivo y está prohibido su uso en lugares públicos. Además, la normativa contempla sanciones incluso aunque no se utilice, especialmente si la policía interpreta riesgo potencial.

In this article, we will clearly answer whether it is legal to carry a pocket knife in Spain, explaining which models are allowed, which situations can lead to a fine, and cómo llevar una navaja de forma legal según la normativa vigente.

What does the law say about carrying a pocket knife in Spain?

La pregunta “Is it legal to carry a pocket knife in Spain?” does not have a single answer. The current legislation, the Weapons Regulation (Royal Decree 137/1993) and Organic Law 4/2015 on the Protection of Citizen Security, establish very specific criteria.

In summary:

• It is allowed to carry knives for recreational or work use.
  

• It is prohibited to carry bladed weapons in public without justification.
  

• The length of the blade is a key factor.
  

• The carrier's attitude (defensive, intimidating…) is also taken into account.

¿What pocket knife can I carry without breaking the law?

Multi-purpose knives and work tools

Si te preguntas si es legal llevar una navaja multiusos, la respuesta suele ser yes, especially if:

• It has a blade less than 11 cm long.
  

• It is not overly sharp.
  

• It is carried inside a backpack or tool kit.
  

• Its purpose is professional or recreational (camping, mountain, DIY).

Example: a Leatherman-type multitool with a 6 cm blade for hiking is legal as long as it is not displayed in public or used out of context.

Is it allowed to carry a pocket knife on the street?

principio, no. Even if you have a small pocket knife, if you carry it in your pocket while walking around the city without justification, you are subject to a fine. The police may consider that you are in possession of a dangerous weapon.

Evade this:

• Wear it visible on the belt.
  

• Carry it at gatherings, events, or on public transportation.

Fine for carrying a pocket knife in the car: when can you be penalized?

One of the most common questions is whether Is there a fine for carrying a pocket knife in the car?. And yes, it can exist if:

• You do not justify its presence (for example, for forestry work or campsites).
  

• La navaja está al alcance del conductor.
  

• The sheet exceeds 11 cm or has automatic opening.
  

Sanctions: range from €300 to €30,000 depending on the type of weapon and the circumstances.

Can you carry a pocket knife in your backpack?

Yes, but with conditions. If you are stopped on the street and they check your backpack, they could penalize you if you don't explain well why you are carrying it.

Legal yes:

• You are going on a hike.
  

• You carry survival gear.
  

• It is a small-sized knife intended for recreational use.
  

Illegal if:

• La mochila está en un entorno urbano sin propósito claro.
  

• La hoja es larga o agresiva.
  

Tip: si vas con mochila y equipo, lleva también una guía de ruta o evidencia del uso previsto.

Can you carry a pocket knife on the plane?

Traveling with a pocket knife raises many questions, especially in highly controlled environments like airports. And it's understandable: a tool that is completely legal in the mountains can become a problem at a security checkpoint.

Below we explain under what conditions a pocket knife can be transported on a plane and what differences exist between carry-on luggage and checked luggage.

Can you carry a pocket knife in hand luggage?

No. The air safety regulations prohibits totalmente llevar navajas en cabina, incluso si son multiusos o tienen hoja pequeña. Están consideradas objetos punzantes.

Can a pocket knife be carried in checked luggage?

Yes, you can carry a pocket knife in checked luggage, provided that:

• Be well wrapped.
  

• Do not be automatic or prohibited.
  

• Declare if it is for professional use.

Make sure to check the airline and destination country conditions.

¿Of what length in centimeters is it allowed to carry a pocket knife?

The regulations do not set an exact universal number, but as a general rule:

• Less than 11 cm blade suele ser aceptable.
  

• Between 11 and 15 cm it can be punishable if there is no justification.
  

• Más de 15 cm o navajas automáticas están prohibited.

Can I carry a pocket knife for self-defense?

No. In Spain, carrying knives for self-defense purposes is prohibited. Preventive self-defense is not considered legitimate.

If the police interpret that you are carrying a pocket knife "just in case," it is sufficient grounds for confiscation and penalty.

¿What type of pocket knife is most recommended to carry?

Si quieres evitar problemas legales:

• Choose a discreet multi-tool knife.
  

• Menos de 11 cm de hoja.
  

• That it is not automatic and does not have assisted opening.
  

• Evades aggressive aesthetics (combat tactics).

Check secure models in our section of tactical knives, where you will find legal, compact, and quality tools.

How to justify carrying a pocket knife?

Valid reasons to carry a pocket knife in Spain

• Forestry or agricultural work.
  

• Camping or mountain activity.
  

• Professional use (plumber, electrician, etc.).
  

Invalid reasons for carrying a pocket knife in Spain

• “Just in case.”
  

• “I always carry it with me.”
  

• “It’s small and doesn’t hurt.”
  

Frequently Asked Questions

¿Can the Civil Guard fine me for carrying a small pocket knife?

Yes, if you consider that there is no justification or you use it as an intimidating element.

What happens if I carry a pocket knife and don't take it out?

If it is not in plain sight, the risk is lower. But if there is a search or inspection, you can be penalized if you don't have justification.

¿How to legally carry a pocket knife?

In its case, inside the backpack, without immediate access. Even better if you carry it in the car trunk or with the rest of the mountain gear.

Conclusion: carry your knife with common sense

Responder a la pregunta “Is it legal to carry a pocket knife in Spain?” involves understanding that legality depends on the use, context, and type of knife. A multitool in a hiking backpack is not the same as a sharp blade in a pocket in an urban area.

Si quieres estar tranquilo, elige bien tu herramienta, transpórtala con discreción y ten siempre una justificación razonable.

Encuentra tu legal, durable y funcional pocket knife en nuestra military store.

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