Between freedom and restriction: What the knife ban means for the survival and bushcraft community

The knife as an indispensable tool 

"The knife is one of the few items that all survivalists and bushcrafters carry with them because it is simply so versatile," explains Vanessa Blank, freelance media producer and well-known outdoor expert. A knife can be used to build wooden structures, light fires, prepare food and carry out hunting tasks in an emergency. The legal restrictions therefore not only affect transportation, but also the basic practice of the hobby. On the other hand: "Most outdoor enthusiasts will look for places where no one else will cross their path," says Blank. Who would be bothered by the use of a knife there?

The German Weapons Act: legal stumbling blocks 

The German Weapons Act, in particular § 42a, prohibits the carrying of fixed knives with a blade length of more than 12 cm unless there is a legitimate interest. Hunters or craftsmen, for example, can prove such an interest, but most other citizens cannot. If the general public does not consider carrying a knife to be reprehensible and its use serves a generally recognized purpose, a legitimate interest could exist. Ultimately, however, it is always a question of weighing up interests and must be assessed on a case-by-case basis. "I can handle it well because I have the forest practically on my doorstep and can prove the legitimate interest through my profession," says Blank. However, many outdoor enthusiasts have to use public transport to get to their destinations or pass through urban gun ban zones, where carrying knives is generally prohibited.

The transportation issue is particularly tricky. "If you had a small weapon case for your knife and secured it with a padlock or cable tie, you would be on the safe side legally, as the knife is not within reach and therefore poses less of a risk," explains Blank. Nevertheless, there is still uncertainty: "In many places, it is unclear what is and isn't allowed." The legal gray areas and the risk of unknowingly committing a crime are causing resentment in the community. 

The community's reaction to the new gun law 

Above all, however, there is criticism in the community that the tightening of legislation affects law-abiding outdoor enthusiasts, while criminals do not abide by gun laws anyway, Blank describes her impression. "That's the main point of criticism: the wrong people are being punished," she emphasizes. Most knife crimes are committed with knives that were already banned before the tightening of gun laws. At the same time, there is a growing need for security among the population, especially with regard to self-defense.

Alternatives and adaptation strategies 

In view of the restrictions, outdoor professionals and hobbyists must adapt to the new rules. Smaller knives under 12 cm are still permitted in compliance with the law, but their functionality is limited. "You could do a lot of things with smaller knives, but it's not conducive to longevity and makes the work more difficult," reports the experienced outdoor expert.
The knife ban also has an impact on her bushcraft courses. The course participants themselves are responsible for complying with the law. "Of course, it's a different story with the tools I provide them with. Of course, I make sure that everything complies with the law," explains Vanessa Blank.
Another approach in terms of safety and self-defense is increased training in the use of alternative tools and techniques - completely without knives, including training in self-defense and the use of everyday objects in the event of danger.

Vanessa Blank - outdoor expert with reach

Vanessa Blank is a freelance media producer, well-known outdoor expert and bushcraft trainer. She has been sharing her knowledge of survival, bushcraft and living close to nature for many years, both in direct contact and via digital channels. She has a total of 393,000 followers on her two YouTube channels - one in German and one internationally. With authentic and practical content, she has established herself as a permanent fixture in the outdoor community.

At IWA OutdoorClassics 2025 on Friday, February 28, 13:00 (BLADE Demo Area, Hall 5 Stand 5-100), she will be discussing "How practicable is German firearms law with regard to knives in the outdoor, hunting and sports sectors?" together with lawyer Nina Naske and hunter Carsten Zulauf.