Canada · checked 2026-10-26 · Medium confidence

Knife carry law in Canada (federal Criminal Code)

Canada has no blade-length limit and no general 'reason to carry' rule. Automatic, gravity and flick-open knives, push daggers and disguised blades are prohibited weapons. Any other knife can still be an offence if carried concealed or for a dangerous purpose. Cities and provinces add their own rules.

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.

1ProhibitedAny knife or tool, automatic or gravity or flick opening
Knives that open by button/spring, gravity or centrifugal force (flick of the wrist) are 'prohibited weapons' under s.84. Possession without a licence (s.91(2)) is an offence; CBSA says flipper or thumb-stud knives that flick open count too.
Source
2UnclearAny knife or tool, spring assisted
The statute covers blades opening 'by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device'. CBSA calls opening 'automatic' only if the blade deploys rapidly and inevitably to locked; spring-assisted knives are untested. Treat as at risk of seizure.
Source
3UnclearA folding knife, one hand manual opening
Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
Source
4No restriction foundA folding knife, a fixed blade, a multitool, a keychain tool or scissors only, two hand opening
No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Source
5No restriction foundA fixed blade, a multitool, a keychain tool or scissors only
No federal listing or length limit found for ordinary fixed blades, multitools or scissors. Same caveats: concealed carry of a 'weapon' (s.90), dangerous purpose (s.88), push-dagger or disguised designs, and local bylaws.
Source
6UnclearAnything else
Combination not covered by a clear rule; apply the opening-mechanism and purpose tests and check local bylaws.
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
Buck 110 Folding Hunter	blade 95.3 mm (3.75 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Leatherman Arc	blade 70.1 mm (2.76 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal listing or length limit found for ordinary fixed blades, multitools or scissors. Same caveats: concealed carry of a 'weapon' (s.90), dangerous purpose (s.88), push-dagger or disguised designs, and local bylaws.
Victorinox Cadet (Alox)	blade 64 mm (2.52 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Victorinox Classic SD	blade 40 mm (1.57 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Victorinox Climber	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Morakniv Companion (stainless, Hi-Vis Orange shown)	blade 104 mm (4.09 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Gerber Dime	blade 38.1 mm (1.50 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami SK (Niwaki-sold Kanekoma)	blade 71 mm (2.80 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Victorinox Huntsman	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
ESEE Izula-II	blade 66.8 mm (2.63 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Leatherman Micra	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
W.R. Case & Sons Mini Trapper	blade 69.9 mm (2.75 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Opinel No.07 Stainless Steel	blade 80 mm (3.15 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel	blade 85 mm (3.35 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Spyderco Roadie	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Leatherman Skeletool CX	blade 66 mm (2.60 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal listing or length limit found for ordinary fixed blades, multitools or scissors. Same caveats: concealed carry of a 'weapon' (s.90), dangerous purpose (s.88), push-dagger or disguised designs, and local bylaws.
Victorinox Spartan	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Leatherman Squirt PS4	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Victorinox Swiss Card Classic	blade length not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X	blade length not published	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
W.R. Case & Sons Trapper	76.2 mm cutting edge (3.00 in)	No restriction found Why No federal blade-length limit or listing found for these. It can still become a 'weapon' offence if carried concealed (s.90) or for a dangerous purpose (s.88); push-dagger shapes and blades hidden in other objects are separately prohibited.
Leatherman Wave Plus	blade 74.2 mm (2.92 in); cutting edge not published	No restriction found Why No federal listing or length limit found for ordinary fixed blades, multitools or scissors. Same caveats: concealed carry of a 'weapon' (s.90), dangerous purpose (s.88), push-dagger or disguised designs, and local bylaws.
Benchmade Bugout	blade 82.3 mm (3.24 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
Spyderco Delica 4 (Lightweight)	65 mm cutting edge (2.56 in)	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
CIVIVI Elementum	blade 75.2 mm (2.96 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
Spyderco Ladybug 3	43 mm cutting edge (1.69 in)	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
Kershaw Leek	blade 76.2 mm (3.00 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why The statute covers blades opening 'by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device'. CBSA calls opening 'automatic' only if the blade deploys rapidly and inevitably to locked; spring-assisted knives are untested. Treat as at risk of seizure.
Benchmade Mini Bugout	blade 71.6 mm (2.82 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
Spyderco Para 3	67 mm cutting edge (2.64 in)	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
Gerber Paraframe I (stainless, plain edge)	blade 76.5 mm (3.01 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1 (RAT I)	blade 88.9 mm (3.50 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
Spyderco Squeak	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
CRKT Squid (Thumbstud)	blade 54.76 mm (2.16 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Legal status turns on whether the blade can be flicked open with a brisk wrist motion (CBSA/CITT 'centrifugal' test, including flippers and studs). Tight-pivot or detented knives that cannot be flicked open are not 'prohibited' on that test, but there is no bright line.
CRKT Squid Assisted	blade 60.2 mm (2.37 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why The statute covers blades opening 'by hand pressure applied to a button, spring or other device'. CBSA calls opening 'automatic' only if the blade deploys rapidly and inevitably to locked; spring-assisted knives are untested. Treat as at risk of seizure.

What the verdict does not cover

Public transport and restricted zones: Airports (CATSA): knives with a blade 6 cm or less are allowed in carry-on on non-US flights; longer blades go in checked bags; no knife of any length in carry-on on flights to the US. Prohibited knives at a checkpoint are reported to police. Municipal bylaws exist: Edmonton's Public Spaces Bylaw lists 'hunting or utility knives' as weapons and bars visibly possessing a weapon in public spaces ($500 fine); its exceptions were not verified.
Schools, workplaces and events: Provincial school law applies separately; Ontario's Education Act lists 'possessing a weapon' as grounds for suspension (seen only via search snippet, not fully verified). Treat any school, court, or event with security as no-knife.
In a vehicle: No knife-specific vehicle rule found. Concealed carry under s.90 applies in a vehicle if the knife is a 'weapon' (intended for use as a weapon).
Age limits: No federal age limit for buying or carrying an ordinary knife found. Provincial/municipal rules vary and were not surveyed.
Buying and importing: Residents and visitors may not import prohibited weapons or devices at all (CBSA D19-13-2 s.143); the only exception is a business with a Firearms Business Licence. Ordinary non-prohibited knives are generally admissible ('any weapon that is not specifically prohibited ... will generally be admissible'). Ordering a flick/automatic/butterfly knife online will be seized at the border and may bring charges.
Penalties: s.88: up to 10 years (indictable) or summary. s.90: up to 5 years or summary. s.91(2): up to 5 years or summary.
Recent changes: CBSA memo D19-13-2 reissued 25 June 2026 (adds 'centrifugal force' definition: opens with a wrist flick using no more than reasonable force). Criminal Code s.84 shows a 2026 amendment (S.C. 2026, c.11, s.3) to the 'superior court' definition only; nothing knife-related seen.
Pending changes: None identified.

Sources

Criminal Code s.84(1) 'prohibited weapon'
“a knife that has a blade that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or by hand pressure applied to a button”
Criminal Code s.2 'weapon'
“weapon means any thing used, designed to be used or intended for use (a) in causing death or injury to any person”
Criminal Code s.88 (weapon for dangerous purpose)
“carries or possesses a weapon ... for a purpose dangerous to the public peace or for the purpose of committing an offence”
Criminal Code s.90 (concealed weapon)
“Every person commits an offence who carries a weapon, a prohibited device or any prohibited ammunition concealed”
Criminal Code s.91 (unauthorized possession)
“possesses a prohibited weapon, a restricted weapon, a prohibited device ... without being the holder of a licence”
SOR/98-462 Part 3 (prescribed prohibited weapons)
“Any knife commonly known as a push-dagger that is designed in such a fashion that the handle is placed perpendicular to the main cutting edge”
R. v. Kerr, 2004 SCC 44
“Although concealment is the determinative factor under s. 90, it is but one relevant factor under s. 88.”
CBSA D19-13-2 Importing weapons
CBSA Customs Notice 18-01 (centrifugal knives)
CATSA sharp objects
Edmonton Public Spaces Bylaw 20700

What we could not confirm

No court decision on spring-assisted knives found; CBSA's older memo versions treated torsion-bar assisted knives as at risk, the 2026 text defines 'automatic' differently.
Case law on ordinary pocket knives (when a knife becomes a 'weapon' under s.2) was not read beyond Kerr's majority discussion of s.88/s.90.
Provincial and municipal rules not surveyed beyond Edmonton; Edmonton bylaw exceptions text not captured.
Whether other designs are 'prohibited' via the regulation catch-all 'any similar device' (e.g. knuckle-handled or concealed blades) was not tested.

Keep going

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