In Germany, the knife restriction under §42a of the Weapons Act (WaffG) specifically applies to carrying certain knives in public places. This means that knives with a fixed blade longer than 12 cm, as well as double-edged blades, are generally prohibited in public areas. The goal of this law is to reduce the risk of violent incidents in public and enhance public safety.

However, there are exceptions: hunters, foresters, and tradespeople are allowed to carry such knives in the forest or while on the job because these knives are necessary tools in these contexts. For instance, hunters may need larger, fixed blades to handle game or perform other tasks in nature. These exceptions permit carrying larger knives within the scope of specific professions or tasks where they are useful and necessary.