Yes, butterfly knives (balisongs) are legal to possess and carry in Finland, provided they meet specific criteria under the Weapons Act (AseL 1/1998) and related regulations. However, their sale and import are restricted to authorized dealers, and carrying them in public without justification is prohibited.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Finland
- Blade Length Limit: Balisongs with blades exceeding 12 cm are classified as prohibited weapons under the Weapons Act, requiring special permits for possession.
- Public Carriage Ban: Carrying a butterfly knife in public without a valid reason (e.g., professional use) is illegal, as per the Police Act (Poliisilaki 872/2011).
- Dealer Licensing: Only licensed firearms and weapons dealers (approved by the Finnish Police) may sell or import balisongs, with mandatory age verification (18+).
Recent amendments to the Weapons Act (effective 2026) tighten oversight on “dangerous tools,” including balisongs, requiring retailers to report sales to local police within 48 hours. Misuse or carrying without justification may result in confiscation or criminal charges under the Criminal Code (RL 39/1889).