No, butterfly knives (balisongs) are prohibited in Sweden under the Weapons Act (1988:258) and the Ordinance (1988:262) on weapons, as they are classified as knives with a folding blade that can be locked in an open position. The Swedish Police Authority enforces these restrictions, and possession without a valid exception (e.g., historical or cultural heritage) is punishable by fines or imprisonment. Recent 2026 amendments to the Weapons Ordinance further tightened controls, requiring pre-approval for any knife resembling a balisong, even for collectors.
Key Regulations for Butterfly Knives (Balisongs) in Sweden
- Prohibition under the Weapons Act: Balisongs are explicitly banned as knives with a folding blade that can be locked in an open position, falling under Category D weapons requiring special permits.
- Police Authorization Required: Exemptions exist only for museums, historical societies, or individuals with documented cultural heritage claims, subject to Police approval under Chapter 6, Section 5 of the Weapons Ordinance.
- Penalties for Non-Compliance: Unauthorized possession or carrying of a balisong may result in fines up to SEK 5,000 or imprisonment for up to 6 months, per Chapter 10, Section 1 of the Penal Code.