<P> In accordance with the Austrian Arms Act of 1996 (Waffengesetz 1996) it is illegal to buy, import, possess or carry weapons that are disguised as another object or as an object of common use (sword canes, e.g., or knives disguised as ink pens, brush handles or belt buckles). For ordinary knives, however, there are no restrictions or prohibitions based on blade length or opening or locking mechanism . </P> <P> The Arms Act defines weapons as "objects that by their very nature are intended to reduce or eliminate the defensive ability of a person through direct impact", specifically including all firearms . Consequently, certain knives are considered "weapons" in accordance with this definition . Except for firearms, however, which are heavily regulated, such "weapons", including automatic opening lock - blade knives (switchblades), OTF automatic knives, balisongs, and gravity knives are implicitly permitted under the Arms Act, and thus may be bought, possessed and carried by anyone over the age of 18 who has not been expressively banned from owning any weapon (Waffenverbot) by the civilian authorities . </P> <P> Article 3, § 1 of the 2006 Weapons Act lists the switchblade or automatic knife (couteaux à cran d'arrêt et à lame jaillissante), as well as butterfly knives, throwing knives, throwing stars, and knives or blades that have the appearance of other objects (i.e. sword canes, belt buckle knives, etc .) as prohibited weapons . In addition to specifically prohibited knives, the police and local jurisdictions have broad authority to prohibit the carrying or possession of a wide variety of knives, to include carriage inside a vehicle, if the owner cannot establish sufficient legal reason (motif légitime) for doing so, particularly in urban areas or at public events . This discretion extends to even folding knives without a locking blade . </P> <P> Bulgarian weapon law is maintained on a yearly basis . It is called ZOBVVPI (Bulgarian: "Закон за оръжията, боеприпасите, взривните вещества и пиротехническите изделия") and it covers ONLY the possession and usage of firearms (including gas and signal ones), and pellet or BB (Bulgarian: "сачми") pneumatic guns . A state regulation on melee weapons of any kind does not exist, whether knives, swords, bats or electric devices . Neither there is a juridical definition on the terms "melee weapon" or "cold weapon" in any Bulgarian law . Hence it is absolutely legal to possess and carry a knife in Bulgaria without having to procure any reason for doing so . Concealed knife carry is OK, anywhere and anytime . Although there are no restrictions on the possession or carrying of any type of knives or swords, it is not widely accepted or considered appropriate to carry a knife openly in public places such as streets or public buildings, stores or restaurants . In urban areas, expect an instant check and hassle if a policeman sees you to openly carry a larger knife, even if you have legal right to do it . From a society point of view, the open carry of knives in Bulgaria is justified only on rural areas, when fishing or hunting, or when the knife serves as a tool in work activities, such as gardening . Some places like courts, banks, clubs, bars, etc. will deny you the access with any type of weapon (knives included) and most of them don't offer a safekeeping option . It is urban legend in Bulgaria that knives above 10 cm. are illegal to carry on person, so expect the police to try and convince you give up the knife voluntarily, even if such measure is illegal . You should not give up your knife, instead state the purpose of "daily needs", "utility usage" or even "self - defense" for carrying and be clear that you haven't committed any crime . Insist the policeman to cite a law against you carrying a knife in public . Since there isn't any such law in Bulgaria, police most likely will let you keep your knife and send you on your way with a "warning". If they insist or are further misbehaving, ask to contact their superior officer prior to giving up your knife or else you won't see it again . Actually, there are some random city councils which try to limit knife lengths above 10 centimeters (4 inches) with issuing acts, but these acts are all illegal and have no compliance force, because the councils serve only administrative functions and they don't have the jurisdiction to invent or impose laws of any kind . Remember that although very liberal in terms of knives (weapons) possession and carry, compared to many European countries, Bulgaria isn't the place where you can defend yourself with deadly force . If the need for self - defense with a knife ever arises, consider it very carefully . Bulgaria has strong restrictive self - defense laws and a "duty to retreat" is always obligatory . Usually, courts often consider the armed self - defense as "unjustified" based on the Penal Code and the defending side ends up with an effective jail verdict, even if the cause (treat) for initiating self - defense is proven . </P>

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