Canada’s Knife Carrying & Shipping Laws
By Jason R. Caldwell – Tactical Gear Contributor, Bozeman, Montana
This is the 1st blog of the Knife Blog Series. You can check the other blogs I’ve written here: https://thriftyknife.com/blogs
🇨🇦 Introduction: Know the Rules Before You Pack Your Blade
Canada may be one of the most welcoming countries in the world—but it’s also one of the strictest when it comes to knife laws. Whether you’re traveling there with a blade or shipping knives to a Canadian customer, you need to be informed.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what’s legal, what’s not, and how to stay out of trouble when carrying or shipping knives in Canada.
🔪 Section 1: What Knives Are Legal to Carry in Canada?
❌ Prohibited Knives
Under Canada’s Criminal Code Section 84(1), several types of knives are banned regardless of intent:
Automatic (switchblade) knives
Gravity knives (open via flick or wrist action)
Knives with button-assisted opening from the handle
These knives are classified as prohibited weapons, even if carried for self-defense, collection, or work.
📖 Source: Government of Canada – Criminal Code
✅ Legal to Carry… With Caution
Knives such as fixed blades, traditional folding knives, or multitools can be legally carried if:
The blade does not open automatically
You’re carrying it for a lawful reason (hiking, work, fishing, etc.)
It’s not concealed in a way that suggests a weapon
🛑 Carrying for self-defense is not legal—intent matters more than the blade itself.
📖 Guide: Grizzly Blades – Knife Law Breakdown
🛄 Section 2: Traveling With a Knife in Canada
Whether you’re visiting the Rockies or taking a camping trip to Ontario, you can carry a knife if:
It’s stored safely
It’s not being carried for defense
It’s used only for its intended outdoor or utility purpose
✈️ At airports, always check your knife in luggage. Carry-on is strictly prohibited for all types of blades.
📦 Section 3: Shipping Knives to Canada
📦 What Can Be Shipped?
You can legally ship knives into Canada as long as they are:
Not automatic or gravity-open
Accurately described (e.g., “folding utility knife”)
Clearly not intended as weapons
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has the right to inspect and seize any item deemed dangerous or mislabeled.
📖 Source: CBSA – Knife Import Rules
⚠️ Avoid These Shipping Mistakes
Using “combat” or “tactical” in product descriptions
Failing to declare contents on customs forms
Shipping prohibited knife types by accident
I’ve seen even simple EDC folders get seized just because the word “assisted” was in the label. Be smart and play it safe.
🛒 Section 4: Canada-Friendly Knives at ThriftyKnife.com
At ThriftyKnife.com, we offer blades that comply with Canadian laws:
Manual folding knives – Under 3” blades
Fixed blade bushcraft tools – Perfect for outdoorsmen
Multitools with non-locking blades – Utility meets compliance
💼 Every item is clearly labeled, packed securely, and shipped with legal clarity. I’ve built my inventory to respect international borders—and your trust.
🧠 Conclusion: Sharp Awareness for Smart Carry
Canada’s knife laws aren’t just about what you carry—it’s about how and why.
✅ Understand the difference between “prohibited” and “restricted”
✅ Always pack with transparency in mind
✅ Don’t assume legality based on your home country’s rules
Knowledge is your sharpest edge. Learn the law, and carry with confidence.
💬 Got a Knife Question About Canada?
Want to double-check a model before shipping? Need clarification on concealment rules?
💭 Drop your question in the comments and I’ll respond with hands-on advice.
Also, let me know what you’d like next week’s blog to cover. I’m considering a deep dive into “Knife Laws by Province: Ontario vs. Alberta”—would that help?