The new Security Decree
With the new security decree, a large part of citizens from one day to the next discovered that they were potential criminals for the simple fact of having with them in their free time or at work a banal instrument such as a pocket knifeLet's be clear: carrying a knife has never been legal, but common sense and careful consideration of the context in which it occurred have rarely led to protests and, above all, consequences such as those now looming. Although the stated intent is to strengthen public order and safety, the regulatory intervention regarding knives, particularly folding "pocket" knives, appears in reality more like an emotional response to news events than a structured solution. The decree prohibits carrying, even outside urban areas, folding knives with blades longer than 5 centimeters, equipped with a lock or that can be opened with one hand. This blade lock, seen as an aggravating circumstance, does not actually make the knife more offensive; it is simply a passive safety device designed to prevent accidental closure. Today, a simple keychain or promotional item can turn you into a "criminal."
Justified reason
While for fixed blades up to 8 cm, the "justified reason" remains a valid excuse—a vague term, however, and subject to arbitrary interpretation—folding knives over 5 cm have no excuse and risk imprisonment from six months to three years and severe penalties, such as suspension of a driver's license or firearms permit. But is it credible that criminals would be deterred by increased penalties for carrying a knife? Those who break the law, by definition, do not obey it; these regulations thus end up targeting only those who respect the law and use knives as a work tool or in everyday life. Hunters are still permitted to carry knives while hunting, but in addition to leaving all folding knives and their accessories, such as snips or hacksaw blades, at home and using only fixed-blade knives until further clarity is provided, they must now be very careful at the end of the hunting day to remove them from their pockets or belts and store them where they are not immediately available and useful. Don't go in for a coffee and forget it in your vest.
More than legitimate questions
But is dog training, for example, a justified reason for carrying a knife? What will the Forestry Police or Game Wardens think during a check? And what about all the other outdoor activities? Do you go picking chicory, wild herbs, asparagus, or mushrooms? Yes, it might be a justified reason, but will handing a blade to your accompanying child or grandchild to pick them constitute a criminal conspiracy? And what about the apple you bring to the office? Perhaps it's better to eat it with the peel, which is said to be even better. Then think of those—farmers, artisans, plumbers, greengrocers, fruit vendors, various itinerant florists, etc.—who need to use a blade in any form. For them, life becomes unnecessarily complicated, having to navigate a complex regulatory framework, where the distinction between "carrying" and "transporting" and the vagueness of the concept of "justified reason" leave ample room for interpretation and... error!
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Passage in the Senate
And what about the repercussions on a sector of excellence in Made in Italy manufacturing? Historic districts like Maniago, Frosolone, and Scarperia, along with the artisanal production of regions like Sardinia, represent a cultural and economic heritage recognized throughout Europe. These communities, which base their identity on the production of high-quality blades for collectors and legal users, are indirectly affected by legislation that appears to focus on the object rather than the intention of the wielder. While awaiting the Senate passage for the decree's conversion, which must occur by April, the hope—or rather, the necessity—is for a more balanced formulation. A truly effective law should distinguish between the improper use of a tool intended to commit a crime and the honest use of a tool that has accompanied man in his daily activities for centuries. A more pragmatic and less emotional approach would ensure collective safety without unnecessarily complicating the lives of those who respect the rules. Which should be, let's be clear, the goal of every serious state (“Primo piano”, by Marco Ramanzini, Caccia & Tiro 03/2026).
