Shipping Knives Internationally with forward2me
Restricted Items Guide
Shipping knives internationally can be complicated, as regulations vary depending on the type of knife and the destination country. While some knives can be shipped internationally through forward2me, others cannot be shipped under any circumstances due to legal or carrier restrictions.
Use the visual guide below to identify different types of knives and understand whether they may be eligible for international shipping through our service.
Restricted knives can be shipped under conditions
Restricted means a knife may be shipped internationally through forward2me, provided it complies with all applicable shipping conditions such as carrier requirements and destination country regulations.
Prohibited knives cannot be shipped under any circumstances
If a knife is listed as prohibited, it cannot be shipped through forward2me under any circumstances. These items are not eligible for forwarding, regardless of the destination or shipping method.
Knives are never accepted by postal services
Knives cannot be shipped using postal services. Where shipping is permitted, an approved courier service must be used.
Prohibited Knives: Not Eligible for Shipping
These items cannot be forwarded under any circumstances
The following types of knives are prohibited and cannot be shipped through forward2me, regardless of destination, condition, or intended purpose. Knife regulations vary significantly between countries, carriers, and shipping networks, with certain designs being classified as prohibited items due to their potential use as weapons.
No exceptions for age, purpose, or conditionThis classification applies even if an item is antique, ornamental, ceremonial, collectable, blunt, or designed for training purposes. These characteristics do not change the type of knife or remove it from prohibited categories. A decorative or non-functional version of a prohibited knife may still be treated in the same way as the original item for shipping purposes.
Prohibited
Switchblade / Ejector Knife
Spring-assisted, push-button, or ejector mechanism. Blade deploys automatically.
Prohibited
Butterfly Knife (Balisong)
Two rotating handles that conceal the blade when closed and lock together when open.
Prohibited
Gravity Knife / Flick Knife
Blade stored in handle and deployed using gravity or a wrist flick. Includes flick knives.
Prohibited
Concealed / Disguised Knife
Disguised as everyday objects — pen, comb, card, phone, belt. Includes non-metal blades designed to evade detection.
Prohibited
Push Dagger / Knuckle Knife
Includes trench knives and any blade designed to be gripped through a knuckle guard.
Prohibited
Combat / Military Knife & Bayonet
Military-style fixed blades and bayonets. Swiss army knives are excepted — see restricted list.
Prohibited
Throwing Knife / Shuriken
Includes ninja stars and all martial-arts throwing blades.
Prohibited
Zombie / Fantasy Knife
Includes fantasy-style knives, daggers, and decorative blades styled as weapons.
Prohibited
Swords
Includes samurai swords, cutlass, sabre, scimitar, rapier, foil, and sword sticks.
Prohibited
Machete
All machete types regardless of intended purpose.
Prohibited
Double-Edged Blade / Assisted Opening
Any blade with two or more edges, or any blade that opens unassisted.
Prohibited
Ornamental / Ceremonial Daggers
Decorative and ceremonial daggers — condition and purpose make no difference to classification.
Restricted Knives: Can Be Shipped Under Conditions
Eligible for shipping when all requirements are met
The following types are shippable from our warehouses, subject to blade length limits, packaging requirements, and destination country rules. All three conditions must be met — not just one.
Restricted
Kitchen & Chef's Knives
Including carving, bread, steak knives, and cutlery sets with forks and spoons.
Restricted
Pocket Knife
Manual folding only — no assisted opening. Blade measured open to pivot when folded.
Restricted
Swiss Army Knife / Multi-tool
The one exception to the military knife rule. Accepted with conditions. Multi-tools with a blade included.
Restricted
Utility / Stanley / Box Cutter
Work, DIY, craftsman, and box-cutter knives with retractable blades.
Restricted
Letter Opener
Typically blunt-tipped with a single edge. Must meet blade length limit.
Restricted
Cut-Throat Razor / Razor Blade
Including disposable razors and razor blades. Packaging requirements apply.
Restricted
Scissors
Household and professional scissors. Blade length rules apply to each blade measured individually.
Restricted
Hunting & Fishing Knife
Fixed or folding blade designed for field use. Must be within blade length limit and properly sheathed.
Restricted
Scalpel
Medical and craft scalpels. Original sterile packaging preferred. Tip protection required.
Requirements That Apply to All Restricted Knives
Is your knife eligible for shipping?
All three of the following conditions must be met, regardless of knife type. A knife that meets two out of three cannot be shipped.
Blade length ≤ 18 cm / 7"
The maximum blade length is 18 cm (7 inches). For folding knives, the blade is measured open to the pivot point when fully extended.
Packaging requirements
The blade must be guarded at all times — sheath, blade guard, or original sealed manufacturer packaging where applicable. Tips must be protected. Safety markings and barcodes must not be covered.
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Destination country must permit
Even shippable knife types may be restricted or prohibited at the destination. Always check the country table below before ordering.
Sets and steak knives count individuallyEach blade in a set, including steak knife sets, kitchen knife sets, and other cutlery collections, must individually meet the applicable blade length limit. The measurement applies to every knife included in the set, not just the largest or main blade. If any individual knife in the set exceeds 18 cm, the entire set is considered non-compliant and cannot be shipped.
Which Couriers Accept Knife Shipments
Couriers
Not all couriers accept bladed items. Postal services cannot be used for any type of knife.
| Courier | Allowance | Notes |
|---|---|---|
 |
|
Accepts knives that meet the restricted list conditions — blade length, packaging, and destination rules. |
 |
|
Accepts knives that meet the restricted list conditions — blade length, packaging, and destination rules. |
 |
With note |
|
| Postal services | |
|
How to Ship a Knife with forward2me
How It Works
Check the prohibited list first
If your knife appears on the prohibited list — or falls into a prohibited category — it cannot be shipped, regardless of its condition, purpose, or age. Do not order it to our warehouse.
Verify the blade length
Measure the blade length before ordering. Maximum 18 cm / 7 inches. For folding knives, measure open to the pivot point when fully extended. If your knife exceeds this, it cannot be shipped.
Check your destination country
Use the country table above to check whether your destination permits the knife type you're shipping. Even for restricted knives, some destinations have additional bans. If your country is listed as pending, contact us before ordering.
Ensure packaging meets requirements
Blades must be guarded, sheathed, or in original sealed manufacturer packaging. Tips must be protected. If your knife arrives at our warehouse unguarded or with inadequate packaging, we will contact you about repackaging before we can dispatch.
Select an eligible courier
Use DHL Express or FedEx Express for the most consistent knife shipment acceptance. If using UPS, a business account is recommended — add a pre-advice note at the time of booking. Postal services cannot be used for any blade type.
Why We Can’t Ship All Knives
Knife shipping rules are based on established regulations, carrier policies, and customs requirements, not a subjective decision based on how an item looks. Several factors are considered when determining whether a knife can be shipped internationally.
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Knife classification | Some knife types are restricted or prohibited based on their design and legal classification. |
| Blade design and mechanism | Features such as the blade type, opening mechanism, or locking system may affect shipping eligibility. |
| Destination country rules | Each country has its own import laws, and an item allowed in one location may be restricted in another. |
| Carrier requirements | Couriers have their own rules about which knife types they will accept for transport. |
| Intended use and appearance | Being antique, ornamental, collectable, blunt, or designed for training does not always change how an item is classified. |
Frequently asked questions
FAQ
Not if the knife type is on the prohibited list. Whether a blade is antique, ornamental, ceremonial, collectable, blunt, or intended for display or training does not affect its classification. If the type is prohibited, it cannot be shipped — regardless of its age or condition.
Yes, if each blade in the set individually meets the blade length limit (18 cm / 7 inches) and the set is in original sealed packaging. If any single blade in the set exceeds the limit, the entire set cannot be shipped.
Yes — Swiss army knives are the one exception to the military knife rule and appear on the restricted list. They can be shipped provided the blade length is within the 18 cm limit, packaging is correct, and the destination country permits them.
For a folding knife, measure the blade from tip to the pivot point when the blade is fully open. Do not include the handle. The maximum permitted length is 18 cm / 7 inches.
Yes, hunting and fishing knives are on the restricted list and can be shipped if the blade is within 18 cm, properly sheathed, and the destination country permits their import. Check the country table above for your specific destination.
If a prohibited knife arrives at our warehouse, we will not ship it internationally. We will contact you to arrange a return to sender (RTS). International shipping will not proceed under any circumstances for prohibited blade types.
No. Postal services — including Royal Mail and any other postal network — cannot be used for any type of blade, restricted or otherwise. You must use a courier service such as DHL Express, FedEx Express, or UPS.
Not sure if your knife can be shipped?
Contact us before ordering and we'll confirm whether your specific item is shippable and what the requirements are.