Pocket knives & outdoor knives for bushcraft, camping and survival at ASMC

Pocket knives are among the essential tools for bushcraft, outdoor activities and survival adventures. In the ASMC shop you’ll find a wide selection of everyday pocket knives, outdoor knives for bushcraft, camping and survival, as well as rescue knives that can be used in emergencies to quickly extricate people or cut through straps. Brands such as Böker, Gerber, Herbertz and classic Solingen knives stand for high-quality materials, durable blades and reliable workmanship.

What types of knives are there?

Bushcraft knives have a fixed blade and are particularly robust. They are ideal for woodwork, carving tools or preparing firewood. Thanks to the fixed blade, they are especially stable and durable, even under intensive use.

Pocket knives and folding knives are compact and can be carried safely. They are suitable for light outdoor tasks, preparing food or everyday jobs.

One-handed knives can be opened with one hand, which is practical when a quick reaction is required. In Germany, they are subject to legal restrictions and may only be carried with a legitimate interest.

Hunting knives are used for processing game, fishing or gutting fish. They are robust, precise and tailored to the specific requirements of outdoor and hunting situations.

Rescue knives are designed for rescue operations, for example to free people from vehicles, cut through seat belts or intervene quickly in emergencies in the field. They often feature serrated edges, belt cutters or glass breakers.

Combat knives are aimed at law enforcement, military, or tactical training. They are characterized by particularly robust blades, ergonomic handles, and hard-wearing materials. These knives are not everyday tools and are subject to strict legal regulations when carried.

Blades, steels & grinds

The choice of the right steel determines durability, sharpness and maintenance effort.

D2 steel is very hard and holds an edge well. It is suitable for heavy-duty tasks such as cutting thick wood, tough ropes, or intensive whittling where the blade has to withstand high loads.

440C steel is corrosion-resistant, easy to maintain and versatile. It is suitable for outdoor knives that are used regularly but should be easy to resharpen. Perfect for beginners and all-round use.

Sandvik 12C27 (also known as “Swedish steel”) offers a very well-balanced combination of hardness, toughness and corrosion resistance. It is ideal for pocket knives, hunting knives or everyday knives that are intended to be durable, reliable and easy to maintain.

A plain edge is particularly suitable for precise tasks such as whittling wood, cooking, or preparing food. It allows for clean, controlled cuts and is universally usable.

Serrated edges are frequently used on rescue or combat knives to cut through ropes, straps or hard materials efficiently. A partially serrated edge combines the advantages of a plain and a serrated edge, making the knife more versatile in use.

Which knives am I allowed to carry legally in Germany?

The following applies to knives in Germany:

• Permitted: fixed-blade knives up to 12 cm, folding knives without a locking mechanism, multitools

• Restrictions: Fixed‑blade knives with a blade length over 12 cm may only be carried under certain conditions, e.g. by emergency services or soldiers on duty.

Legitimate interest: Soldiers are allowed to carry a combat knife or larger fixed‑blade knives while on duty because there is a clearly defined professional interest. Stricter rules apply to private outdoor or survival activities: carrying larger knives without a legitimate interest is prohibited.

Note: Always find out about the applicable regulations, especially about weapons-free zones, where carrying knives is generally prohibited.