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Australia · checked 2026-10-26 · Medium confidence

Knife carry law in Queensland

Physically possessing any knife in a public place or school is an offence (up to 18 months) unless you have a reasonable excuse such as work, sport, or using a pen/Swiss Army knife for ordinary utility; self-defence is not one. Flick, butterfly, push and similar knives are category M weapons. Police can scan anyone in any public place.

This summary rests on mostly official, partly secondary sources. Open questions are listed at the end. Treat anything marked unclear as a reason to leave the item at home.

How we apply the law

Rules are checked from the top. The first one that fits decides. Every verdict on this site comes from this list, not from hand typed cells.

  1. 1ProhibitedAny knife or tool, automatic or gravity or flick opening

    Flick (automatic, gravity or centrifugal), butterfly/balisong, sheath and ballistic knives are category M weapons, mostly prohibited in Queensland; also covers any knife designed so the blade can be released with one hand as a weapon.

    Source
  2. 2UnclearAny knife or tool, spring assisted

    Category M para (b) catches a knife 'so designed or constructed ... to be used as a weapon' with the blade releasable by the holding hand; assisted openers are not named. Likely an ordinary knife needing a reasonable excuse, but untested.

    Source
  3. 3No restriction foundScissors only

    Scissors: no specific restriction found; not a 'knife' under s.51 on its face.

    Source
  4. 4Reason neededAnything else

    Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

    Source

34 popular knives and tools, checked here

Specifications come from the makers. Where a maker does not publish the cutting edge length, a length rule can only be answered if even the full blade length falls on one side of the line. Otherwise the result is unclear, on purpose.

ProductSpecsResult
Kershaw Leekblade 76.2 mm (3.00 in); cutting edge not publishedUnclear
Why

Category M para (b) catches a knife 'so designed or constructed ... to be used as a weapon' with the blade releasable by the holding hand; assisted openers are not named. Likely an ordinary knife needing a reasonable excuse, but untested.

CRKT Squid Assistedblade 60.2 mm (2.37 in); cutting edge not publishedUnclear
Why

Category M para (b) catches a knife 'so designed or constructed ... to be used as a weapon' with the blade releasable by the holding hand; assisted openers are not named. Likely an ordinary knife needing a reasonable excuse, but untested.

Buck 110 Folding Hunterblade 95.3 mm (3.75 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Leatherman Arcblade 70.1 mm (2.76 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Benchmade Bugoutblade 82.3 mm (3.24 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Victorinox Cadet (Alox)blade 64 mm (2.52 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Victorinox Classic SDblade 40 mm (1.57 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Victorinox Climberblade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Morakniv Companion (stainless, Hi-Vis Orange shown)blade 104 mm (4.09 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Spyderco Delica 4 (Lightweight)65 mm cutting edge (2.56 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Gerber Dimeblade 38.1 mm (1.50 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

CIVIVI Elementumblade 75.2 mm (2.96 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami SK (Niwaki-sold Kanekoma)blade 71 mm (2.80 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Victorinox Huntsmanblade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

ESEE Izula-IIblade 66.8 mm (2.63 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Spyderco Ladybug 343 mm cutting edge (1.69 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Leatherman Micrablade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Benchmade Mini Bugoutblade 71.6 mm (2.82 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

W.R. Case & Sons Mini Trapperblade 69.9 mm (2.75 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Opinel No.07 Stainless Steelblade 80 mm (3.15 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Opinel No.08 Stainless Steelblade 85 mm (3.35 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Spyderco Para 367 mm cutting edge (2.64 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Gerber Paraframe I (stainless, plain edge)blade 76.5 mm (3.01 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1 (RAT I)blade 88.9 mm (3.50 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Spyderco Roadie44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Leatherman Skeletool CXblade 66 mm (2.60 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Victorinox Spartanblade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Spyderco Squeak44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

CRKT Squid (Thumbstud)blade 54.76 mm (2.16 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Leatherman Squirt PS4blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Victorinox Swiss Card Classicblade length not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Victorinox SwissTool Spirit Xblade length not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

W.R. Case & Sons Trapper76.2 mm cutting edge (3.00 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

Leatherman Wave Plusblade 74.2 mm (2.92 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife you physically possess in a public place (includes places visible from a public place) or school needs a reasonable excuse: lawful activity/employment, sport, exhibiting, or lawful purpose (e.g. pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility). Self-defence is excluded.

What the verdict does not cover

Public transport and restricted zones
Jack's Law: police can wand people and bags in any public space or entertainment venue; permanent since 18 July 2025. Refusing is an offence (PPRA s.791).
Schools, workplaces and events
Schools expressly covered; religious purposes are a reasonable excuse in public places but not in schools.
In a vehicle
'Public place' includes a vehicle in a public place (s.50 definition). A knife kept in a car there is arguably covered; 'physically possess' wording may help but wasn't tested.
Age limits
Sale of controlled items to minors: Summary Offences Act 2005 s.19G (seen via Sentencing Council summary only).
Buying and importing
Importing swords, daggers or knives into Queensland needs a QPS import confirmation; items must not be category M. Online orders of category M knives are not allowed.
Penalties
s.51: first offence 50 penalty units or 18 months; second or later 100 penalty units or 2 years (higher with circumstances of aggravation).
Recent changes
s.51 penalty raised from 40 pu/1 year in 2024; Jack's Law expanded 30 Aug 2024 and made permanent 18 July 2025.
Pending changes
None identified.

Reasons the authorities have accepted

  • Carry a knife on belt for primary production work
  • Fisher carrying a knife while fishing
  • Scout uniform or pipe-band accessory
  • Preparing food at a restaurant or picnic
  • Pen knife or Swiss Army knife for normal utility use
  • Genuine religious purposes (e.g. kirpan) in a public place

Sources

What we could not confirm

  • Category M regulation text we read is 'current as at 1 Feb 2021' and may have been amended since.
  • s.51(1)–(2) definition of 'knife' not captured.
  • The Category M fact sheet PDF could not be parsed.

Keep going

General information, not legal advice. Know something we got wrong? Tell us and include a source.