Australia · checked 2026-10-26 · Medium confidence

Knife carry law in Victoria

Any knife that is not a prohibited weapon is a 'controlled weapon': carrying it without lawful excuse risks up to 1 year. Lawful excuse covers work, sport, collecting; self-defence does not. Flick, butterfly, push, dagger, ceramic/non-metal knives and machetes are prohibited and need approval or a government exemption.

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.

1ProhibitedAny knife or tool, automatic
A knife whose blade is concealed when folded into the handle and opens by gravity, centrifugal force or button/spring is a prohibited 'flick knife', even if partially visible when closed. Butterfly knives are also prohibited. Needs Chief Commissioner approval or an exemption.
Source
2ProhibitedAny knife or tool, gravity or flick opening
Butterfly knives (two-piece handle folding over the blade) and gravity/centrifugal flick knives are prohibited weapons.
Source
3UnclearAny knife or tool, spring assisted
A spring-assisted knife is a flick knife only if designed so the blade is concealed in the handle and opens by spring pressure; a visible-blade assisted flipper may be a normal controlled weapon. No case found; high risk.
Source
4No restriction foundScissors only
Scissors without a knife blade: no specific restriction found; any item carried to use as a weapon is a 'dangerous article'.
Source
5Reason neededAnything else
Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
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.

Product	Specs	Result
Kershaw Leek	blade 76.2 mm (3.00 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why A spring-assisted knife is a flick knife only if designed so the blade is concealed in the handle and opens by spring pressure; a visible-blade assisted flipper may be a normal controlled weapon. No case found; high risk.
CRKT Squid Assisted	blade 60.2 mm (2.37 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why A spring-assisted knife is a flick knife only if designed so the blade is concealed in the handle and opens by spring pressure; a visible-blade assisted flipper may be a normal controlled weapon. No case found; high risk.
Buck 110 Folding Hunter	blade 95.3 mm (3.75 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Leatherman Arc	blade 70.1 mm (2.76 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Benchmade Bugout	blade 82.3 mm (3.24 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Victorinox Cadet (Alox)	blade 64 mm (2.52 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Victorinox Classic SD	blade 40 mm (1.57 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Victorinox Climber	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Morakniv Companion (stainless, Hi-Vis Orange shown)	blade 104 mm (4.09 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Spyderco Delica 4 (Lightweight)	65 mm cutting edge (2.56 in)	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Gerber Dime	blade 38.1 mm (1.50 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
CIVIVI Elementum	blade 75.2 mm (2.96 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami SK (Niwaki-sold Kanekoma)	blade 71 mm (2.80 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Victorinox Huntsman	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
ESEE Izula-II	blade 66.8 mm (2.63 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Spyderco Ladybug 3	43 mm cutting edge (1.69 in)	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Leatherman Micra	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Benchmade Mini Bugout	blade 71.6 mm (2.82 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
W.R. Case & Sons Mini Trapper	blade 69.9 mm (2.75 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Opinel No.07 Stainless Steel	blade 80 mm (3.15 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel	blade 85 mm (3.35 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Spyderco Para 3	67 mm cutting edge (2.64 in)	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Gerber Paraframe I (stainless, plain edge)	blade 76.5 mm (3.01 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1 (RAT I)	blade 88.9 mm (3.50 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Spyderco Roadie	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Leatherman Skeletool CX	blade 66 mm (2.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Victorinox Spartan	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Spyderco Squeak	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
CRKT Squid (Thumbstud)	blade 54.76 mm (2.16 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Leatherman Squirt PS4	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Victorinox Swiss Card Classic	blade length not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X	blade length not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
W.R. Case & Sons Trapper	76.2 mm cutting edge (3.00 in)	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.
Leatherman Wave Plus	blade 74.2 mm (2.92 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why Other knives (folders, fixed blades, multitools with a blade) are controlled weapons: need a lawful excuse (employment, lawful sport/recreation, collection). Courts consider time and place. Self-defence is excluded. Daggers, throwing blades and machetes are prohibited.

What the verdict does not cover

Public transport and restricted zones: Police may declare 'designated areas' (up to 24 hours; sometimes 6 months) where they can wand-scan, pat down and search bags without suspicion. Higher penalty (240 pu / 2 years) for possession in or near licensed premises.
Schools, workplaces and events: No separate school offence read; the controlled-weapon offence applies anywhere.
In a vehicle: No vehicle exemption seen; a controlled weapon must be carried 'in a safe and secure manner' consistent with the excuse (s.6(2), 20 penalty units).
Age limits: A child (under 18) must not purchase a controlled weapon (12 pu); selling one knowing the buyer is a child is 20 pu. Plastic/wooden eating knives excluded.
Buying and importing: Prohibited weapons cannot be bought, sold or brought into Victoria without approval/exemption; federal import controls also apply. Machete sales permanently banned.
Penalties: Controlled weapon: 120 penalty units or 1 year. Prohibited weapon: up to 2 years or a fine of over $48,000 (police figure for machetes). In or near licensed premises: 240 pu or 2 years.
Recent changes: Machetes prohibited from 1 Sept 2025 (amnesty ended 30 Nov 2025). New knife-crime sentencing offence (+3 years). Search powers widened.
Pending changes: None identified. The Act version we read predates the machete amendment (it was used for s.6 only).

Reasons the authorities have accepted

Lawful employment, duty or activity
Participating in a lawful sport, recreation or entertainment
Legitimate collection, display or exhibition

Sources

Control of Weapons Act 1990 s.6 (Version 075, 26 March 2025)
“A person must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without lawful excuse.”
Victoria Police: weapons definitions
“Self-defence is not a lawful excuse for carrying controlled weapon or dangerous articles.”
Victoria Police: list of prohibited weapons
“Self-protection or self-defence is not a lawful excuse to possess these articles.”
Victoria Police: machete ban
“From 1 September 2025, machetes were classified as prohibited weapons in Victoria.”
Victoria Police weapons controls
DJCS: preventing knife and weapon crimes

What we could not confirm

Control of Weapons Regulations 2021 not opened directly; prohibited definitions taken from Victoria Police's page.
Whether a later Act version changed s.6 after 26 March 2025 was not checked.
Non-metal/ceramic knives, credit-card knives, double-ended and dagger prohibitions apply regardless of the form/opening vocabulary and are not modelled in the rules.

Keep going

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