Australia · checked 2026-10-26 · Medium confidence

Knife carry law in Australia (national summary)

There is no national carry law; each state sets its own. In all five states covered, carrying any knife in public needs a lawful excuse (self-defence never counts), and automatic/butterfly knives are prohibited weapons. Imports of knives like flick, assisted-opening and butterfly are controlled federally. Tasmania, ACT and NT not covered.

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 or gravity or flick opening
Flick/automatic/butterfly knives are prohibited weapons (permit only) in NSW, Qld and SA, prohibited in Vic, and in WA if made/modified for injury or martial arts. Imports also need permission. See the state entries.
Source
2UnclearAny knife or tool, spring assisted
Federal import rules expressly name 'assisted opening knives'; state definitions differ (NSW 'any pressure ... spring', Vic requires a concealed folded blade, WA requires injury intent). No clear national answer; treat as high risk.
Source
3No restriction foundScissors only
Scissors without a blade-knife are not a 'knife' in the state statutes read; no specific restriction found. Weapon-intent offences could still apply.
Source
4Reason neededAnything else
NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
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 Federal import rules expressly name 'assisted opening knives'; state definitions differ (NSW 'any pressure ... spring', Vic requires a concealed folded blade, WA requires injury intent). No clear national answer; treat as high risk.
CRKT Squid Assisted	blade 60.2 mm (2.37 in); cutting edge not published	Unclear Why Federal import rules expressly name 'assisted opening knives'; state definitions differ (NSW 'any pressure ... spring', Vic requires a concealed folded blade, WA requires injury intent). No clear national answer; treat as high risk.
Buck 110 Folding Hunter	blade 95.3 mm (3.75 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Leatherman Arc	blade 70.1 mm (2.76 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Benchmade Bugout	blade 82.3 mm (3.24 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Victorinox Cadet (Alox)	blade 64 mm (2.52 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Victorinox Classic SD	blade 40 mm (1.57 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Victorinox Climber	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Morakniv Companion (stainless, Hi-Vis Orange shown)	blade 104 mm (4.09 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Spyderco Delica 4 (Lightweight)	65 mm cutting edge (2.56 in)	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Gerber Dime	blade 38.1 mm (1.50 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
CIVIVI Elementum	blade 75.2 mm (2.96 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami SK (Niwaki-sold Kanekoma)	blade 71 mm (2.80 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Victorinox Huntsman	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
ESEE Izula-II	blade 66.8 mm (2.63 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Spyderco Ladybug 3	43 mm cutting edge (1.69 in)	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Leatherman Micra	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Benchmade Mini Bugout	blade 71.6 mm (2.82 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
W.R. Case & Sons Mini Trapper	blade 69.9 mm (2.75 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Opinel No.07 Stainless Steel	blade 80 mm (3.15 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel	blade 85 mm (3.35 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Spyderco Para 3	67 mm cutting edge (2.64 in)	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Gerber Paraframe I (stainless, plain edge)	blade 76.5 mm (3.01 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1 (RAT I)	blade 88.9 mm (3.50 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Spyderco Roadie	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Leatherman Skeletool CX	blade 66 mm (2.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Victorinox Spartan	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Spyderco Squeak	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
CRKT Squid (Thumbstud)	blade 54.76 mm (2.16 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Leatherman Squirt PS4	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Victorinox Swiss Card Classic	blade length not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X	blade length not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
W.R. Case & Sons Trapper	76.2 mm cutting edge (3.00 in)	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.
Leatherman Wave Plus	blade 74.2 mm (2.92 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why NSW, Vic, Qld, WA and SA all make carrying a knife in public an offence without lawful excuse/reasonable excuse (work, sport, recreation, etc.); self-defence is never an excuse. Use the state entry for details.

What the verdict does not cover

Public transport and restricted zones: All five states have police wanding/scanning powers in some form (see state entries). Airline rules not checked.
Schools, workplaces and events: NSW, Qld and SA name schools expressly; Vic/WA apply everywhere.
In a vehicle: See state entries; none of the five has a vehicle exemption for ordinary knives that we verified.
Age limits: Selling knives to under 18s is banned in WA and SA (SA since 1 July 2025); Vic bars sale to a child; NSW bans sale to under 16 (Summary Offences Act s.11F per secondary source) and a 2026 reform extends to 16 and 17 (commencement not verified).
Buying and importing: Federal: importing flick/switchblade/assisted-opening, butterfly, push, trench, ballistic, throwing, sheath, non-metallic knives and daggers requires meeting listed tests (e.g. police certification, official purposes) in Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regs Sch 13. Ordering such knives from overseas without permission is prohibited. Domestic and state rules on posting/selling vary.
Penalties: Vary widely: from fines to up to 4 years (NSW 93IB) and 14 years for NSW prohibited weapons. See state entries.
Recent changes: 2025-2026: Vic machete ban (1 Sep 2025); SA swords/machetes prohibited and sale to under 18s (1 Jul 2025), retail phase 3 (1 Jul 2026); WA edged-weapon offence (20 Dec 2024); Qld Jack's Law permanent (18 Jul 2025); NSW wanding made permanent (passed Oct 2026 per press).
Pending changes: NSW wanding and 16-17 sale reform commencement dates unverified.

Reasons the authorities have accepted

Lawful employment, trade or study
Lawful sport, recreation or entertainment (fishing, camping)
Preparing or eating food
Genuine religious purpose (NSW, Qld, SA)

Sources

Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 Sch 13 (compilation 13 July 2026)
“Automatic knives that have a blade folded or recessed into the handle ... including knives commonly known as flick knives, switchblades or assisted opening knives”
ABF: importing weapons
“Importing weapons to Australia”

What we could not confirm

Full Schedule 13 knife items (butterfly, throwing, push) were only partly visible in extracts; tests listed for individual items not all captured.
Tasmania, ACT and NT not researched.
The ABF page itself rendered only navigation; no personal-import guidance read.

Keep going

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