Detailed Victoria Knife Laws Guide. Main VIC Knife Laws: Control of Weapons Act 1990 (VIC). Victoria Police Weapons Information. 1. Possessing a Knife in Public: All knives are controlled weapons. Carrying any knife in public without a lawful excuse is illegal. 2. Prohibited Weapons (as of 2025/2026): Machetes (blades >20 cm), flick knives, butterfly knives, daggers, push knives, etc. are prohibited. 3. Reasonable Excuse: Work, sport, recreation, food preparation. Self-defence is not accepted. 4. Sale to Minors: Strict age restrictions apply – cannot sell to under 18s. 5. Carrying Knives in Cars: Vehicles on public roads count as public places.

Detailed Queensland Knife Laws Guide. Main Queensland Knife Laws: Weapons Act 1990 (QLD). Queensland Police Weapons Information. 1. Possessing a Knife in Public: A person must not physically possess a knife in a public place or school unless they have a reasonable excuse. First offence: up to 50 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment. Second or subsequent offence: up to 100 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment. 2. What Counts as a Knife?: Kitchen knives, hunting knives, pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, multi-tools, machetes, daggers, and sharpened objects. 3. What Is a Public Place?: Streets, parks, shopping centres, public transport hubs, schools, sporting venues, entertainment precincts, and vehicles on public roads. 4. Reasonable Excuse: Employment and work purposes (chefs, tradespeople, farmers, fishermen), recreation and sport (camping, fishing, lawful hunting), utility use, exhibitions, collections, and some religious purposes. 5. Self-Defence Is NOT a Reasonable Excuse. 6. How Police Assess Reasonable Excuse: Police may consider where the knife was carried, how accessible it was, the time of day, and whether it caused concern. 7. Carrying Knives in Cars: Vehicles on public roads can count as public places. 8. Schools: Knife possession at schools is heavily restricted. 9. Jack’s Law (Knife Wanding Laws): Police may use handheld metal detector wands in designated areas without warrants. 10. Carrying Weapons Exposed to Public View: Visible carrying of machetes, swords, large knives, or axes may be unlawful. 11. Sales, Retail Requirements, and Restricted Knives: Retailers must use age verification and secure display practices. Certain knives such as flick knives or butterfly knives may be prohibited or restricted.

Detailed South Australia Knife Laws Guide. Main SA Knife Laws: Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA). South Australia Police Weapons Information. 1. Possessing a Knife in Public: Carrying any knife or offensive weapon in public without lawful excuse is illegal. 2. Prohibited Weapons (as of July 2025): Machetes and swords are now prohibited weapons (sale, possession, manufacture heavily restricted). 3. Sale to Minors: Illegal to sell any dangerous knife to under 18s. 4. Reasonable Excuse: Work, sport, recreation, food preparation. Self-defence is not accepted. 5. Retail Storage (from July 2026): Dangerous knives must be locked or tethered in stores.

Detailed Tasmania Knife Laws Guide. Main TAS Knife Laws: Police Offences Act 1935 (TAS) – Reid’s Law updates 2025. Tasmania Police Knives & Dangerous Articles. 1. Possessing a Knife in Public: It is an offence to possess, carry or use a knife or dangerous article in a public place without a lawful excuse. 2. Reasonable Excuse: Work, sport, recreation. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse. 3. Police Wanding Powers: Expanded metal-detector search powers (Reid’s Law 2025).

Knife Laws by State

Q: New South Wales (NSW)

Detailed New South Wales Knife Laws Guide. Main NSW Knife Laws: Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – Sections 93IB & 93IC. NSW Police Knife Crime Information. 1. Possessing a Knife in Public: It is an offence to have custody of a knife in a public place or school without a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty: 4 years imprisonment and/or $4,400 fine. 2. What Counts as a Knife?: Any knife, blade, or implement capable of causing injury (including pocket knives, kitchen knives, multi-tools, etc.). 3. What Is a Public Place?: Streets, parks, shopping centres, public transport, schools, sporting venues, and vehicles on public roads. 4. Reasonable Excuse: Lawful occupation/education, food preparation, recreation/sport, knife exhibitions, genuine religious purposes (e.g. kirpan). 5. Self-Defence Is NOT a Reasonable Excuse. 6. Visible Knife Causing Fear: Carrying a visible knife in a way likely to cause fear is a separate offence. 7. Carrying Knives in Cars: Vehicles on public roads count as public places – must have reasonable excuse and be stored securely. 8. Police Wanding Powers: Police can scan for knives without warrant in designated areas.

Q: Western Australia (WA)

Detailed Western Australia Knife Laws Guide. Main WA Knife Laws: Weapons Act 1999 (WA) – Edged Weapons category. WA Police Edged Weapon Laws (updated 2024/2026). 1. Possessing an Edged Weapon: It is an offence to carry or possess any edged weapon (knives, machetes, axes, etc.) without a lawful excuse anywhere in the state. Maximum penalty: 3 years imprisonment + $36,000 fine. 2. Reasonable Excuse: Work, sport, recreation, collection. Self-defence is NOT allowed. 3. Police Powers: Strong metal-detector search powers in designated Knife Wanding Areas.

Q: Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Detailed Australian Capital Territory Knife Laws Guide. Main ACT Knife Laws: Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) – similar to NSW. ACT Policing Weapons Information. 1. Possessing a Knife in Public: Possessing or carrying a knife in a public place without reasonable excuse is an offence. 2. Reasonable Excuse: Work, recreation, food preparation. Self-defence is not accepted. 3. Prohibited Items: Concealed or disguised blades are prohibited weapons.

Q: Northern Territory (NT)

Detailed Northern Territory Knife Laws Guide. Main NT Knife Laws: Weapons Control Act (NT). NT Police Weapons Information. 1. Possessing a Knife in Public: It is illegal to possess or carry a knife or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse. 2. Prohibited Weapons: Flick knives, butterfly knives, ballistic knives, etc. 3. Reasonable Excuse: Work, sport, recreation. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse.

Important Disclaimer: This is general information only and not legal advice. Knife laws change and have important exceptions. Always check the official legislation or contact your state/territory police for advice specific to your situation. Self-defence is never a lawful excuse to carry a knife in any Australian jurisdiction. All products sold at Knife Shop Australia comply with current Australian laws.

New South Wales (NSW)

Detailed New South Wales Knife Laws Guide
Main NSW Knife Laws
Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) – Sections 93IB & 93IC
NSW Police Knife Crime Information

Possessing a Knife in Public
It is an offence to have custody of a knife in a public place or school without a reasonable excuse. Maximum penalty: 4 years imprisonment and/or $4,400 fine.
What Counts as a Knife?
Any knife, blade, or implement capable of causing injury (including pocket knives, kitchen knives, multi-tools, etc.).
What Is a Public Place?
Streets, parks, shopping centres, public transport, schools, sporting venues, and vehicles on public roads.
Reasonable Excuse
Lawful occupation/education, food preparation, recreation/sport, knife exhibitions, genuine religious purposes (e.g. kirpan).
Self-Defence Is NOT a Reasonable Excuse
Visible Knife Causing Fear
Carrying a visible knife in a way likely to cause fear is a separate offence (up to 4 years imprisonment).
Carrying Knives in Cars
Vehicles on public roads count as public places – must have reasonable excuse and be stored securely.
Police Wanding Powers
Police can scan for knives without warrant in designated areas (transport hubs, shopping precincts, etc.).

Situation	Likely Legal Status
Chef carrying knife roll to work	Usually lawful
Carrying knife for self-defence	Illegal
Knife hidden in waistband	High risk
Knife at school	Usually illegal

Important Compliance Tips

Only carry knives when genuinely necessary for a lawful purpose.
Transport knives securely and out of sight.
Travel directly to and from lawful activities.

Victoria (VIC)

Detailed Victoria Knife Laws Guide
Main VIC Knife Laws
Control of Weapons Act 1990 (VIC)
Victoria Police Weapons Information

Possessing a Knife in Public
All knives are controlled weapons. Carrying any knife in public without a lawful excuse is illegal.
Prohibited Weapons (as of 2025/2026)
Machetes (blades >20 cm), flick knives, butterfly knives, daggers, push knives, etc. are prohibited.
Reasonable Excuse
Work, sport, recreation, food preparation. Self-defence is not accepted.
Sale to Minors
Strict age restrictions apply – cannot sell to under 18s.
Carrying Knives in Cars
Vehicles on public roads count as public places.

Situation	Likely Legal Status
Carrying a pocket knife for work	Lawful with excuse
Carrying machete in public	Prohibited
Knife for self-defence	Illegal

Important Compliance Tips

Secure storage and transport required.
Self-defence marketing is illegal.

Queensland (QLD)

Detailed Queensland Knife Laws Guide
Main Queensland Knife Laws
Weapons Act 1990 (QLD)
Queensland Police Weapons Information

Possessing a Knife in Public
A person must not physically possess a knife in a public place or school unless they have a reasonable excuse.
First offence: up to 50 penalty units or 18 months imprisonment.
Second or subsequent offence: up to 100 penalty units or 2 years imprisonment.
What Counts as a Knife?
Kitchen knives, hunting knives, pocket knives, Swiss Army knives, multi-tools, machetes, daggers, and sharpened objects.
This may include sharpened sticks, metal spikes, or modified tools depending on circumstances.
What Is a Public Place?
Streets, parks, shopping centres, public transport hubs, schools, sporting venues, entertainment precincts, and vehicles on public roads.
Reasonable Excuse
Employment and work purposes (chefs, tradespeople, farmers, fishermen).
Recreation and sport (camping, fishing, lawful hunting).
Utility use such as food preparation or multi-tool use.
Exhibitions, collections, and some religious purposes.
Self-Defence Is NOT a Reasonable Excuse
Queensland law specifically excludes self-defence as a lawful reason for carrying a knife in public or at school.
How Police Assess Reasonable Excuse
Police may consider where the knife was carried, how accessible it was, the time of day, and whether it caused concern.
Carrying Knives in Cars
Vehicles on public roads can count as public places.
Lawfulness depends on accessibility, security, and purpose.
Schools
Knife possession at schools is heavily restricted and usually unlawful without a valid legal excuse.
Jack’s Law (Knife Wanding Laws)
Police may use handheld metal detector wands in designated areas without warrants or reasonable suspicion.
Carrying Weapons Exposed to Public View
Visible carrying of machetes, swords, large knives, or axes in public may be unlawful without reasonable excuse.
Sales, Retail Requirements, and Restricted Knives
Retailers must use age verification and secure display practices.
Certain knives such as flick knives or butterfly knives may be prohibited or restricted.
Online sellers should avoid self-defence or combat-style marketing.

Situation	Likely Legal Status
Chef carrying knife roll to work	Usually lawful
Fisher carrying filleting knife while fishing	Usually lawful
Carrying knife for self-defence	Illegal
Knife hidden in waistband	High risk
Knife at school	Usually illegal

Important Compliance Tips

Only carry knives when genuinely necessary.
Transport knives securely.
Travel directly to and from lawful activities.
Do not describe the knife as being for protection or self-defence.

South Australia (SA)

Detailed South Australia Knife Laws Guide
Main SA Knife Laws
Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA)
South Australia Police Weapons Information

Possessing a Knife in Public
Carrying any knife or offensive weapon in public without lawful excuse is illegal.
Prohibited Weapons (as of July 2025)
Machetes and swords are now prohibited weapons (sale, possession, manufacture heavily restricted).
Sale to Minors
Illegal to sell any dangerous knife to under 18s (raised from 16 in 2025).
Reasonable Excuse
Work, sport, recreation, food preparation. Self-defence is not accepted.
Retail Storage (from July 2026)
Dangerous knives must be locked or tethered in stores.

Situation	Likely Legal Status
Carrying machete in public	Prohibited
Chef carrying knife to work	Usually lawful
Knife for self-defence	Illegal

Important Compliance Tips

Only carry when genuinely necessary.
Secure transport required.

Western Australia (WA)

Detailed Western Australia Knife Laws Guide
Main WA Knife Laws
Weapons Act 1999 (WA) – Edged Weapons category
WA Police Edged Weapon Laws (updated 2024/2026)

Possessing an Edged Weapon
It is an offence to carry or possess any edged weapon (knives, machetes, axes, etc.) without a lawful excuse anywhere in the state. Maximum penalty: 3 years imprisonment + $36,000 fine.
Reasonable Excuse
Work, sport, recreation, collection. Self-defence is NOT allowed.
Police Powers
Strong metal-detector search powers in designated Knife Wanding Areas and broader powers.

Situation	Likely Legal Status
Carrying any knife without excuse	Illegal
Knife for work (e.g. trades)	Lawful with excuse

Important Compliance Tips

WA has some of the strictest knife laws in Australia.
Always have a clear lawful purpose.

Tasmania (TAS)

Detailed Tasmania Knife Laws Guide
Main TAS Knife Laws
Police Offences Act 1935 (TAS) – Reid’s Law updates 2025
Tasmania Police Knives & Dangerous Articles

Possessing a Knife in Public
It is an offence to possess, carry or use a knife or dangerous article in a public place without a lawful excuse.
Reasonable Excuse
Work, sport, recreation. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse.
Police Wanding Powers
Expanded metal-detector search powers (Reid’s Law 2025).

Situation	Likely Legal Status
Pocket knife for work	Lawful with excuse
Knife for self-defence	Illegal

Important Compliance Tips

Only carry when necessary for a lawful purpose.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

Detailed Australian Capital Territory Knife Laws Guide
Main ACT Knife Laws
Crimes Act 1900 (ACT) – similar to NSW
ACT Policing Weapons Information

Possessing a Knife in Public
Possessing or carrying a knife in a public place without reasonable excuse is an offence.
Reasonable Excuse
Work, recreation, food preparation. Self-defence is not accepted.
Prohibited Items
Concealed or disguised blades are prohibited weapons.

Situation	Likely Legal Status
Knife for work	Usually lawful
Knife for self-defence	Illegal

Important Compliance Tips

Follow same principles as NSW.

Northern Territory (NT)

Detailed Northern Territory Knife Laws Guide
Main NT Knife Laws
Weapons Control Act (NT)
NT Police Weapons Information

Possessing a Knife in Public
It is illegal to possess or carry a knife or bladed weapon in a public place without a lawful excuse.
Prohibited Weapons
Flick knives, butterfly knives, ballistic knives, etc.
Reasonable Excuse
Work, sport, recreation. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse.

Situation	Likely Legal Status
Knife for fishing/hunting	Usually lawful
Knife for self-defence	Illegal

Important Compliance Tips

Secure storage and direct travel to lawful activity required.

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