Knife Laws Australia
, by Outback Edge, 23 min reading time
Understand knife laws across every Australian state and territory. A practical guide to buying, carrying, and importing knives legally in Australia.
Are Knives Legal in Australia?
Yes — most knives are legal to own in Australia. Ownership is not generally restricted. The rules become more specific when it comes to importing certain knife types, carrying knives in public, and — increasingly — who a knife can be sold to and how it must be displayed in a shop, where state and territory laws apply.
This guide covers:
- Federal knife import laws (what you can and cannot bring into Australia)
- Recent 2024–2026 law changes you should know about
- Carry rules for every state and territory
- What counts as a "reasonable excuse"
- Which knife types are banned or restricted
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer — Please Read First
This article is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Knife laws in Australia are complex, vary between states and territories, and are changing quickly. The information below reflects our understanding as at July 2026 but may not reflect the most current legislation in your jurisdiction.
If you are unsure whether a knife is legal to own, carry or import in your situation, you must seek independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor in your state or territory. Penalties for carrying or importing prohibited knives can be severe, including fines and imprisonment.
Recent Law Changes (2024–2026) — What's New
Every mainland state has tightened its knife laws over the past two years. If you last checked the rules before 2024, several things have changed. The two biggest themes are a nationwide move to ban knife sales to anyone under 18, and new bans on machetes and swords in some states.
- South Australia — Machetes and swords became prohibited weapons on 1 July 2025, and it is now illegal to sell any knife to a person under 18. From 1 July 2026, retailers must display an approved "no sale to minors" notice and keep most knives locked in cabinets or tethered in public areas of the shop.
- Victoria — Australia's first machete ban took effect on 1 September 2025. Machetes are now prohibited weapons.
- Queensland — Since 1 September 2024, it is an offence to sell knives (and items such as machetes, axes, swords and replica firearms) to under-18s, with signage and secure-storage requirements for retailers. "Jack's Law" police wanding powers are now permanent.
- New South Wales — Since 2024, selling a knife to a minor is an offence, police have warrantless wanding powers in designated areas, and maximum penalties for carrying a knife have increased to 4 years.
- Western Australia — From 20 December 2024, a new "edged weapon" category covers knives, machetes, axes, sickles and scythes. Selling an edged weapon to an under-18 carries penalties up to 3 years and a $36,000 fine.
- Tasmania — "Reid's Law" took effect on 16 June 2025, expanding police search (wanding) powers and increasing penalties for carrying dangerous articles.
Buying online? Because it is now unlawful to sell a knife to a person under 18 across most of the country, Outback Edge Imports sells only to customers aged 18 and over. By ordering from us you confirm you are at least 18 years old. We may ask for proof of age before completing your order, and providing false information about your age or identity to buy a knife is against the law.
Federal Knife Import Laws
Before state laws apply, federal importation rules set the baseline. Knife importation into Australia is regulated under the Customs Act 1901 (Cth) and the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 (Cth), Schedule 13.
Knives Prohibited from Import (without a permit)
- Flick knives / switchblades — any knife that opens automatically by pressing a button, spring or gravity mechanism
- Butterfly knives (balisongs) — knives with a split handle that rotates around the blade tang
- Gravity knives — knives that open by the force of gravity or centrifugal force
- Automatic knives — knives that open automatically by mechanical means
- Disguised knives — knives concealed within everyday objects (pens, combs, belt buckles)
- Ballistic knives — knives capable of projecting the blade
- Knuckle knives / push daggers — knives with a crosswise handle designed to be gripped in the fist
Knives That Are Generally Legal to Import
Most standard knives used for outdoor, trade, kitchen, and sporting purposes are not prohibited imports. This includes:
- Fixed blade hunting, bushcraft and outdoor knives
- Standard folding knives (manual open, no automatic mechanism)
- Kitchen and chef's knives
- Multi-tools
- Swiss Army knives
All knives sold through Outback Edge Imports are stocked within Australia and comply with federal import regulations. Browse our Hunting Knives, EDC Knives, and Folding Knives.
State-by-State Knife Carry Laws — Quick Reference
There is no national blade length law in Australia. Knife carry laws are set by each state and territory. The common thread across all jurisdictions is that carrying a knife in public without a reasonable excuse or lawful purpose is an offence — and it is now unlawful to sell a knife to a minor in most states.
| State / Territory | Carry in public | Sale to under-18s | Recent changes (2024–2026) | Key legislation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | Reasonable excuse required | Banned (since Sep 2024) | Retail signage + secure storage; Jack's Law wanding permanent | Weapons Act 1990 (Qld) |
| New South Wales | Reasonable excuse required | Banned (since 2024) | Police wanding powers; carry penalties raised to 4 years | Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW); LEPRA |
| Victoria | Lawful excuse required | Restricted | Machetes banned as prohibited weapons (1 Sep 2025) | Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic) |
| Western Australia | Reasonable excuse required; stricter categories apply | Banned — "edged weapons" (since Dec 2024) | New "edged weapon" category; up to 3 yrs / $36,000 | Weapons Act 1999 (WA) |
| South Australia | Reasonable excuse required | Banned (since 1 Jul 2025) | Machetes & swords prohibited; retail signage + secure storage from 1 Jul 2026 | Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA) |
| Northern Territory | Lawful excuse required | Restricted | Verify current NT provisions | Weapons Control Act 2001 (NT) |
| ACT | Reasonable excuse required | Restricted | Verify current ACT provisions | Prohibited Weapons Act 1996 (ACT) |
| Tasmania | Reasonable excuse required | Restricted | "Reid's Law" — expanded search powers, higher penalties (Jun 2025) | Police Offences Act 1935 (Tas) |
Note: This table is a general summary only. Legislation changes, enforcement varies, and definitions of "reasonable excuse" are applied case by case. This is not legal advice — verify current laws in your jurisdiction before carrying, selling or displaying any knife.
South Australia Knife Laws
South Australia now has some of the toughest knife laws in the country, introduced in stages under the Summary Offences (Knives and Other Weapons) Amendment Act 2025, which amended the Summary Offences Act 1953 (SA). Public carry of a knife without a lawful excuse remains an offence, but the bigger changes affect what is prohibited and how knives are sold.
Phase 2 — from 1 July 2025
- Machetes and swords are now prohibited weapons (previously classed as offensive weapons). Their possession, use, sale, manufacture and supply are strictly controlled. The penalty for dealing in or possessing a prohibited weapon is up to a $20,000 fine or 2 years in prison.
- It is illegal to sell a knife to a person under 18 (raised from 16). Selling a knife to a minor carries a penalty of up to $20,000 or 2 years in prison.
- A new offence of supplying a knife to a minor where you knew, or should have known, it was likely to be used to commit an offence.
- Knife offences at schools now extend to childcare centres, kindergartens, universities, TAFE campuses and places of worship.
- Marketing a knife as suitable for combat, or in a way likely to encourage violence, carries up to $20,000 or 2 years.
Phase 3 — from 1 July 2026 (affects retailers)
- Sellers must display an approved prohibition notice stating that knives cannot be sold to under-18s, at each point of sale or knife display area.
- Most knives (any knife with a sharp cutting edge or point) kept in publicly accessible areas of a shop must be kept in a securely locked cabinet or tethered so they cannot be removed without staff assistance. Failing to secure knives carries a $10,000 fine (or a $1,000 expiation fee). Fishing and tackle stores have a temporary 2-year exemption.
What counts as a reasonable excuse in SA?
- Carrying for work — tradespeople, chefs, food industry workers
- Carrying for lawful outdoor activities — fishing, camping, hunting
- Sport or recreation where the knife is appropriate
Other prohibited weapons in SA include switchblades, gravity knives and butterfly knives — possession of these is an offence regardless of excuse.
Victoria Knife Laws
Victoria's knife laws sit under the Control of Weapons Act 1990 (Vic). Carrying a controlled weapon (which includes most knives) in a public place is an offence without a lawful excuse.
Machete ban — from 1 September 2025
Victoria introduced Australia's first machete ban. Machetes are now classified as prohibited weapons, making it illegal to buy, sell, own, carry or transport them without an exemption or Chief Commissioner of Police approval. A three-month amnesty ran from 1 September to 30 November 2025. Possession of a prohibited weapon can carry up to 2 years imprisonment. Ordinary kitchen knives are not intended to be caught by the definition.
What counts as a lawful excuse in VIC?
- Carrying the knife for use in your occupation (chef, butcher, tradesperson)
- Carrying for a lawful sport, recreational activity, or entertainment
- Carrying for genuine collection purposes
- Carrying for use in a place of worship or for a cultural purpose
Victoria also has additional school zone provisions — carrying any knife on or near school grounds is treated very seriously regardless of excuse — and has expanded police search powers in recent reforms.
Queensland Knife Laws
In Queensland, knife possession in public is governed by the Weapons Act 1990 (Qld). It is an offence to carry a knife in a public place without a reasonable excuse.
Sale and retail changes — from 1 September 2024
- It is an offence to sell a knife to anyone under 18, along with items such as machetes, axes, swords and replica firearms (including certain gel blasters).
- Retailers must display age-restriction signage and securely store higher-risk items such as machetes, axes and swords (locked cabinets or tethered).
- It is an offence to use false ID to buy these items, or to advertise them as "suitable for combat". Penalties for selling to a minor reach up to about $67,746.
- "Jack's Law" — which lets police use metal-detector wands without a warrant in places like transport hubs, shopping centres and licensed precincts — has been made permanent and expanded.
What counts as a reasonable excuse in QLD?
- Work use — a chef carrying a knife to or from work, a tradesperson carrying a utility knife on the job
- Lawful outdoor activity — hunting, fishing, camping where the knife is appropriate to the activity
- Food preparation
- Sports or recreational activity
- Lawful knife collecting
Self-defence is not a reasonable excuse under Queensland law, and neither is carrying "just in case". Queensland also prohibits certain knife types outright, including flick knives, gravity knives and butterfly knives.
New South Wales Knife Laws
NSW knife carry in public is primarily governed by section 11C of the Summary Offences Act 1988 (NSW), which makes it an offence to carry a knife in a public place or school without a reasonable excuse.
Recent changes — from 2024
- Under the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) and Other Legislation Amendment (Knife Crime) Act 2024, it is now an offence to sell a knife to a person under 18. Selling to a child under 16 carries up to an $11,000 fine and/or 12 months imprisonment; selling to a 16–17 year old without a reasonable excuse (such as the knife being needed for work or study) is also an offence.
- Police have warrantless "wanding" powers to scan people for knives in designated areas such as transport hubs, shopping centres and other crowded places.
- Maximum penalties for using, carrying or having custody of a knife in public have increased to 4 years imprisonment.
What counts as a reasonable excuse in NSW?
- Use at work — a butcher, chef or tradesperson carrying a knife appropriate to their trade
- Lawful recreational activity — fishing, camping, hunting
- A cultural or religious practice
- Exhibiting the knife as part of a collection
The Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 (NSW) covers prohibited weapons, which include switchblades, butterfly knives, push daggers, and similar items — these are prohibited to possess in NSW regardless of excuse.
Western Australia Knife Laws
WA's knife carry laws are governed by the Weapons Act 1999 (WA). WA is generally considered to have stricter knife regulations than the eastern states, and its list of prohibited weapons is broader.
New "edged weapon" laws — from 20 December 2024
WA created a new "edged weapon" category covering knives, machetes, sickles, scythes, axes and axe heads. Key offences carry a maximum penalty of 3 years imprisonment and a $36,000 fine:
- Selling or supplying an edged weapon to a person under 18.
- Carrying an edged weapon in public without a lawful excuse.
What counts as a reasonable excuse in WA?
- Carrying for work purposes (trades, food preparation, professional use)
- Carrying for outdoor recreation (fishing, hunting, camping) where the knife is reasonably appropriate to the activity
- A religious, cultural or educational purpose
Carrying or possessing an edged weapon for self-defence is not a lawful excuse in Western Australia.
WA residents should exercise particular caution — penalties for weapons offences in WA are significant, and the definition of "reasonable excuse" is interpreted strictly. If in doubt, seek legal advice before carrying.
Tasmania Knife Laws
Tasmania's knife carry laws operate under the Police Offences Act 1935 (Tas). Carrying a knife in a public place without a lawful excuse is an offence.
Tasmania Police note that a "dangerous article" in a public place can include knives, pocketknives, multitools, scissors, shears and box cutters — so context and a lawful excuse matter even for everyday tools.
"Reid's Law" — from 16 June 2025
The Police Offences Amendment (Knives and Other Weapons) Act 2025, known as Reid's Law, significantly expanded police search powers (including electronic wand searches in prescribed places such as public transport areas, retail precincts, licensed premises, sports venues, education facilities and places of worship) and increased penalties for carrying dangerous articles in public.
Reasonable excuse principles follow the national pattern — occupational use, lawful outdoor recreation, sport and collection are recognised. Carrying a hunting or fishing knife while engaged in those activities is generally lawful; carrying the same knife in a public space without that context is not. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse in Tasmania.
Northern Territory Knife Laws
The Northern Territory regulates knives and weapons under the Weapons Control Act 2001 (NT). As with other jurisdictions, carrying a knife in public without a lawful excuse is an offence, and the Act lists prohibited weapons that cannot be possessed.
Reasonable excuses follow broadly similar categories to other states — lawful work or duty, outdoor recreation, sport, and legitimate collection or display. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse for possessing, carrying or using a controlled weapon in the NT, and enforcement context can differ significantly from major cities in other states.
Note: NT weapons legislation has been subject to updates in recent years. Always verify current laws at the NT Government's website or consult a local solicitor.
ACT Knife Laws
In the Australian Capital Territory, knife possession and carry is regulated under the Prohibited Weapons Act 1996 (ACT). The ACT prohibits possession of certain knife types outright and requires a reasonable excuse to carry other knives in public.
Prohibited bladed weapons in the ACT include flick knives, sheath knives, daggers, butterfly knives, star knives, trench knives, ballistic knives, throwing blades and disguised blades such as credit-card knives — these cannot be possessed without an exemption or permit.
For other knives, the ACT's reasonable excuse provisions follow the national pattern: occupational use, lawful recreation, food preparation, sport and collection are recognised. Self-defence is not a lawful excuse in the ACT.
What Counts as a "Reasonable Excuse"?
Every Australian state and territory uses the "reasonable excuse" or "lawful excuse" standard for public carry. While the specific wording varies by jurisdiction, the underlying principles are consistent.
Generally accepted as a reasonable excuse (across all states)
- Occupational use — chef, butcher, tradesperson, farmer, fisherman, hunting guide carrying a knife appropriate to their work
- Outdoor recreation — fishing, camping, hunting, bushwalking where the knife is appropriate to the activity and you are travelling to or from that activity
- Sport — certain knife-related sports and activities
- Collecting — carrying a knife to or from a collector's event, show or appraisal
- Cultural or religious purpose — recognised in most jurisdictions (e.g. Sikh kirpan)
Not a reasonable excuse (in any Australian jurisdiction)
- Self-defence — not a lawful excuse in any Australian state or territory
- Carrying "just in case" — no specific purpose defeats the reasonable excuse requirement
- Habit or routine — carrying out of habit, without a specific lawful reason, is not sufficient
The test is applied contextually. A chef walking to work with a knife roll is clearly lawful. The same person carrying a fixed blade on a Saturday night in the CBD without a reason is not. Intent, context and the nature of the knife all matter.
Which Knives Are Legal to Own at Home?
Ownership at home (as opposed to carry in public) is far less restricted. Most standard knives — including fixed blade hunting knives, folding knives, kitchen knives, and multi-tools — are legal to own in all Australian states and territories, provided they are not on the prohibited import list and are not a prohibited weapon in your state (for example, machetes and swords in SA, or machetes in Victoria).
Prohibited weapon types (switchblades, butterfly knives, gravity knives etc.) are banned from possession in most states regardless of location. Owning one at home does not make it lawful.
All knives at Outback Edge are fully compliant with Australian import regulations and stocked within Australia:
- Kitchen Knives — Victorinox Fibrox, Dexter Russell and Kamati ranges
- Butcher Knives — boning, breaking and skinning knives for meat processing
- Hunting Knives — fixed blade outdoor knives from Buck, ESEE, OKC and Marttiini
- Fishing Knives — fillet and bait knives for the water
- Camping Knives — practical blades for the campsite and trail
- Bushcraft Knives — fixed blades built for the outdoors
- Folding Knives — manual-open folders from Kershaw, Buck, BRK and CMB Made
- EDC Knives — everyday carry knives for work and outdoor use
- Multitools — Victorinox, NexTool and SwissTool multi-function tools
- Victorinox Knives — Swiss Army Knives, Fibrox kitchen range and SwissTools
Outback Edge Imports sells knives as tools for lawful use by responsible adults. We do not sell knives to anyone under 18, and we may ask for proof of age before completing an order. Customers remain responsible for using, storing, carrying and transporting knives lawfully in their own state or territory.
Official Sources to Check
The information in this guide is drawn from the following official government and police sources. Always check the current version for your jurisdiction:
- Australian Border Force — Prohibited Goods (import rules)
- Queensland Police — End Knife Violence
- NSW Police — Knife Crime
- Victoria Police — Machete Ban
- WA Police — Knife and Edged Weapon Laws
- SA Police — Changes to Knife Laws
- SA Attorney-General's Department — Knife Crime Laws
- Northern Territory Legislation Register
- ACT Legislation Register
- Tasmania — Police Offences Amendment (Knives and Other Weapons) Act 2025
Final Disclaimer
This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Outback Edge Imports is a knife retailer — we are not lawyers, and this article should not be treated as a substitute for professional legal guidance.
Australian knife laws are complex, vary between states, and are changing rapidly. The information above reflects general principles as at July 2026 but may not reflect the most current legislation in your jurisdiction, and cannot account for your specific circumstances.
If you are unsure whether a knife is legal to carry, own or import in your situation, seek independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor in your state or territory. Your state government's police or justice department website will also have current guidance.
