What Kind of Blades Can I Legally Own in Australia?

Firstly

Australia’s knife laws are complex. There are more ways you can legally acquire a knife than we have described and there is more legislation affecting your use of knives than the laws we have pointed out here. This guide is for the average consumer who wishes to get a knife and wants to know which ones he or she can legally own with minimal or no paperwork. The information is not exhaustive.

As with anything you read on the internet, verify what you read here for yourself by doing your own research. We are not lawyers so may have made mistakes in this guide which was last updated in February 2017, and there may have been changes in the laws in your state or territory since then. If you are unsure as to whether you can legally own a particular knife, bayonet, dagger, sword, axe or any other specific blades, please contact your local police department, Firearms registry, or Australian Border Force for clarification.

Where to start

We recommend you read up on the weapons legislation for the state you live in. If you are importing a knife rather than buying one from within Australia, we also recommend you read the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 under the Federal column.

Federal ACT NSW NT QLD SA TAS VIC WA
Act Customs Act 1901 Prohibited Weapons Act 1996 Weapons Prohibition Act 1998 Weapons Control Act Weapons Act 1990 Summary Offences Act
1953		 N/A Control of Weapons Act 1990
 Weapons Act
1999
Regulation Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations
1956		 N/A N/A Weapons Control Regulations
 Weapons Categories
Regulation 1997
 Summary
Offences Regulations 2016
 N/A Control of Weapons Regulations 2011 Weapons
Regulations 1999
Under Schedule 13, Part 2 Schedule 1, Part 1.1 – Prohibited Weapons and Schedule 2 – Prohibited Articles Schedule 1 – Prohibited Weapons Schedule 2 – Prohibited Weapons Section 7A – Category M Weapons Part 2.6 – Prohibited Weapons N/A Schedule 3 – Prohibited Weapons Schedule 1 – Prohibited Weapons
B709 Form N/A N/A B709X
 B709B
 B709B
 N/A N/A N/A B709X

What it means to you

There are 2 laws that control your use of knives in Australia. The laws of the state that you live in and the federal laws of Australia. The federal laws cover what you may bring into the country. The state laws control what knives you may own, how you may use your knives, where you can keep your knives and everything else that federal laws do not cover.

What you can own in your state

You can own any folding knife and fixed-blade knife that is not listed in the Prohibited Weapons Schedule (or Category M Weapons for Queensland residents) in your state. If there is no definition for the state you live in, it does not necessarily mean the knife is legal.

Prohibited Weapons definition by state

Federal ACT NSW NT QLD
Daggers 2. Daggers or similar devices, being sharp‑pointed stabbing instruments (not including swords or
bayonets):

  1. (a) ordinarily capable of concealment on the person; and
  2. (b) having:
    1. (i) a flat blade with cutting edges (serrated or not serrated) along the length of both
      sides; or
    2. (ii) a needle‑like blade, the cross section of which is elliptical or has three or more
      sides; and
  3. (c) made of any material
 sch 1 pt 1.1 def 3 a dagger or other similar device, that has a sharp-pointed stabbing instrument—

  1. (a) that can be concealed on the person; and
  2. (b) that—
    1. (i) has a flat blade with cutting edges (whether serrated or non-serrated) along the length
      of both sides; or
    2. (ii) has a needle-like blade, the cross section of which is elliptical or has three or more
      sides; and
    3. (iii) is not a sword or bayonet
 Legal to buy from within Australia. Include a B709X form with your shipment to import from overseas. Legal to buy from within Australia. Submit a B709B form to your local police to import from overseas. Legal to buy from within Australia. Submit a B709B form to your local police to import from overseas.
Ballistic Knives 12. Ballistic knives, being knives that discharge a blade as a projectile by a spring mechanism or
other means.		 sch 1 pt 1.1 def 7 a knife that can discharge a blade as a projectile by a spring mechanism or other means (known as a ballistic knife). 1.2. A ballistic knife that propels a knife-like blade of any material by any means other than an
explosive.		 10. A “ballistic knife”, being a device or instrument designed or adapted to fire or discharge a
knife, dagger or similar instrument by mechanical, percussive or explosive means.

31. A “WASP injection knife” or any similar device that has a blade from which compressed gas can be
expelled.

 (c) a ballistic knife that propels or releases a knife-like blade of any material by any means other
than an explosive;
Automatic Knives 14. Automatic knives that have a blade folded or recessed into the handle which are designed or adapted
to open automatically by pressure applied to any spring, device, stud or button in or attached to the handle or blade of the knife, including knives commonly known as flick knives, switchblades or assisted opening knives		 sch 1 pt 1.1 def 1 a flick knife or other similar device that has a blade folded or recessed into the handle which
opens automatically by—

  1. gravity or centrifugal force; or
  2. pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the device
 1.1. A flick knife (or other similar device) that has a blade which opens automatically by gravity or
centrifugal force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of
the knife.		 1. A “flick knife”, being a knife designed or adapted so that the blade is concealed when folded or recessed into the handle and that opens by gravity or centrifugal force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the knife. (b) any knife so designed or constructed so as to be used as a weapon that while the knife is held in 1 hand, the blade may be released by that hand;

(e) a flick knife, or a similar device of any material that has a blade folded or recessed into
the handle that opens automatically by gravity or centrifugal force or if pressure is applied to a button,
spring or device in or attached to the handle of the device;
Concealed Knives 20. Goods incorporating:

  1. a concealed knife of any length, made of any material; or
  2. a concealed blade of any length, made of any material; or
  3. a concealed spike of any length, made of any material
 sch 2 def 2 a modified article of clothing, accessory or adornment a purpose of which is to disguise or conceal a weapon. 3.3. A walking stick or cane that contains a sword or any other single-edged or
multi-edged blade or spike of any length or of any material.

3.4. A riding crop that contains a knife, stiletto or any other single-edged or
multi-edged blade or spike of any length or of any material.

3.5. A Bowen Knife Belt or any other similar article consisting of a belt or belt
buckle that conceals or disguises within the article a knife or a single-edged or multi-edged blade
or spike of any length or of any material.

3.6. Any article or device that:

  1. due to its appearance is capable of being mistaken for something else that is not a weapon, and
  2. disguises and conceals within it a single-edged or multi-edged blade or spike of any length or of
    any material.
 3. An article that is designed to include a concealed knife or sword blade, including but not limited
to:

  1. a belt, or similar article, designed or adapted to hold a knife, dagger or similar instrument
    so that the presence of the knife, dagger or instrument is concealed or disguised as part of the
    belt or article when it is worn (for example, an article known as the “Bowen Knife Belt”);
  2. a “swordstick”, being a cane, stick or similar article designed or adapted
    to hold the blade of a sword so that it is concealed from view until withdrawn from the cane,
    stick or article; and
  3. a riding crop designed or adapted to hold a blade or spike so that it is
    concealed from view until withdrawn from the crop.
 (a) any clothing, apparel, adornment, accessory or other thing—

  1. designed to disguise any weapon or other cutting or piercing instrument capable of causing bodily
    harm; or
  2. designed for use as a weapon or a cutting or piercing instrument capable of causing bodily harm;

(j) a riding crop that contains, conceals or disguises a knife, stiletto or any other single-edged
or multi-edged blade or spike of any length or of any material;

(k) a walking stick or cane that contains, conceals or disguises a sword or any other single-edged or
multi-edged blade, knife or spike of any length or of any material;
Star Knives 23. Star knives or similar devices:

  1. consisting of more than one angular point, blade or spike, disposed outwardly about a central axis
    point; and
  2. designed to spin around the central axis point in flight when thrown at a target; and
  3. made of any material
 sch 1 pt 1.1 def 5 a star knife or other similar device that—

  1. consists of 2 or more angular points, blades or spikes that
    spreads out about a central axis point; and
  2. is designed to spin around the knife’s central axis point in
    flight when thrown at a target
 1.7. A star knife or any other device that consists of a number of angular points,
blades or spikes disposed outwardly about a central axis point and that are designed to spin
around the central axis point in flight when thrown at a target.		 9. A “throwing blade”, being a knife or axe of any material that is designed to be thrown or modified
to enable it to be thrown.		 (h) a star knife, or a similar device that consists of at least 2 angular points, blades or spikes,
of any
material, disposed outwardly about a central axis point and that are designed to spin around the central
axis point in flight when thrown at a target;
Sheath Knives 24. Sheath knives or similar devices:

  1. having a sheath which withdraws into its handle:
    1. by inertia, gravity or centrifugal force; or
    2. if pressure is applied to a button, spring or device attached to or forming part of the
      sheath, handle or blade of the knife; and
  2. made of any material
 sch 1 pt 1.1 def 2 a sheath knife or other similar device that has a sheath that withdraws into the handle by—

  1. gravity or centrifugal force; or
  2. pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the device
 1.3. A sheath knife that has a sheath which withdraws into its handle by gravity or centrifugal force
or if pressure is applied to a button, spring or device attached to or forming part of the sheath, handle
or blade of the knife.		 6. A knife that is designed or adapted so that the blade is concealed by a plastic,
wooden or metal sheath that retracts into the handle of the knife by gravity or centrifugal
force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the
knife (including the knife commonly known as the “Black Eagle Knife”).		 (g) a sheath knife, or a similar device of any material that has a sheath which withdraws into its
handle
by gravity or centrifugal force or if pressure is applied to a button, spring or device attached to or
forming part of the sheath, handle or blade of the device;
Push Knives 26. Push knives or similar devices:

  1. designed as weapons that consist of a single‑edged or multi‑edged blade or spike that:
    1. has a handle fitted transversely to the blade or spike; and
    2. allows the blade or spike to be supported by the palm of the
      hand so that stabbing blows or slashes can be inflicted by a punching or pushing action; and
  2. made of any material
 Not available under a police certification test. 1.4. An Urban Skinner push dagger or any other device that consists of a single-edged or
multi-edged blade or spike that has a handle fitted transversely to the blade or spike and
allows the blade or spike to be supported by the palm of the hand so that stabbing blows or slashes
can be inflicted by a punching or pushing action.		 2. A “knuckle knife”, being an open or exposed blade or similar instrument attached to a handle that
is
designed or adapted to be held between the knuckles (including the device commonly known as
the “Urban Pal Knife”).

7. A “push knife” or similar device designed as a weapon that consists of a single-edged or
multi-edged blade or spike of any material that has a handle fitted transversely to the blade or spike
and allows the blade or spike to be supported by the palm of the hand so that stabbing blows or slashes can
be inflicted by a punching or pushing action.

 (f) a push knife, or a similar device designed as a weapon that consists of a single-edged or
multi-edged
blade or spike and allows the blade or spike to be supported by the palm of the hand so that stabbing blows
or slashes can be inflicted by a punching or pushing action;
Trench Knives 27. Trench knives or similar devices that consist of a single‑edged or multi‑edged blade or spike:

  1. fitted with a handle made of any hard substance that can be fitted over the knuckles of the hand of
    the user:

    1. to protect the knuckles; and
    2. to increase the effect of a punch or blow; and
  2. made of any material;

whether the device has been manufactured for those purposes or adapted for those purposes

 sch 1, pt 1.1, def 6 a trench knife or other similar device that—

  1. consists of a blade (whether single-edged or multi-edged) or spike; and
  2. is fitted with a handle made of a hard substance; and
  3. is either made or modified to be fitted over the knuckles of
    the hand of the user—

    1. to protect the knuckles; and
    2. to increase the effect of a punch or blow
 1.5. A trench knife or any other device that consists of a single-edged or multi-edged blade or spike
that is fitted with a handle made of any hard substance that can be fitted, wholly or partly, over the
knuckles of the hand of the user to protect the knuckles and increase the effect of a punch or blow,
or that is adapted for such use.		 8. A “trench knife” or similar device that consists of a single-edged or multi-edged blade or spike
(of any material) fitted with a handle made of a hard substance that can be fitted over the knuckles of
the hand of the user to protect the knuckles and increase the effect of a punch or blow.		 (i) a trench knife, or a similar device that consists of a single-edged or multi-edged blade or
spike of any material that is fitted with a handle made of any hard substance that is designed to
be fitted over the knuckles of the hand of the user to protect the knuckles and increase the effect
of a punch or blow;
Throwing Knives 29. Throwing blades, throwing knives or throwing axes:

  1. designed or modified to be thrown; and
  2. made of any material
 sch 1 pt 1.1 def 8 a blade, knife or axe that is either made or modified to be thrown. Legal to buy from within Australia. Include a B709X form with your shipment to import from overseas. 9. A “throwing blade”, being a knife or axe of any material that is designed to be thrown or modified
to enable it to be thrown.		 Legal to buy from within Australia. Submit a B709B form to your local police to import from overseas.
Non-metallic Knives 30. Knives, blades or spikes which are neither metallic nor ceramic, other than plastic cutlery. Not available under a police certification test. Not available under a police certification test. 11. A “non-metal/ceramic knife”, being a knife, blade or spike of which no part is metallic, but not
including plastic cutlery.		 Not available under a police certification test.
Butterfly Knives 33. Butterfly knives, devices known as ‘balisongs’, or other devices that consist of a single‑edge or
multi‑edged blade or spike that:

  1. fits within 2 handles attached to the blade or spike by transverse pivot pins; and
  2. is capable of being opened by inertia, gravity or centrifugal force
 sch 1 pt 1.1 def 4 a butterfly knife, balisong or other similar device that consists of a
blade (whether single-edged or multi-edged) or spike that—

  1. fits within 2 handles attached to the blade or spike by transverse pivot points; and
  2. can be opened by gravity or centrifugal force
 1.6. A butterfly knife or “balisong” or any other device that consists of a single-edged or
multi-edged
blade or spike that fits within 2 handles attached to the blade or spike by transverse pivot pins and is
capable of being opened by gravity or centrifugal force.		 4. A “butterfly knife”, being a knife with a 2 piece handle that folds together to cover
both edges of the blade (whether the blade is serrated or not serrated).		 (d) a butterfly knife, a knife known as a ‘balisong’, a pantographic knife, or a similar device that
consists of a single-edged or multi-edged blade or spike that fits within 2 handles attached to the
blade or spike by transverse pivot pins or pantographic linkage and is capable of being opened by
gravity or centrifugal force;
Zombie Knives 1.8. A zombie knife or other device that has a multi-edged blade, including a serrated section of blade, and—

  1. is advertised or otherwise made available for sale using images or words that suggest the knife or device is intended to be used for violence, whether actual or threatened, against a person or fictional creature (such as a zombie), or
  2. has, on the blade or handle, images words or markings that suggest the knife or device is intended to be used for violence, whether actual or threatened, against a person or fictional creature (such as a zombie), or has been used to inflict violence.
Swords Legal Legal Legal Legal Legal
Federal SA TAS VIC WA
Daggers 2. Daggers or similar devices, being sharp‑pointed stabbing instruments (not including swords or
bayonets):

  1. (a) ordinarily capable of concealment on the person; and
  2. (b) having:
    1. (i) a flat blade with cutting edges (serrated or not serrated) along the length of both
      sides; or
    2. (ii) a needle‑like blade, the cross section of which is elliptical or has three or more
      sides; and
  3. (c) made of any material
 (h) dagger—a sharp, pointed stabbing weapon (other than a bayonet or sword), ordinarily capable of
being concealed on the person and having—

  1. (i) a flat blade with cutting edges on both sides; or
  2. (ii) a needle like blade that has a round or elliptical cross section or that has 3 or more sides;

(v) poniard—a ceremonial weapon associated with the traditions of a prescribed masonic organisation;

  1. (i) dirk or sgian dhu—a ceremonial weapon associated with traditional Scottish culture;
 Legal to buy from within Australia. Submit a B709B form to your local police to import from overseas. 2. Dagger, being a sharp pointed stabbing instrument (other than an oyster knife), ordinarily capable
of being concealed on the person and having—

  1. (a) a flat blade with cutting edges (whether serrated or not serrated) along the length of both
    sides; or
  2. (b) a needle-like blade, the cross section of which is elliptical or has 3 or more sides, but not
    including instruments such as swords or bayonets.
 Legal to buy from within Australia. Include a B709X form with your shipment to import from overseas.
Ballistic Knives 12. Ballistic knives, being knives that discharge a blade as a projectile by a spring mechanism or
other means.		 (a) ballistic knife—a device or instrument (other than a dart projector) designed to fire or
discharge a knife,
dagger or similar instrument by mechanical, percussive or explosive means;		 Not available under a police certification test. 11. Ballistic knife, being a device or instrument designed or adapted to fire or discharge a knife,
dagger or similar instrument by mechanical, percussive or explosive means.		 Not available under a police certification test.
Automatic Knives 14. Automatic knives that have a blade folded or recessed into the handle which are designed or adapted
to open automatically by pressure applied to any spring, device, stud or button in or attached to the handle or blade of the knife, including knives commonly known as flick knives, switchblades or assisted opening knives.		 (m) flick knife—a knife in respect of which—

  1. the blade is concealed when folded or recessed into the handle and springs or is released into the
    extended position by the operation of a button or other device on the handle; or
  2. the blade is wholly or partially concealed by a sheath that can be withdrawn into the handle of the knife by gravity, centrifugal force or by the operation of a button or other device;
 Not available under a police certification test. 1. Flick knife, being a knife designed or adapted so that the blade is concealed when folded or
recessed
into the handle and which opens by gravity or centrifugal force or by any pressure applied to a button,
spring or device in or attached to the handle of the knife.		 11. Flick knife or Switchblade
A knife —

  1. having a blade that is concealed when folded or recessed into the handle and that opens by
    gravity or centrifugal force or by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached
    to the handle of the knife; and
  2. made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon.
Concealed Knives 20. Goods incorporating:

  1. a concealed knife of any length, made of any material; or
  2. a concealed blade of any length, made of any material; or
  3. a concealed spike of any length, made of any material
 (f) concealed weapon—an article that appears to be harmless but that conceals a knife, spike or other
weapon;

(o) knife belt—a belt or similar article (for example, a Bowen Knife Belt)
designed to hold a knife, dagger or similar instrument so that the presence of the knife,
dagger or instrument is concealed or disguised when the belt or article is worn;

 Not available under a police certification test. 4. An article that is designed to include a concealed knife or sword blade, including but not limited
to—

  1. a belt or similar article designed or adapted to hold a knife, dagger or similar instrument so that
    the
    presence of the knife, dagger or similar instrument is concealed or disguised as part of the belt or
    similar
    article when it is worn (for example an article known as the “Bowen Knife Belt”);
  2. a swordstick, being a cane, stick or similar article designed or adapted to hold the blade of a
    sword so that it is concealed from view until withdrawn from the cane, stick or article;
  3. a riding crop designed or adapted to hold a blade or spike so that it is concealed from
    view until withdrawn from the crop.
 7. Disguised knife or sword
A knife or sword disguised as part of another article and includes —

  1. a knife disguised as part of a belt (e.g. the article commonly known as the “Bowen” knife belt);
    or
  2. a sword disguised as a cane or stick.
Star Knives 23. Star knives or similar devices:

  1. consisting of more than one angular point, blade or spike, disposed outwardly about a central axis
    point; and
  2. designed to spin around the central axis point in flight when thrown at a target; and
  3. made of any material
 (x) star knife—a device comprised of a number of points, blades or spikes pointing outwardly from a
central axis and designed to spin around that axis, and capable of causing serious injury, when thrown;		 Legal to buy from within Australia. Submit a B709B form to your local police to import from overseas. 43. “Throwing star”, being a sharpened star-shaped article designed for throwing, including the
martial
arts weapon known as “Surikan”, “Suriken” or “Shaken”
(including where the throwing star is attached to a belt-buckle).		 Legal to buy from within Australia. Include a B709X form with your shipment to import from overseas.
Sheath Knives 24. Sheath knives or similar devices:

  1. having a sheath which withdraws into its handle:
    1. by inertia, gravity or centrifugal force; or
    2. if pressure is applied to a button, spring or device attached to or forming part of the
      sheath, handle or blade of the knife; and
  2. made of any material
 Not available under a police certification test. Not available under a police certification test. 7. A knife that is designed or adapted so that the blade is concealed by a plastic, wooden
or metal sheath which retracts into the handle of the knife by gravity or centrifugal force or by
any pressure applied to a button, spring or device in or attached to the handle of the knife (including the knife commonly known as the “Black Eagle Knife”).		 Not available under a police certification test.
Push Knives 26. Push knives or similar devices:

  1. designed as weapons that consist of a single‑edged or multi‑edged blade or spike that:
    1. has a handle fitted transversely to the blade or spike; and
    2. allows the blade or spike to be supported by the palm of the
      hand so that stabbing blows or slashes can be inflicted by a punching or pushing action; and
  2. made of any material
 (w) push knife—a knife (for example, an Urban Pal Knife) comprised of a blade or spike with a
transverse handle that is designed—

  1. to be held between the fingers or the forefinger and thumb with the handle supported by the palm of
    the hand; and
  2. to inflict injury by a punching or pushing movement;
 Not available under a police certification test 3. Knuckle knife, being an open or exposed blade or similar instrument attached to a handle that is
designed or adapted to be held between the knuckles (including the device
commonly known as the “Urban Pal Knife”).

8. Push knife or similar device designed as a weapon that consists of a single-edged or multi-edged
blade
or spike of any material that has a handle fitted transversely to the blade or spike and allows the blade
or spike to be supported by the palm of the hand so that stabbing blows or slashes can be inflicted by a
punching or pushing action.

 13. Knuckle knife
A knife made or modified to be held so that the blade protrudes between the knuckles or fingers of a hand
(e.g. the article commonly known as the “Urban Pal” knife).
Trench Knives 27. Trench knives or similar devices that consist of a single‑edged or multi‑edged blade or spike:

  1. fitted with a handle made of any hard substance that can be fitted over the knuckles of the hand of
    the user:

    1. to protect the knuckles; and
    2. to increase the effect of a punch or blow; and
  2. made of any material;

whether the device has been manufactured for those purposes or adapted for those purposes

 (z) trench knife—a knife comprised of a blade or spike attached to one end of a handle that is
designed
to be held in the closed fist with the fingers through the handle which serves as a knuckle duster;		 Not available under a police certification test 9. Trench knife or similar device that consists of a single-edged or multi-edged blade or spike of
any
material that is fitted with a handle made of any hard substance that can be fitted over the knuckles
of the hand of the user to protect the knuckles and increase the effect of a punch or blow, or that is
adapted for such use.		 Not available under a police certification test
Throwing Knives 29. Throwing blades, throwing knives or throwing axes:

  1. designed or modified to be thrown; and
  2. made of any material
 (y) throwing knife—a knife that is designed to cause serious injury when thrown; Legal to buy from within Australia. Submit a B709B form to your local police to import from overseas. 10. Throwing blade, being a knife or axe of any material that is designed or modified to be thrown. Legal to buy from within Australia. Include a B709X form with your shipment to import from overseas.
Non-metallic Knives 30. Knives, blades or spikes which are neither metallic nor ceramic, other than plastic cutlery (za) undetectable knife—a knife that—

  1. is made wholly or partly of a material that prevents the knife from being detected, or
    being detected as a knife, by either a metal detector or by a method using X rays; and
  2. is capable of causing serious injury or death.
 Not available under a police certification test. 12. Non-metal/ceramic knife, being a knife, blade or spike of which no part is metallic, excluding
plastic cutlery.		 Not available under a police certification test.
Butterfly Knives 33. Butterfly knives, devices known as ‘balisongs’, or other devices that consist of a single‑edge or
multi‑edged blade or spike that:

  1. fits within 2 handles attached to the blade or spike by transverse pivot pins; and
  2. is capable of being opened by inertia, gravity or centrifugal force
 (d) butterfly knife—a knife comprised of a blade or spike and a handle, in respect of which—

  1. the handle is in 2 sections that fold so as to wholly or partially cover the blade or spike when the knife is not in use; and
  2. the blade or spike can be exposed by gravity or centrifugal force;
 Not available under a police certification test. 5. Butterfly knife, being a knife with a 2 piece handle that folds together to cover both edges of
the
blade whether the blade is serrated or not serrated.		 4. Butterfly knife
A knife —

  1. having a 2 piece handle which folds together to cover both edges of the blade; and
  2. made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon,
    and includes the martial arts weapon known as the butterfly knife or balisong.
Swords Legal Legal Legal 47. Sword, being a thrusting, striking or cutting weapon with
a long blade having 1 or 2 edges and a hilt or handle.		 Legal

So can I own that knife?

If the knife that you want is not defined in the Federal Prohibited Imports Regulations 1956 and is not listed in your state’s Prohibited Weapons Schedule then you can get that knife from overseas or from within Australia.

If the knife is defined in the Federal Prohibited Imports Regulations 1956 and not defined in your state’s Prohibited Weapons Schedule and is available to import with a police certification test, then you can purchase it from Australia or import that knife from overseas by filling out a B709B form or printing out a B709X form. The B709B or B709X form for your state can be found in Table 1 on the row labelled “B709 Form”.

If the knife is defined in the Federal Prohibited Imports Regulations 1956 and not available to import with a police certification test, then it is illegal for all states.

Examples

For example, if you are a resident of Western Australia and wish to import throwing stars into Australia, you have to print out a B709X form for the state of Western Australia and get your importer to include that form in your shipment. You are also able to buy those throwing stars from within Australia without any paperwork.

Another example is if you are a resident of Tasmania and wish to import a karambit folding knife from overseas. Since karambits are defined as daggers in the Federal Prohibited Imports Regulations 1956, you need a B709B or B709X form from your state. Since the state of Tasmania hasn’t released a B709X form, you need to lodge a B709B form to your local police where they can personally approve or disapprove your application to import that karambit knife. You are able to buy that karambit from within Australia without any paperwork.

Again, if you are unsure as to whether you can legally own a particular knife, bayonet, dagger, sword, axe or any other specific blades, please contact your local police department, Firearms registry, or Australian Border Force.