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Australia · checked 2026-10-26 · Medium confidence

Knife carry law in New South Wales

Having any knife in a public place or school is an offence (up to 4 years) unless you prove a reasonable excuse such as work, food preparation, sport or religion; self-defence is not one. Flick, butterfly, push-dagger and similar knives are prohibited weapons needing a permit. Police can scan for knives.

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.

  1. 1ProhibitedAny knife or tool, automatic or gravity or flick opening

    Flick knives (blade opens by gravity, centrifugal force or button/spring) and butterfly/balisong knives are prohibited weapons; possession needs a permit (up to 14 years). A permit needs a genuine reason; ordinary EDC is not one.

    Source
  2. 2UnclearAny knife or tool, spring assisted

    The flick-knife definition covers blades opening 'by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device'. Whether a spring-assisted flipper is caught is untested; if not, it is an ordinary knife needing an excuse (s.93IB).

    Source
  3. 3No restriction foundScissors only

    Scissors only: no specific restriction found; 'knife includes a blade' so a scissor blade is arguable. Not tested.

    Source
  4. 4Reason neededAnything else

    Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

    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.

ProductSpecsResult
Kershaw Leekblade 76.2 mm (3.00 in); cutting edge not publishedUnclear
Why

The flick-knife definition covers blades opening 'by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device'. Whether a spring-assisted flipper is caught is untested; if not, it is an ordinary knife needing an excuse (s.93IB).

CRKT Squid Assistedblade 60.2 mm (2.37 in); cutting edge not publishedUnclear
Why

The flick-knife definition covers blades opening 'by any pressure applied to a button, spring or device'. Whether a spring-assisted flipper is caught is untested; if not, it is an ordinary knife needing an excuse (s.93IB).

Buck 110 Folding Hunterblade 95.3 mm (3.75 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Leatherman Arcblade 70.1 mm (2.76 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Benchmade Bugoutblade 82.3 mm (3.24 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Victorinox Cadet (Alox)blade 64 mm (2.52 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Victorinox Classic SDblade 40 mm (1.57 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Victorinox Climberblade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Morakniv Companion (stainless, Hi-Vis Orange shown)blade 104 mm (4.09 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Spyderco Delica 4 (Lightweight)65 mm cutting edge (2.56 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Gerber Dimeblade 38.1 mm (1.50 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

CIVIVI Elementumblade 75.2 mm (2.96 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami SK (Niwaki-sold Kanekoma)blade 71 mm (2.80 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Victorinox Huntsmanblade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

ESEE Izula-IIblade 66.8 mm (2.63 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Spyderco Ladybug 343 mm cutting edge (1.69 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Leatherman Micrablade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Benchmade Mini Bugoutblade 71.6 mm (2.82 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

W.R. Case & Sons Mini Trapperblade 69.9 mm (2.75 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Opinel No.07 Stainless Steelblade 80 mm (3.15 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Opinel No.08 Stainless Steelblade 85 mm (3.35 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Spyderco Para 367 mm cutting edge (2.64 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Gerber Paraframe I (stainless, plain edge)blade 76.5 mm (3.01 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1 (RAT I)blade 88.9 mm (3.50 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Spyderco Roadie44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Leatherman Skeletool CXblade 66 mm (2.60 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Victorinox Spartanblade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Spyderco Squeak44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

CRKT Squid (Thumbstud)blade 54.76 mm (2.16 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Leatherman Squirt PS4blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Victorinox Swiss Card Classicblade length not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Victorinox SwissTool Spirit Xblade length not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

W.R. Case & Sons Trapper76.2 mm cutting edge (3.00 in)Reason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

Leatherman Wave Plusblade 74.2 mm (2.92 in); cutting edge not publishedReason needed
Why

Any knife or blade in a public place or school, including pocket knives and multitools with a blade, is an offence unless you prove a reasonable excuse (work, food, sport, uniform, genuine religious purpose; self-defence excluded). Burden is on you.

What the verdict does not cover

Public transport and restricted zones
Police may 'wand' (scan) in designated areas: stations, shopping precincts, sporting venues, and (expanded) major entertainment venues. Declarations lengthen to 24 hours. Per a NSW Government release (25 June 2026) and a 21 Oct 2026 local news report, the Bill passed and makes powers permanent; commencement not verified.
Schools, workplaces and events
Schools are expressly covered by s.93IB. Using or visibly carrying a knife in a way that makes a reasonable person fear for safety is a separate offence (s.93IC, up to 4 years).
In a vehicle
Not specifically exempt; a knife in a car parked in a public place may still be in your custody.
Age limits
Sale to a child under 16 is an offence (Summary Offences Act s.11F per secondary source); a 2026 reform bars sale to 16-17s without reasonable excuse (commencement unverified).
Buying and importing
Importing prohibited knives needs a permit and federal import permission. Buying prohibited weapons without a permit is an offence for the seller and buyer; the Act restricts sending or receiving them.
Penalties
s.93IB: 40 penalty units or 4 years. s.93IC: 100 penalty units or 4 years. s.7 Weapons Prohibition Act: up to 14 years.
Recent changes
Knife offences moved from Summary Offences Act to Crimes Act with doubled penalties (Knife Crimes Act 2023). Crimes and Summary Offences Amendment Act 2026 (No 21) assented 29 June 2026. Knife scanning made permanent (Parliament, Oct 2026 per press).
Pending changes
Commencement of 2026 sale-to-16/17-year-olds and permanent wanding provisions not verified.

Reasons the authorities have accepted

  • Lawful occupation, education or training
  • Preparation or consumption of food or drink
  • Lawful entertainment, recreation or sport
  • Genuine religious purposes
  • Travel to or from those activities

Sources

What we could not confirm

  • s.93IB(3)(c) prescribed circumstances in the Regulation not read; 'knife of a class prescribed' exclusions not checked.
  • Sale-age provisions (s.11F) not read in primary text.
  • Schedule 1 items for zombie/serrated knives (cl 1(8)) read only partly; whether other designs are listed was not exhaustively checked.
  • Effect of the 2026 amendment acts on s.93IB not verified.

Keep going

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