Australia · checked 2026-10-26 · Medium confidence

Knife carry law in Western Australia

Carrying or possessing any knife or edged weapon anywhere in WA without a lawful excuse carries up to 3 years and a $36,000 fine. Lawful excuse covers work, sport, recreation and collection; self-defence does not, and the burden is on you. Butterfly and certain flick knives are prohibited. Police can wand in designated areas.

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.

1UnclearAny knife or tool, automatic or gravity or flick opening
Flick/switchblade and butterfly knives are prohibited weapons only if 'made or modified to be used to injure or disable a person or as a martial arts weapon'. A utility automatic could fall outside that and be an edged weapon instead, but treat as prohibited; the intent test is untested.
Source
2No restriction foundScissors only
Scissors: no specific restriction found; 'edged weapon' includes articles with a sharpened edge made or modified for injury or martial use. Not tested.
Source
3Reason neededAnything else
A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
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
Buck 110 Folding Hunter	blade 95.3 mm (3.75 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Leatherman Arc	blade 70.1 mm (2.76 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Benchmade Bugout	blade 82.3 mm (3.24 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Victorinox Cadet (Alox)	blade 64 mm (2.52 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Victorinox Classic SD	blade 40 mm (1.57 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Victorinox Climber	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Morakniv Companion (stainless, Hi-Vis Orange shown)	blade 104 mm (4.09 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Spyderco Delica 4 (Lightweight)	65 mm cutting edge (2.56 in)	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Gerber Dime	blade 38.1 mm (1.50 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
CIVIVI Elementum	blade 75.2 mm (2.96 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Nagao Kanekoma Higonokami SK (Niwaki-sold Kanekoma)	blade 71 mm (2.80 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Victorinox Huntsman	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
ESEE Izula-II	blade 66.8 mm (2.63 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Spyderco Ladybug 3	43 mm cutting edge (1.69 in)	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Kershaw Leek	blade 76.2 mm (3.00 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Leatherman Micra	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Benchmade Mini Bugout	blade 71.6 mm (2.82 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
W.R. Case & Sons Mini Trapper	blade 69.9 mm (2.75 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Opinel No.07 Stainless Steel	blade 80 mm (3.15 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Opinel No.08 Stainless Steel	blade 85 mm (3.35 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Spyderco Para 3	67 mm cutting edge (2.64 in)	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Gerber Paraframe I (stainless, plain edge)	blade 76.5 mm (3.01 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Ontario Knife Company RAT Model 1 (RAT I)	blade 88.9 mm (3.50 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Spyderco Roadie	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Leatherman Skeletool CX	blade 66 mm (2.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Victorinox Spartan	blade 67 mm (2.64 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Spyderco Squeak	44 mm cutting edge (1.73 in)	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
CRKT Squid (Thumbstud)	blade 54.76 mm (2.16 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
CRKT Squid Assisted	blade 60.2 mm (2.37 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Leatherman Squirt PS4	blade 40.6 mm (1.60 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Victorinox Swiss Card Classic	blade length not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Victorinox SwissTool Spirit X	blade length not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
W.R. Case & Sons Trapper	76.2 mm cutting edge (3.00 in)	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.
Leatherman Wave Plus	blade 74.2 mm (2.92 in); cutting edge not published	Reason needed Why A knife (or blade, axe, machete) anywhere in WA needs a lawful excuse: lawful work/duty/activity, sport/recreation/entertainment, or collection/display. Self-defence is excluded and you must prove the excuse. Round-tipped dull and plastic/wooden eating knives are excluded. Even with excuse, carrying that scares people is an offence.

What the verdict does not cover

Public transport and restricted zones: Any area can be declared a 'designated area' for metal-detector scans without a warrant; refusing is an offence (12 months / $12,000).
Schools, workplaces and events: No place limit: the offence applies state-wide. Exceptions under s.10 were not read.
In a vehicle: s.6A applies to 'carries or possesses' anywhere; no vehicle exemption read.
Age limits: Selling an edged weapon to a person under 18 is an offence (3 years / $36,000); supply has a reasonable-belief defence.
Buying and importing: Prohibited weapons cannot be brought into WA without approval. Prohibited import permit form B709 is required. Dagger (flat blade over 8 cm, non-serrated, both edges), double-end knife, machete, throwing blade and sword are controlled weapons.
Penalties: Edged weapon without lawful excuse: 3 years and $36,000. Controlled weapon: 2 years and $24,000.
Recent changes: Police Legislation Amendment Act 2024 in force 20 Dec 2024 created the edged weapon offence and wanding.
Pending changes: None identified.

Reasons the authorities have accepted

Lawful employment, duty or activity
Lawful sport, recreation or entertainment
Lawful collection, display or exhibition

Sources

Weapons Act 1999 s.6A (as at 31 Mar 2025)
“a person who, without a lawful excuse, carries or possesses an edged weapon commits an offence.”
WA Police: weapons list
“having a blade that is concealed when folded or recessed into the handle and that opens by gravity or centrifugal force”
WA Police: knife and edged weapon laws
“it is an offence to carry or possess an edged weapon (including a knife) without a lawful excuse anywhere in the state of WA.”

What we could not confirm

Weapons Act version read is 'as at 31 Mar 2025'; later amendments not checked.
Section 10 exceptions not read.
Whether a utility automatic knife is 'prohibited' depends on the intent qualifier; no case law found.

Keep going

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