For a Hunter comming into Australia, what are the knife rules?

Is their an Official sight that lists what is legal.

I am hearing that any sort of assisted opener is illegal, as well as any knife that can be opened with one hand, ie. a thumb stud on the blade.

What about a common hunting sheath knife?

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
For a Hunter comming into Australia, what are the knife rules?

Is their an Official sight that lists what is legal.

I am hearing that any sort of assisted opener is illegal, as well as any knife that can be opened with one hand, ie. a thumb stud on the blade.

What about a common hunting sheath knife?

It varies from state to state and my understanding is that Customs will only enforce the state laws of the city where you fly in. To stay out of trouble, if you steer clear of an spring, loaded self opening knife, flick knives, etc, you will stay out of trouble with knives in accompanied baggage. The deal with the thumb studs (and such) is very open to interpretation by the Customs operator you get. Most of them dont even ask about knives. No problems with general fixed blade knives at all.

What the Customs thing says is that basically all knife 'imports' need a permit - but this isnt really referring to personal hunting knives and such that are carried into the country and are legal in that state. It is for importers and purchasers. Yes the person on the Customs desk 'could' enforce this need for a permit. But theyy would look pretty silly when their supervisor is called over.

This is the list that they (Customs) say is 'restricted' but that doesnt mean illegal (although some essentially are)
Daggers, automatic knives, single handed opening knives, butterfly knives, trench knives, ballistic knives, concealed knives/blades, throwing knives/blades/axes, star knives, push knives, sheath knives, non-metallic knives.

If you are bringing a firearm with you you could always list the knives on the application and it will be included on the B709 import permit.

I carry all kinds of knives in and out of the country quite regularly and it is never a problem. They dont even ask about a couple knives in your bag.

I will get a clarification from Customs myself.

Matt

Thanks for the info.

It looks like they are targeting knives suitable for "fighting".

I will make sure I just have "sporting" type knives, no assisted openers and no thumb stud types...

I think a separate application (B709?) is needed for knives to the one required for firearms, though the form number may be the same. Googling that form number might reveal all.

It's been my experience that all sorts of edged items concern some state's authority and the state authorities can think they concern the federal government, which they may not. I have obtained permission for things like plastic trowels and folding forks.

I would think small scissors such as a tourist would bring for trimming nails or whiskers would be OK if packed in stowed luggage.

Don't try to bring a scalpel (for caping the skull) into Victoria, at least, because there is no category to classify it under.

quote:

Originally posted by N E 450 No2:
Matt

Thanks for the info.

It looks like they are targeting knives suitable for "fighting".

I will make sure I just have "sporting" type knives, no assisted openers and no thumb stud types...

You will be fine with sporting knives, I have asked my Customs contact to clarify but havent heard back yet.

quote:

Originally posted by sambarman338:
I think a separate application (B709?) is needed for knives to the one required for firearms, though the form number may be the same. Googling that form number might reveal all.

We (the State police issuer) have added all sorts of things to the B709A firearms/ammo permit that the clients get. Knives, optics - just to be on the safe side of whatever nit-wit you find at the Customs desk on arrival.

quote:

Originally posted by sambarman338:

Don't try to bring a scalpel (for caping the skull) into Victoria, at least, because there is no category to classify it under.

If there is no category then it cant be an issue... eh!!

so avoid bringing a switchblade or they won't be knife to you at all

taken hunting knives out and in several times no problems, make sure they are clean

Hi Matt,

Sorry for the delay – I’ve been crook.

“Normal” hunting knives are OK – fixed blade single edged and non-concealed types are no problem.

Issues are with “assisted opening” and flick knives or fixed blade knives with a sharp edge on both sides – i.e.: a dagger.

Let them know if they are just your standard hunting sheath knife like a Buck, Puma etc. no problems.

Regards,

Theo N.....
Supervisor | Firearms Cell NSW
Australian Customs and Border Protection Service

Thanks for the info guys. I appreciate it.

No double edged knives ie "daggers". No "punching knives" etc.

I collect knives and the pricks took off me a 300 hundred year old Indian "punching knife" of about 9 inches blade length. Because I had not arranged a permit in advance of it entering the country. Bit hard when you are travelling overseas and buy it. They would have destroyed this rare antique.

Normal hunting sheath and folding knives are not a problem at all.

I bring in swords, knives, etc all the time and that is the only time I had a problem. Sometimes a bitch customs officer gets excited but usually one of the males tells her it is OK ... in the good "old days" I once had five customs officers standing around admiring the swords and knives but not these days ...

Don't carry your knives around with you on urban streets as officially that is illegal unless you are carrying it for a purpose. As many men do, I almost always have a pocket knife or leatherman on me, but oh well ... I do have it legitimate purposes .

Can't tolerate the government telling me what to do. Might have to leave the good old USA soon, but Australia sounds as bad or worse on that count. Would like to hunt some buffalo there however.