an I import this knife? A detailed look at Australia's knife import laws...

[RattusRattus]

This is very good article on Australia's knife import laws.

See: http://knives2survive.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/can-i-import-this-knife-detailed-look.html

Can I import this knife?

Quick Answers:

Fixed blades
Standard Single-edged Fixed blades: Yes
Double-edged blades including Push-daggers: No
Knife with sheath withdrawing into handle: No
Throwing Knives: No
Throwing Stars: No
Trench Knives (with hand guards): No
Ceramic knives: Yes
Non-metalic or ceramic: No

Folding Knives
Two-hand openers: Yes
Automatic, spring assisted & flippers: No
Single-hand openers (flick knives by flick test): No
Butterfly Knives: No

Parts for any Prohibited/Restricted item: No

 

[Chris Larrikin]

Some of those you might be able to with the appropriate permission from state police (ie form B709). The most common issue seems to be what Customs call "one handed opening knives". It seems the term was meant to mean those knives which could be opened with a mechanism or assist, or opened by use of "centrifugal force", but for a while seemed to include any knife which was designed to be opened with one hand (ie those with a thumb stud/ thumb hole). They've now changed the policy back to what it was meant to be and as far as I'm aware are working on a list of allowed and restricted knives.

Having said that, if a person wants to import any of the kinds of knives you've listed above it's best they have a close look at legislation and talk with their state police and Customs.