illegal to carry a knife.

[shunsui]

I suspect in time they'll ban guns and knives and whatever else they don't like.

It's not the approach I'd take. I'd wouldn't want people sitting around thinking about how to wreck havoc on our fragile society through creative means.

I'd much rather EVILDOERS had handguns and ran around making loud noises that everyone immediately recognizes and knows exactly what to do when they hear them: duck for cover, and call the local authorities who send a well trained group to terminate said bozos with extreme prejudice.

 

[Edgyone]

From what I could tell (and I've never studied law so take this with a grain of salt) the news laws don't relate to knives so much as power to confiscate in areas that are declared critical or high crime sites like train stations. Not all train stations however, only spots where the police are able to declare them as priority. I don't know what process or formalities are required

In these designated zones police are able to search individuals and confiscate controlled (read - all) knives or other weapons.

I don't think the police are targeting parks or bushland so I don't think I'm in any danger but I still don't brandish my recon scout around when others are around, especially kids.

Basically they just wanted a big parade so they could show what they are doing to curb knife violence. Knives are still controlled objects and as long as you have a reason for carrying or using one - camping, hunting, fishing, cooking, etc you should be just fine.

+1. You didn't need to study law, HofC, as far as I can tell you are correct - http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=24350

Knives have been 'controlled' items for a few years now but so long as you have a legitimate reason/lawful excuse to be carrying the knife that you are carrying, taking into account the manner and time/place that you are carrying it, then police discretion should fall in your favour. That is the gamble we take when we EDC even a SAK in Australia...

Unfortunately the practicalities differ from the theory - IMO, based on this year's political/media climate, the police discretion (to find that you have a legitimate reason to carry the knife) may be exercised less favorably than in the past.

The new powers that relate to searches only technically don't make knives any less/more 'legal' to carry. These searches do eliminate the protection that was otherwise afforded to you by your actions, eg if you carried yourself well and behaved appropriately - in the past I have relied on that to avoid problems. Now you can/will be searched just by being at a designated site at the advertised time - note that the link explains that areas can be 'designated' without the need to advertise the time/place, although I have yet to hear of that happening.

For what is is worth, I still EDC a medium sized folder but would reconsider that choice if I was heading somewhere that was a mandatory search point... in that case the utility of the tool might be outweighed by the risk of an officer bowing to political/media pressure. As a knife enthusiast, this stinks. I can understand the need to keep weapons (and tools capable of being weapons) out of some citizens' hands but these new search powers are a serious erosion of all of our civil liberties for fairly meagre political gain... and even less gain ito community safety:grumpy:.

Rant over//

 

[FTO_dude]

However it has to be advertised in the paper to let the public know, so not much of a suprise...

That was one of the things they did as part of the change, they no longer need to advertise random searches.

Basically they just wanted a big parade so they could show what they are doing to curb knife violence.

Bingo!
the media all of a sudden decided to report on a stabbing heavy weekend.
then there was a whole bunch of public outcry. the government then decided to bring in this fine as a way of showing that theyre taking action i guess.
it is an election year so theyre just scrambling for support.
If the other guy can bring in a proper solution, damn all his other policies, hes got my vote.

 

[TOM1960]

This information from the Victoria Police website updated 31/03/10 http://www.police.vic.gov.au/content.asp?Document_ID=25574 :
______
Controlled Weapons

Controlled weapons are weapons that can be used for legitimate purposes but require regulation because of the possible danger they pose to the community. This category of weapon includes knives that while not considered prohibited weapons, still are a potential danger to the community.

A person must not possess, carry or use a controlled weapon without lawful excuse. Lawful excuse includes:

a) the pursuit of any lawful employment, duty or activity

b) participation in any lawful sport, recreation or entertainment, and

c) the legitimate collection, display or exhibition of weapon.

Lawful excuse does not include for the purpose of self-defence.

_____

Given the above I think chefs, fisherman and electricians are fine. I think people are far to ready to accept a story that peoples rights are being stripped away without actually looking into for themselves!

EDIT: If there is anything to upset about it is the list of prohibited weapons, these are ones you need approval from the government to carry, butterfly knives, auto knives and such, and the cat'o'nine tails! How am I going to break it to my gf that the whip is now illegal to possess!

Thanks for sharing the information. I am somewhat surprised that OC/pepper spray/Mace is a prohibited weapon. It is a non-lethal product that is commonly used by women in the United States for self-defense and the police as a law-enforcement tool.

 

[HandofCod]

Incidentally there was a fatal stabbing during peak hour traffic at a train station yesterday. The two obviously knew each other and the fact that a knife was used IMO is meaningless. One clearly wanted the other guy dead or seriously injured and he just didn't have balls to go toe to toe with the victim. An iron bar could just as easily been used.

Note to self - don't go to Clayton.

 

[SCALPHUNTER]

Like I said,,,it's good to live in the USA.

 

[Tippet]

I find that the term LEO is a bit more respectful then cop. I have heard cop used negatively too many times that it sounds like a bad word now to me.

"cop" is derived from copper, old badge material. Nothing derogatory about it.

 

[softrockrenegade]

Makes me glad I live in the US, cause I can't fathom not being able to carry not only my knife, but since I got my CCW permit, my gun too.

it makes me nervous when a guy with the name "scalp hunter" has a CCW permit!!!! lol just kidding buddy

 

[FriskyDingo]

How could a nation of the most badass warriors become such pussies? Actually, all of Europe used to be pretty badass, carry of swords was commonplace up until the mid 1800's. What the hell happened? Socialism can't change a culture that much... can it?

 

[shunsui]

"cop" is derived from copper, old badge material. Nothing derogatory about it.

Actually the slang comes from England where it inferred a policeman was bought cheap by organized crime. Bit of an insult, or at least, that's the story I heard.

An old British penny was often called a copper after the metal it was minted from.

 

[Bobber]

Here in Norway you are allowed to carry a knife if you:
1:are in your work clothes (construction or ...)
2: Wear official uniform (army or...)
3: Wear a "Bunad"( Nationall costume)

If you carry a knife at any time other than this or in the woods you can get fined $1000, and they will take your knife.
That`s why people seldom see me out of the work clothes (LOL)
I EDC one of my many knives anyway, If in civillian clothes mostly one of my VICs or th Buck 384.
If I ever get stopped and fined, I`ll fight it all the way to court just to stand up for my rights. (I even know LEOs who would back me up in a case like this)

By the way OPouble edged knives are legal to purchase and carry in Norway, IF you are in the woods or something like that...
All my double edged knives are bought in stores in Norway...

Where are you from OP, I`m from Oslo myself..

 

[A.L.]

Because there aren't clear carry laws here (just vague terms, no max blade size etc.) I carry whatever size and style I want. Problem solved.
Then common sense is applied.

 

[philwar]

I think it is not just Norwegian, it is European. We also lost a lot of freedom due to the war against terrorism.

Actually we never had those freedoms to begin with. Ever.
Europe was always repressive, and citizens never had any rights to weapons like knives and guns, other than for sporting purposes.
And these are being limited more and more as well. In fact, Holland is now one of the more liberal countries where guns are concerned, we're allowed more than most other W-Europeans. It still isn't much though.

 

[A.L.]

How could a nation of the most badass warriors become such pussies? Actually, all of Europe used to be pretty badass, carry of swords was commonplace up until the mid 1800's. What the hell happened? Socialism can't change a culture that much... can it?

All is needed is few fascist in rule, communists, whatever. One man can change more than is believed. New laws are easier to form than remove. Then there are the terrorists - like school shootings - and voila, one step again towards totalitaristic police state.

 

[philwar]

But I don't live in fear of attack or invasion. That's why I'd let the cops do their job if I need them. Personally I fear bad or drunk drivers far more than violent offenders.

No disrespect but: you're misguided. Just because you don't fear violent crime, doesn't mean it won't happen to you.
I live in Holland and we've been defanged as much as you have been. Home invasions, robberies, rapes, car jackings are just as common here as they are in Australia (where my ex-wife lives and where I've lived too). The police are not there when you need them, they simply cannot be.
Your position is what the State would like you to believe. The irony is, it's true for you until proven otherwise - which is a matter of statistics. But if and when it happens, you will be powerless to defend yourself and your loved ones - because the State ordained it so, and you've bought into their story.

There is no good reason to disarm law-abiding citizens. Even if there was zero crime in your country.

Again, I mean no disrespect, no offense was intended.

 

[philwar]

How could a nation of the most badass warriors become such pussies? Actually, all of Europe used to be pretty badass, carry of swords was commonplace up until the mid 1800's. What the hell happened? Socialism can't change a culture that much... can it?

Europe was feudal, much like Japan was. Ordinary folk (peasants, labourers) were never allowed to carry or even own weapons. And with good reason: all the noble scum feared revolution, and rightly so.

There's a reason the US were founded on the principles that still to a degree keep you free. That reason has its roots in Europe.
We're the decendants of those who never had the chance or opportunity to go where your ancestors did.
Bastards.

 

[jbombelli]

I don't necessarily need to cut things *every day*, but I've had to cut radiator and heater hoses, belts, plastic packaging, food, branches that fell in the road or driveway after storms, all kinds of stuff.

I don't know what I would do without a knife. Seriously. I've been carrying one for over 30 years now, and would feel absolutely lost without one.

 

[minicollector]

Importing of single hand opening knives into Australia is currently stopped for major importers such as those wholesalers who supply stores.

Many small operators and collectors are now finding their knives are being siezed by customs if they can be opened single handedly including being flicked open using gravity. One person i spoke to recently said his knife was stopped even though it couldn't be flicked open as the excuse was if the pivot was loosened it could be.

Now there are rumours from store holders that single hand opening knives will be banned from being sold owned or carried.

Has any one else heard this?

 

[FTO_dude]

Now there are rumours from store holders that single hand opening knives will be banned from being sold owned or carried.

Has any one else heard this?

i have not heard this, but i just ordered a junkyard dog through a brick and mortar store.
If its true itll get stopped for sure.

 

[Hog Feet]

I'd prefer the police protect me rather than having to do it myself and just stay away from places where I think I might have to!

I've always felt it much easier to carry a gun or a knife than a police officer...you must have very small police down under