Swiss Army Knife Vs The Law? (VIC)

[Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 13:35
Last edited 17/08/2016 - 13:36

I have a general idea of why I might/might not be able to carry around a Swiss Army Knife after reading https://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/find-legal-answers/criminal-…

I have been carrying the SAK for a few months now and I just stumbled across the legislation of prohibited and dangerous articles which I believe are a bit ambiguous. The SAK I use is primarily for work however I carry it all the time even when I am not working as I find it comes handy in certain situations such as mending, fixing and unboxing items. Should I continue to do this or is there a risk of the SAK being confiscated when I am not using/possessing it explicitly for work? I would appreciate your views on this issue!

General Discussion

Comments

  • Mummy2 on 17/08/2016 - 13:43
    +4

    I'd like to know too. I carry one all the time in my handbag - I rarely use the blades but often need use of the scissors, can opener, tweezers. I use it almost daily.

    I started carrying it around when my kids were young in case they locked themselves in public toilets so that I could use the screwdriver attachment to open the lock from the outside (apparently a coin works too).

    • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 13:52
      +1

      Agree. I have become paranoid now whenever I go outside thinking I might have it confiscated even though I don't even intend to use it as a weapon. I hope someone can clarify the laws in this area.

      • Settero on 17/08/2016 - 14:06
        +1

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razor_gang
        thats the first thing that comes to my mind , some bad apples ruin it for everyone :)

      • pandabun on 18/08/2016 - 09:51

        I was never aware of rule like this.
        I carry mine attach on lanyard with my house keys and sometimes I carry it around my neck just so I can have two free hands. So far it hasn't been confiscated yet.

  • fossilfuel on 17/08/2016 - 14:07
    +1

    I think you're in the clear. From the website you linked:

    "A 'lawful excuse' could include having the weapon for work, sport, recreation or a weapons collection, display or exhibition. Lawful excuse does not include self-defence."

    Basically if you're not going to use it for self defence/fighting others, then you have a valid reason for holding it.

    • Settero on 17/08/2016 - 14:08
      +2

      recreation would require a purpose, say going fishing / hunting / camping..

    • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 14:20
      +2

      @fossilfuel: I would think so too, however I get the feeling that the police would see the knife attachment on the SAK and just automatically assume I don't have a 'legal excuse', especially when I'm not using it for work at that instance.

      • ESEMCE on 17/08/2016 - 14:36
        +2

        You've gotta get yourself in a situation to have it confiscated in the first place….
        If you're in that target group for whatever reason, then yes, it might be an issue.

  • altomic on 17/08/2016 - 14:46
    +11

    Lawful excuse is similar to "is it reasonable to carry the knife?"

    Dude to Police - "Hi, I'm a plasterer. I carry a box knife because I use it to cut plaster sheeting" (sounds reasonable)
    Police to Dude - "this is a nightclub, it's 3AM, you're drunk, and you have been waving it about at people. Hand it over"

  • derek324 on 17/08/2016 - 14:57
    +1

    This is largely case by case. The same page also says: "It is also an offence to carry an article with the intention of using it as a weapon". Thus a scenario is possible when you can get in trouble because you were holding a rock, but it does not follow that generally holding a rock = carrying a weapon.

    Note that another page: http://www.legalaid.vic.gov.au/find-legal-answers/police-pow… says that the police can search you but they "do not need to have any reasonable grounds to suspect you are carrying a weapon", if you happen to be "in public areas which have become designated areas". It is easy for an area to be "designated", for example: "has had two or more events of violence or disorder in the last 12 months".

  • Savas on 17/08/2016 - 15:12
    +2

    It should be allowed if it's for the purpose of opening eneloops

    • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 15:24
      +2

      I bet in a few years that would be an offence as well-_- The law is very inconsistent in these areas when it comes to deciding who is in the wrong however it is still keeping the streets safe (most times..)

  • racerm911 on 17/08/2016 - 15:35

    By the same token, I would assume the same applies to multi-tools ie. Leatherman which also have knives

  • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 15:40
    +2

    i work in a box manufacturing plant and the tool of choice is a knife to cut jammed cardboard in the machines…. its like second nature for me to carry a knife and like the wallet and phone they are all together and i pocket it all the time.

  • spychiatrist on 17/08/2016 - 17:36
    +1

    The rule is, anything less than 3-inch blade on a SAK, you can carry.

    • [Deactivated] on 17/08/2016 - 17:53
      +2

      Link?

  • Cave Fire on 17/08/2016 - 18:13
    +1

    In Qld, you can carry these knives without licence if you are using it "for the normal utility". I'd check the Victorian weapons licencing laws regarding bladed weapons to see if they are similar.

  • Ozbargainite on 17/08/2016 - 22:59
    +1

    The law recently changed in Tasmania.

    http://www.police.tas.gov.au/services-online/knife-laws-educ…

  • sky blu on 18/08/2016 - 11:15

    So can I use the Leatherman Wave i just got from eBay Deals as an EDC or not?

  • [Deactivated] on 21/08/2016 - 17:49
    -1

    with masters selling these bad boys i dont know how they can police this law really.

    https://www.masters.com.au/product/900031899/kobalt-75mm-uti…

  • NBAD25 on 21/08/2016 - 18:05

    The law is ambiguous.

    I've taken my SAK overseas in checked luggage. I've also taken it to parliament house. However it was confiscated and then returned when I left lol.

    Also I'm not white and i've got a beard, so I think people should be alright.

  • srr on 13/05/2020 - 21:23

    Any updates on the issue? I quite like carrying a Leatherman. I see the law has restrictions but what is the practice? Has anyone been prosecuted for carrying a multi tool for utility purposes in NSW?

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