Australian laws re: EDC question

[flashlight]

I might be taking a work trip to Australia (New South Wales) & was just wondering what are the laws regarding carrying a Leatherman e307x, 2.8in combo edge (assisted opening, non-spring) multi-tool (http://www.leatherman.com/products/knives/e306x-e307x/default.asp) in nylon pouch on waistbelt in public? Or can I carry it hidden in waistpouch? TIA.

[WhatMACHI]

The general rule of thumb is that you are NOT allowed to carry a blade unless you have an immediate lawful use for it, say if you were hunting, fishing, working in the woods, or working on a project of some sort.

Where abouts in NSW are you going? It would probably be a bad idea to carry that around Sydney for convenience of having a knife handy. But if you were in more rural NSW it wouldnt be too much of a hassle.

This is a TRUE story. I was driving to a mates, with two registration stickers on my car, one i JUST put on, and for the other i brought a disposable razor with me to scratch it off when i got to my mates (i was in a rush). I got pulled over because of my two tags, and when i told them i had brought a tiny disposable razor they took it, asked for my licence where i was going, and started bla bla bla'ing on how it is illegal to carry a blade in my car...then bla bla'd about how they could give me X amount of fines for what i was doing.

This may not happen in most cases, but there certainly are cops out there who really dont want people carrying around blades.

[Dizos]

The assisted opening is going to raise eyebrows here and may get confiscated at customs. I would recommend a regular Leatherman multitool instead. I also don't recommend carrying any bladed tool in an exposed belt pouch. Security in many places will spot it and confiscate it. I can't believe the attitudes towards knives here.

[flashlight]

Thanks for the info guys. :)

Looks like I'll have to leave it at home then. I was indeed worried that it would get confiscated even before I left the airport here! :thumbsdown:

I guess a Spyderench would be out of the question too, not to mention too heavy & bulky. :rolleyes:

[WhatMACHI]

The assisted opening is going to raise eyebrows here and may get confiscated at customs. I would recommend a regular Leatherman multitool instead. I also don't recommend carrying any bladed tool in an exposed belt pouch. Security in many places will spot it and confiscate it. I can't believe the attitudes towards knives here.


I would second the multi tool. It'll pass customs (just make sure its in your packed luggage) and wont cause too much worry if brought around in a backpack even if you walk the malls.

[nicknwong]

you could bike everywhere and say you need to fix your bike constantly?? :laugh:

[geoffchan]

I wouldn't bother bringing your leatherman. If you need one while your here, you could go down to Paddy's Market and get a Chinese knock off for $10au.

Geoff

[flashlight]

But the e307x IS a multitool.... :shrug:

[nicknwong]

unfortunately down here we arent as knife savvy and if it looks like a knife its a knife it doesn't matter if it has "things" attached to it. I regularly carry a knife (strider PT), not once have I seen a cop notice someone and pull them to aside and ask them. Just don't cut everything in sight, use when needed and be smart. One a LEO saw me using my Leatherman fixing my bike, he was okay, once saw me cutting bait while fishing even though I had scissors. Most LEO are fairly friendly and understanding, just dont try to bluff them or make smart answers. I didnt even know that knife carrying was not allowed until I joined bladeforums.

p.s. dont bother buying quality knives, multitools or SAKs down here - WAAYYYY overpriced. >:( At my disposals there selling the LM Ti for a incredible $285 I can buy three from the US at that price.

[flashlight]

That's good common sense advice (especially the part about not trying to be a smart mouth! :iagree: ) and yeah, I know quite a lot of EDC & electronic stuff is cheaper elsewhere than Down Under. Thanks. ;)




unfortunately down here we arent as knife savvy and if it looks like a knife its a knife it doesn't matter if it has "things" attached to it. I regularly carry a knife (strider PT), not once have I seen a cop notice someone and pull them to aside and ask them. Just don't cut everything in sight, use when needed and be smart. One a LEO saw me using my Leatherman fixing my bike, he was okay, once saw me cutting bait while fishing even though I had scissors. Most LEO are fairly friendly and understanding, just dont try to bluff them or make smart answers. I didnt even know that knife carrying was not allowed until I joined bladeforums.

p.s. dont bother buying quality knives, multitools or SAKs down here - WAAYYYY overpriced. >:( At my disposals there selling the LM Ti for a incredible $285 I can buy three from the US at that price.

[lightemup]

As long as you pack your Leatherman in your stowed luggage for the flight etc you should be fine :)

RE carrying it in Aus, i'd probably recommend keeping it in a bag or pocket, but mate unless you're really suspicious looking or give police a reason to search you should be right. If you are really worried do a cost benefit analysis of "If I have to do I mind throwing this knive away or losing it" and if you don't mind you won't have a drama at all. The possibility of confiscation / problem is remote, but it must be kept in mind. I take a multi tool whenever I travel (to USA and Asia so far as well as throughout AUS) and never had a problem with that or my torches.

Even though that Leatherman is a knife, it is a multi tool and as long as you have a reasonable excuse for carrying it you'll be fine. I'd suggest opening it with both hands all the times to be sure to avoid any interest :luck: