Buying a Knife Online In Australia.

[John Sheridan]

I am looking at getting a nice nice for my camping Purposes and have pretty much decided on the knife a Buck Bones Tiger Stripe folding knife or what they call a BUCK knife, I was just wondering if there would be any problem buying online In Australia I am in NSW, I don't want to plonk down my money just to have it not be sent and have to have a store credit or something.

This is the shop I want to buy it from, I think they are in Brisbane, if you have bought from them, let me know how it went.

http://www.cuttingedgeknives.com.au/sea ... es&x=0&y=0

Thanks for any Information.

[Macca81]

I have bought knives and swords, from sellers both here and overseas. So far, each one has made it to me with no problems.

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[JohnM]

Best idea would be to ask the store? I'm sure they'll tell you about their shipping policy.

[John Sheridan]

Yeah already emailed them asking about it, waiting for an answer, though sometimes it never comes, they have a phone number though

Thanks.

[photohiker]

Seems they are a small one man seller based in Australia.

Best way of getting feedback is to google their web address and scan for other forum posts about them. At a quick perusal, it looks like they might be a bit slow to ship and communicate, but otherwise, just fine...

Lets know how you get along!

[Wingnut]

I purchased my Puukko Knife from eBay and had no problems at all...



Forgot to mention it came all the way from Finland too.

[Redtail]

Australian Customs will stop the import of many folding knives as they have a very broad definition of what they term a "flick" knife, even though that may not be the correct description. That applies even if you've seen the exact same model in your local camping shop.

Fixed blades may only be a problem if it's deemed to be a dagger. i.e. double-sided. I've personally imported a 13" bowie, and small puukos - never been a problem. Folders get inspected every time.
I know of cases where knives with a swedge (the false edge on the top of the blade) have also been confiscated as AC thinks that it can be sharpened, and hence made into a double-edged dagger.

Just to make it more interesting, different states have different laws. e.g. swords in Victoria, assisted openers, reasons for carrying ...
If there's something a bit special you'd like to own, you can get the necessary permits from your local police, and lodge all the paperwork before you buy, to make sure it makes it through customs.

Your best bet is to buy from a recognised importer, such as Cutting Edge Knives or Urban Conquest / Urban Bunker (both of whom I can vouch for - no association). They have a better relationship with customs and generally won't import anything that's unlikely to pass in the first place.

For more info, suppliers and discussion, head on over to Australian Blade Forums http://www.australianbladeforums.com.

Last edited by Redtail on Mon 07 Nov, 2011 6:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Earthling]

Ive bought and sold many knives overseas and here in Aus.
Internally you will have no problems sending a knife...unless it protrudes from the package....ouch. If its in an sheath that will not happen though.
Australia Post is fine with posting knives as long as they are secure. A website selling knives will be aware of this.
Buy it if you want it, postage will be fine.

[Strider]

First Post!

It is very unlikely that you would have any issues buying domestically from within Australia. However, when buying folders from overseas, Customs have recently began to crack down on the so-called "gravity blade". That is, a blade that can be opened from the handle by either flicking the wrist or holding the blade and dropping the handle.

One word of advice - IMO that particular knife wouldn't be very useful at all in a camping scenario. You would be better off with a good quality fixed blade, or at least a high quality folder with a straight edge blade (combo blades are capable of everything but excel at nothing). Also, keep in mind tactical looking blades are more likely to raise eyebrows if questioned by an officer of the law, or simply if produced in a harmless, but public, setting.

Personally I use a 5" fixed blade (Brusletto Bamsen) for camping chores, though if you're after a good quality small folder, I carry a Sanrenmu 710 daily and cannot recommend it highly enough. Attractive, non-threatening, high quality construction and steel that sharpens well and holds a good edge, these knives can be had on Ebay for as little as $7.00 (yes - you read correctly!). Being produced in the same Chinese factory as the budget lines from Buck, Spyderco, Benchmade, etc, the construction is right up there with the best American folders. Read the online reviews and you'll soon see they have a massive cult following.

[Redtail]

Welcome Strider (curious name, given the topic!) I've got less than a handful of posts here myself.

That looks like a Sebenza knock-off, at about 1-2% of the price. From what I've read, even getting that through customs would be an issue if the pivot was loose and it could be flicked open. Something the recipient could adjust themselves, if they so desired.

The steel is close to AUS-8, which isn't bad. Prone to a little rust, if not cared for, but at that price (less than a pint!), the knife is almost disposable.

I agree with you about fixed blades and plain edges. There's no real use for a serrated blade. Rope cutting is a myth, and easier with a plain edge. And serrated blades are oh so tedious to keep sharp, especially in the field.

[Strider]

Welcome Strider (curious name, given the topic!) I've got less than a handful of posts here myself.

That looks like a Sebenza knock-off, at about 1-2% of the price. From what I've read, even getting that through customs would be an issue if the pivot was loose and it could be flicked open. Something the recipient could adjust themselves, if they so desired.

The steel is close to AUS-8, which isn't bad. Prone to a little rust, if not cared for, but at that price (less than a pint!), the knife is almost disposable.

I agree with you about fixed blades and plain edges. There's no real use for a serrated blade. Rope cutting is a myth, and easier with a plain edge. And serrated blades are oh so tedious to keep sharp, especially in the field.

The 710 is in fact commonly referred to as the "poor mans Sebenza".

The build quality of these things is mighty impressive. All screws are prepped with loctite prior to assembly, the blade comes razor sharp out of the box, zero blade play and well centered between the handles, and the perfect size for daily carry in the change pocket of my jeans. Yes, it can be flicked open one handed, and while this might be an issue with Customs, for a knife of this quality at only $7 it is well worth the risk.

And I have to disagree about rope cutting - this is truly where serrated blades excel. Especially when the rope you're cutting is up to 56mm!

[Redtail]

The 710 is in fact commonly referred to as the "poor mans Sebenza".

If only had a spare $600 ... I'd buy the genuine article!

The build quality of these things is mighty impressive. All screws are prepped with loctite prior to assembly, the blade comes razor sharp out of the box, zero blade play and well centered between the handles, and the perfect size for daily carry in the change pocket of my jeans.

So I'm reading elsewhere. As you've mentioned, SRM manufacture for some well known brands.

Yes, it can be flicked open one handed, and while this might be an issue with Customs, for a knife of this quality at only $7 it is well worth the risk.

I don't mind losing the $7, but it's the little black mark that goes on the record for attempting to import a "prohibited weapon" that would be the bigger issue. Everything that I were to bring in would then be flagged for inspection.
Checking on ABF, others have reported issues most recently with having these confiscated, and the nasty letter from ACS that follows. I'd be inclined to pay a little more and buy through a local dealer.

And I have to disagree about rope cutting - this is truly where serrated blades excel. Especially when the rope you're cutting is up to 56mm!

Fair enough. But the serrated / plain debate has been raging for years.

[corvus]

I am enjoying this thread and like some I own a few knives but tend to scratch my head as to why some of the examples have been mentioned on this a bushwalking forum and to what purpose are they employed ?
I have to admit to taking a Leatherman Juice KF4 153g on most of my walks (not for the knife blades) more for the other "tools" however the knife I carry and use each and every day is a wee 21g Victorinox Swiss Army Classic , blade ,file /screwdriver,scissors,tweezers and toothpick,what more do you need ?
I could carve eating implements (albeit slowly ) ,trim guylines,gut and joint creatures,pare kindling ,trim your hair and excise splinters if needs be with this,what can you do with a single blade ?
Not intended to criticize just an observation.
corvus

[Macca81]

Im with Corvus on this, i take a leatherman, and i rarely use the knife function. I am looking to change the model to a lighter one for walking, and it will have a blade, however that will be one of the least used parts. I used to carry a fixed blade knife, and it would be used once every 4 or 5 trips. My leather man gets used every trip. Why have just one blade when all it can do it cut...?

[John Sheridan]

What do you use the leather man for I mean the tools on it if you don't use the blade what do you use ????


Cheers.

[corvus]

What do you use the leather man for I mean the tools on it if you don't use the blade what do you use ????


Cheers.

Knew someone would ask this will sleep on it and reply later
corvus

[Strider]

Personally I have no need for a screwdriver/corkscrew/file when outdoors.

A good blade is just so multipurpose, I.e:

Food preparation
Trimming and cutting
Wood carving/shaving
Cleaning fingernails
Removing splinters

I find it difficult to not to carry a knife as they are just so damn handy.

Agree the Vic Classic is a great companion!

[Hendo]

Hi John,
I've bought two knives from Cutting Edge Knives over the last two years; both purchases were hassle free. From memory their prices are pretty good as well

[Macca81]

Pliers make it easy to handle multiple pots at once, or even leaving the spondonicles at home. Pliers also assist with tent/pack/stove repairs and maintenance, driver bits assist with the stove. Scissors means I don't have to carry any in the first aid kit and again help with gear repair. Built in ruler makes measuring abalone easy also.
Food prep occurs at home 99% of the time for me, so no need for a knife for that. Last time i used one whilst walking was... Actually I honestly don't recall... Standing camp i made a spoon to show the Scouts i could, but I don't remember using the blade on a walk in the past 18 months...

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[Redtail]

I am enjoying this thread and like some I own a few knives but tend to scratch my head as to why some of the examples have been mentioned on this a bushwalking forum and to what purpose are they employed ?

Good point. And getting off topic, as a result. Including me.

Bottom line is, buy whatever you think suits you and what you're doing with it.
Be aware that folders can cause hassles with Customs, especially if it's the type that can be flicked open even if it's not designed that way.
In which case, buy locally and let the importer/dealer handle the importation issues.

And then, be careful where you carry it. I believe Victoria has some pretty strict rules and some draconian stop and search laws? The case comes to mind of the young girl on her way home from her hardware shop job and she got found carrying a box cutter in her bag. Serious penalties ensued. But my experience in the west is that it's no so tight. But ... this is a whole new topic in itself ...

[Nuts]

Ive used the pliers on stoves, screwdrivers on bits and pieces and scissors and tweezers for first aidy things, not often though.

I like my boker rhino, nice thick blade but good for chopping vegies I have in mind that (need be) i can chop down a tree, lash onto a branch to make a spear, fight off wild animals & criminals.. all those everyday things

Have a few knifes sourced from OS, no drama so far.


If carrying a fixed blade these little things do the rest:

Picture 3.png (101.26 KiB) Viewed 19655 times

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 0790396969

[johnw]

...make a spear, fight off wild animals & criminals..

Clients and tourists on the OLT getting unruly again Nuts?

[photohiker]

I am enjoying this thread and like some I own a few knives but tend to scratch my head as to why some of the examples have been mentioned on this a bushwalking forum and to what purpose are they employed ?

+1

I carry a tiny swiss army knife buried in my kit (not on my person), and to be honest, the most used implement from its meagre selection is the scissors. Over on US forums it seems that a lot of hikers carry knives on their shoulder harness or around their necks. As someone who used to own a copper backed Bowie Knife, I can understand the fascination but I'm left wondering about the practicalities...

[Macca81]

Yes the US guys seem to do it as a statement... I love knives and swords, i have a large collection (and still growing) of each. However, when walking, i just dont see how carrying a 10inch blade around my neck has ANY practical benefit AT ALL!



Oh, i suppose that it may help with weight distribution... It would be heavy enough...

[corvus]

Ive used the pliers on stoves, screwdrivers on bits and pieces and scissors and tweezers for first aidy things, not often though.

I like my boker rhino, nice thick blade but good for chopping vegies I have in mind that (need be) i can chop down a tree, lash onto a branch to make a spear, fight off wild animals & criminals.. all those everyday things

Have a few knifes sourced from OS, no drama so far.


If carrying a fixed blade these little things do the rest:

Picture 3.png

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll ... 0790396969

Nice tool but missing a very important item a toothpick,most important for a sexagenarian like me who still has their own teeth
corvus

[John Sheridan]

Ok I guess Ill get a leatherman, but I want a light one and what tools on it would you call essential to have ???



Cheers.

[kymboy]

I've got an old full sized leatherman (pliers, no scissors, not sure which model) and a little Leatherman Micra. The Micra is smaller, lighter and gets used more often. The big one I'll take if I'm going fishing.
If I was to get a newer lightweight skeletool style model, I'd reckon that scissors, pliers and a knife are essential. The remaining bells and whistles are handy occasionally to battle dropbears and impress swedish backpackers
Kym

[Nuts]

Nice tool but missing a very important item a toothpick,most important for a sexagenarian like me who still has their own teeth
corvus

Whittle one

[John Sheridan]

Metal Toothpick on teeth NOT A BIG FAN OF THAT


Rather take some wood ones with me.

Cheers.

[Macca81]

I believe that the SAK toothpicks are plastic

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