...I got it because I occassionally had to work with ropes - sometimes we'd tie the trikes down onto an "S" truck (wooden sided, open topped freight wagon) and send them from one part of the state to another to start another run (ye Gods, I think they should stick me in the railway museum!). I went into the local "cop shop" and asked the police sergeant if I had a problem. He said that if I could show that I needed it for work I'd be ok and that the only question would be the marlin spike. In the end I decided that, whilst it was a great work knife, I just couldn't honestly justify carrying it as part of my everyday gear when I work in an office now. I now carry a small pen knife/nail clippers although I had a Swiss Card for a while - good idea but the plastic was too flimsy, might try one of the steel ones.
A good summary of what is legal over here is the Aussie Customs website which lists what you can import into the country. Some are obvious, where their only purpose is combat, but others are frankly ludiocrous - Paintball markers? Toy firearms? Laser pointers? If you are travelling be aware that airport searches are stringent and I have to even make sure my penknife is in my hold luggage. My late eighties mother-in-law, a great traveller, had her crochet hook taken off her when she was flying up to see us last time! I kid thee not!
I know that knife laws are a hot topic over there but Australia doesn't have the same traditions of freedom to bear arms as you do so we are more likely to see the trade-off between personal liberty and security.
Hope that helps.
Igor
