What is the policy?
The following or similar types of bladed products aren't allowed:
- Multi-tool knives, craft knives, Stanley knives and Leathermans
- Razor blades and surgical blades
- Pocket knives, folding knives, Swiss Army knives and clasp knives
- Sharp kitchen knives (as in pair blocks), cake knives, carving knives, pairing knives, oyster knives and electric knives
- Stealth, throwing, ballistic, grivory and rubber knives
- Axes intended to be used as a weapon, such as a double-headed axe, battle axe, throwing axe, spike axe, tomahawk or Viking axe
- Illegal knives such as:
- butterfly knives (also known as 'balisongs') - a blade hidden inside a handle that splits in the middle
- hidden or disguised knives - a blade or sharp point hidden inside what looks like everyday objects such as a buckle, phone, brush or lipstick
- flick knives (also known as 'switchblades' or 'automatic knives') - a blade hidden inside a handle which shoots out when a button is pressed
- gravity knives
- a knife or spike not made from metal (except when used at home, for food or a toy)
- zombie knives - a knife with a cutting edge, a serrated edge and images or words suggesting it is used for violence
- swords, including samurai swords
- sword-sticks - a hollow walking stick or cane containing a blade
- push daggers
The following knives are allowed:
- Dining cutlery sets that include knives used for eating
- Letter openers
- Tools such as chisels, saws and hoof trimming tools
Sellers need to comply with any applicable laws and regulations when selling knives, including verifying the buyer's age, ensuring that packages are clearly labelled and using appropriate delivery methods. For more details, see this guide.
The listing must also follow our international trading policy. For example, the sale of knives on eBay.ie is prohibited with limited exceptions.
Activity on eBay is required to follow this policy, the eBay User Agreement and all applicable laws, as well as respect the rights of third parties. If it doesn’t, eBay may take action consistent with applicable laws and the eBay User Agreement, and may even be legally required to do so. Such actions may include, as an example only: Removing the listing or other content, issuing a warning, restricting activity or account suspension.
Tip
Visit Seller Help - opens in new window or tab to find details of any policy issues with your account or listings, and get the information you need to quickly resolve them.
Why does eBay have this policy?
We take our role in community safety seriously. You can find more information on this Government website - opens in new window or tab.