Anyone can own standard swords and knives, and no license is necessary. This does not necessarily imply that carrying these goods in public is legal. A Chief Commissioner's Approval for Prohibited Weapons licence is required in the state of Victoria. The cost is $140. Knives are essential tools for survival. They have many uses: as weapons, for cutting materials for firelighting or shelter building, for scraping food. However they can also be used to inflict harm, which is why there are laws regarding their possession. Standard swords are long, straight blades with a sharp point and a sharp back edge. They are used for cutting and thrusting. The word "sword" actually means "sharp sword". Standard swords are easy to make from common materials such as steel, wood, or stone. But they can also be made from more exotic materials such as silver or gold. Knife attacks are common in New Zealand violence. Because of this it is important to carry weapons that are safe to use in a knife fight. The best option is usually a pair of locking pliers because they can be used as both a weapon and tool. There are other options available if pliers are unavailable, such as ice picks or screwdrivers. It is important to understand that even if you are not using your weapon as intended, any object that can cut flesh must be considered a weapon.