Balisongs on overseas deployments?

[kaosu04]

I haven't really been able to find a straight forward answer on this one locally, so I'm hoping someone here may have been in the situation before. My unit's going to Afghanistan in January, and I would like to bring my knife collection. This would exclude two khukris, but I would like to bring my balisongs and recon tanto. I'm thinking all will be ok except for the balisongs. Has anyone ever had any specific guidance on bringing knives on a military deployment?

 

[victory]

you mean to tell me theres a question whether or not the military, an entity who gives you a machine gun, and various explosive devices to kill people with, will let you possess a balisong?

Too dangerous? Cruise missiles and stealth bombers are one thing, but they have to draw the line somewhere?

 

[knifestuff]

US CENTCOM's General Order # 1 prohibits privately-owned weapons. So, if it looks like a weapon, it's prohibited (rule of thumb used by deploying commanders). If it just looks like an EDC knife or a tool, it's not an issue. I deployed multiple times and never had a problem, using those guidelines. I would leave the balisong at home--too nice and some in the chain of command might not understand. Get a good inexpensive liner-lock or lock back that you don't have to worry about losing or fret about keeping up with.