Best two knives to take to Europe?

B

Bluehinder

Joined
Jan 31, 1999
Messages
26
Hi,

I'm traveling to Europe in the spring for a month, and want to carry two knives, one primary, one smaller for backup.

Considerations include FAA airport regulations and getting them lost/stolen by pickpockets/hotel/FAA personel, so cost is overall a consideration. Can't be afraid of losing it, but don't want to carry junk.

I'm thinking Delica/Ladybug or WegnerJr/Dragonfly. Non-spydie pieces also considered.

Your thoughts please.

Blue
 
My vote is for the Dragonfly, tough to beat and still adequate size, non-threatening type.
(with Dragon in the name how could you go wrong)

my .02
 
I've been having similar thoughts. My choice is the zytel Cricket. Not expensive, adequate for emergencies, and very non-threatening.

Jack
 
The Delica is one of my favorite knives. You may want to consider the non serrated version if you are flying or just want to be max non threatening

Also consider an AG Russell Lightweight One Hand with the utility blade. Very sharp, useful shape and totally non threatening. Sells for only $30.

Consider a SAK as your second knife. Recognized worldwide. I never travel without my Tinker.

Have a safe trip!

------------------
Dan Harris
danharris@ibm.net
 
I've been through most of the major airports in Europe, Asia/Pacific, and South America carrying an old Zytel handle Dragonfly.

Couple of notes (your mileage may vary):

The size of the Ladybug limits its functionality.

Get a non-serrated blade that's less threatening looking (to some people).

Put a Delica (insert your favorite sub 3 inch folder here) or two in your checked luggage in case the Dragonfly does get confiscated (or you like to carry two knives once you get to your destination).

Stuff some folded paper money in the clip so it acts as an ordinary-looking money clip.

The non-metal Dragonfly has a pretty low signature when it comes to walk-through or wand metal detectors. I've always kept it in front pants or jacket pocket.

England is completely paranoid when it comes to weapons. There has been one Net report of a Dragonfly getting confiscated at an airport (don't know if it was Heathrow or Gatwick, or the exact circumstances that caused the confiscation). The amount of scrutiny you get is determined by your appearance and attitude. I've never had any problems (except a long time ago in New Zealand after flying there via Bogota - but that's another story).

I used to carry a CoPilot on international trips, but believe the Dragonfly has better ergonomics (mostly for defense) and that the plastic handle makes it less conspicuous. (If Sal started making them in colors, I'd probably buy a dozen of them in something other than tactical black.)

You can't go wrong with the small Spydies. Relatively inexpensive (if I lose one, no worries), lightweight and durable, functional, and available all over the world (in case you do need a replacement).

Have fun!

Joel
 
Dragonfly - definitely not serrated. Cleveland airport security sent me back to the ticket counter to check in a serrated Dragonfly. Have not had problems through the same airport with a non serrated.

Gave my wife one of those A.G. Russell fixed blades with the pop-off sheath - the little one with ~1" blade. She had it in her purse while going through Toronto back to USA and it was confiscated.
 
I believe it was "Bagman" who had a knife disappear while traveling. He had to check it in, by itself, and it never made it to his destination. It was a spyderco I think. I believe the problem was the locking blade. So you might want to get a Old Timer or something to carry on the plane. Maybe Bagman will see this thread and confirm what I've put. Hopefully I remembered correctly.
Blades


[This message has been edited by Blades (edited 07 March 1999).]
 
Yes it was me and I am still PI**ED OFF about it. (but I did get a Calyspo Jnr in replacement
smile.gif
)

It was a carbon fibre handles dragonfly and it was taken as it had a locking blade.

The security at Gatwick said that no blade with a locking mechansim is not allowed on obard an aircraft on person or in hand luggage.

I think they make it as they go along as I had not been stopped on several occasionsa before although on a trip to Barcelona I had to check my all black coated fully serrated Spydi Worker into the hold and got it back very cold at the other end.

If you keep stuff in your luggage for the hold you should not have any problem as on the Dragonfly trip I had an AFCK and a Mini Stryker in my luggage.



------------------
Harvey Wareham

Live Long & Prosper, so you can buy more knives :)


 
You all have a lot of good insight as to what knives would be best.

One thing that we are currently experiencing is that many of the countries are continuing to attempt to put more stringent laws in place. Each with their own opinion of what blade length should be legal. So the safest bet is the smaller models. Even this isn't problem free. Recently, I was contacted by a customer who had one of our C22P, PlainEdge Carbon Fiber Michael Walker confiscated. In the end, he was left with the impression that the customs official wanted the knife more than anything.

With the above in mind, Sal has had the insight to focus our new products towards the smaller size.



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I'll be traveling to Europe soon, myself, and was considering the Calypso Jr, or alternatively, a BM Leopard Cub as my carry knife over in France.

Nemo tells me that French law makes carrying ANY knife a problem over there, so I have yet to determine which or what I will ultimately carry.

Of course, I may just have to buy some knives from Fred Perrin while there!
wink.gif


Blues

------------------
Live Free or Die






 
I went to England with a BM Ascent 830 (plain blade) and a Buck Maverick. Ascent in the checked baggage, Maverick in my pocket. Going through Security, I tossed the Maverick in the plastic basket; it never got a second look. When I got over there, I retrieved the Ascent, and carried it as I would have in the states (IWB, only for emergencies). The Maverick was my primary cutting utensil. No worries.

O_D
 
Just keep in mind that carrying ANY knife is illegal in some European countries. One way is to dump anything that has anything "tactical" in its appearance.
 
Just buy when you get there.
Going to Italy in Oct. May just have to open that bag of peanuts by hand on the plane, and buy a knife or 2 when I'm there...I don't know carry laws of Italy, but they seem to do what they think is right, which is most anything they want. Not like here with laws laws laws.


------------------
Mark Camp

"Life is nothin' but a series of fascinations"


 
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