David:
I don't know about having to declare the khuk in my checked baggage - it's been awhile since I've read the regs. I figure that if it came down to it, I'd do my best stupid routine while they confiscated the blade. Post-9/11, this might not be the wisest approach, though.
You are supposed to declare any firearms you are checking. I doubt that's changed since the last time I looked (a couple of years back). I do know some folks who used to travel with undeclared firearms (again, pre-9/11, don't know if they still do). For one of them, that meant he had no recourse when his pistol was stolen from his baggage.
I would be very careful about taking weapons overseas (Some folks will disagree, I'm sure.) Do some homework on the country you're traveling to. I think we've all heard the horror stories of folks getting thrown into Mexican prisons for possessing ammunition (not even a firearm). It might be worth picking up a blade in country, rather than trying to bring one in.
I might be spending quite a bit of time in Saskatoon (sp?) later this year (if my corporate masters have their way). In that case, I'll be sure to find out what the Canadian officials have to say about bringing in knives. Given my previous experience with Canuck immigration-types, I'm not too hopeful, though.
S.