David, a khukuri or Swiss Army knife or any legal knife, though definite no-no's in carry-on baggage ought to be accepted in checked baggage (but Philippine Customs rules, which I know nothing about, might have something to say about importing weapons - a separate issue). But I know that on a recent international trip, America West at Phoenix airport wanted me to send my checked bag unlocked, because I'd hit the CAPS(?) jackpot that trip. There wasn't anything dubious inside, they just insisted that it go unlocked, international trip or no international trip, whether there was anything inside worth stealing or not, and it would have gone unlocked all the way to my final destination.
Spence, in your place I'd be tempted to ask whether I could check the coffee.
Spence, in your place I'd be tempted to ask whether I could check the coffee.