Border policies on knives

C

cuphead

Joined
Jan 14, 2008
Messages
988
I was wondering, what kind of policies apply to traveling with knives/machetes. for instance leaving from canada, traveling down to the states for some camping. Would I encounter any problems with blades exceeding 5'' at the border?

Thanks in advance.:D:thumbup:
 
Coming into the US would likely be less of a problem than going into Canada, but I have a feeling that it will be a roll of the dice at the border, although I can't ever remember being asked about weapons when returning to the US (maybe because I'm a US citizen). I would call it a "camp knife" and have it packed with your camping stuff.

Why not bring a hatchet or axe instead, much less likely to lead to problems.
 
OH BOY!! YOU WOULD HAVE TO ASK!!. I don't think their would be any problems coming in but one time when I went to Canada, they searched our car at the border and I had a monster Bowie knife packed in the trunk. The border guy had a fit. He demanded to know why anyone would need a knife that big. They held us up for about an hour while the combed through our records on their computer. After about an hour I got TEE"D off and said, "Is that Damn knife illegal or Not?" He said well, No but, And I said,"Either turn us back or let us go through, I am done screwing with you" He let us pass through but what a deal.

That said, I have been across the Canada border about 28 times to hunt and fish and that was the only time we ever had a Problem. One thing though, if you have any prescription Medicines, be sure they are in the original bottle, they can be fussy about that on both sides. I would call ahead to whatever port of entry that you plan to use and ask a few questions. I know a guy who lost a rifle there and never got it back.
 
Just another question to the folks taking the RAT course in peru, do you guys pick up the machetes there or you travel with them?
I suppose it wouldn't be such a big deal picking up a tram down there and ditching it on my way back
 
cuphead said:
Just another question to the folks taking the RAT course in peru, do you guys pick up the machetes there or you travel with them?
I suppose it wouldn't be such a big deal picking up a tram down there and ditching it on my way back
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I can't say anything for sure, but I bet you'd be a lot less likely to be hassled trying to bring a machete into Peru than into Canada. People down there understand that it is primarily a tool.

If you bought one down there I would bet you wouldn't even have to ditch it when you're done. Alot of my friends have brought back machetes from tropical countries into the US with no problem, maybe pick up one of the embossed leather sheaths and if asked why you brought it back, you could say that you want to hang it on your wall.
 
Crossing into Canada make sure folders are tight , if readily flipped open they have been known to be confiscated as gravity knives . As far as fixed blade stuff is concerned , as long as it's not a push dagger or has a knuckleduster guard you are good to go . A large FB found with other outdoor stuff probably no a problem , found in isolation , questions might be asked .

As far as returning to the states goes , US border types are only too aware that the good contraband is mostly on the US side .

Chris
 
i've packed an axe before in my trunk along with some camping gear. when they were searching my car, the border guard found it, took it out of the trunk and asked me why i would need an axe. i said, "cant you see the camping gear in there? i'm going camping." they also found a mora clipper and some cheapo kitchen knives for food prep at camp and wood work. after about 45 minutes or so they let us through. same crap happened coming back into canada. said the same thing and they let us pass.

my advice is pack it so they find the camping stuff first then the tools. every time i've done this i've never had any hassle or comments. i guess when they first open the trunk and see an axe or knife then they jump to conclusions. when they find camping equipment and then move onto an axe or knife they can make the logical conclusion themselves.

good luck gettin across the border.
 
I remember someone posting about having them completely inaccessible in the trunk and tape the edge. I think I'll follow this advice. Thanks
 
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