Bring a small folder into Canada?

[MikeMargolis]

will I get any grief for bringing a small folder (sharpened edge about 6cm) into Our Home And Native Land?
William Henry T-10 Lancet

 

[Rumble]

You might find some more answers if you posted this in the Canadian Connection forum. Plenty of friendly Canadians to answer this.

For the time being, I can offer my own impression and experience.

If you plan on flying into the country, put it in your check in luggage.

If you plan on driving into the country, don't carry it on you or it might be considered concealed. That's a no no.

If you plan on shipping it in, then make sure it's not "flickable". If it "flicks" open, then it might be considered a prohibited weapon. Yes, I know, it's silly.

As far as I understand the "rules", no limit on size. Your folder in question is perfectly legal. It's just the context in which it used and carried that would be questioned.

If anyone sees any discrepancies to what I have written then please post a correction. I'm not a lawyer.

Burton

 

[switched]

I am a lawyer, but not Canadian.

All of Rumble's suggestions are very sensible and in the general sense, about cover it. The only bit which surprised me was the no size limit remark, as I have looked at a reasonable number of statutes regarding prohibition/control of knives now (US, Australia and UK) and, while not expressed in identical terms of course, a significant majority of them do have a limit of some kind. The good news however is that this is often somewhere between 8-10 cm (blade length).

As I'm sure you know, there are Federal laws and State (what you call Provinces) laws. If Canada is anything like Australia (and the US), it will be the latter you would want to look at (bearing in mind your point of entry), to see where you will stand. I would be very surprised if this can't be achieved Online.

 

[calyth]

The Criminal code does not specify any blade length, and I've been told by cops themselves that as long as I clip it to the pocket, and don't be stupid or like a punk, I'm fine with mine.
Don't bring any automatics or balisongs, that's asking for trouble. If you like your blades loose, tighten it and oil it instead. If you happen to meet trouble head on and some knife-hating cop flicks open your knife with little effort, it's gone for sure and you might get yourself in even bigger trouble.

 

[Thom Lambert]

....I have talked to several OPP officers about legal limits on knives. They all say that length is no issue, but that "flicking open" is. I imagine that if you don't flick your knife open around uniformed police officers you will be just fine.

I carry a Spyderco Resuce across the border all the time, and have never even been asked about it.

Thom

 

[numberthree]

Bring pretty much anything, Canada is actually fairly relaxed about knives. I've been across the border many times with many knives, and had no problems. The only time I ever had a problem is with a push dagger that I had forgotten about in a survival kit, and that was confiscated, but no other hassle resulted.

 

[Blue Jays]

Good Evening All-

Not a lawyer, nor do I play one on TV, but...

When driving into Canada, use common sense:

• Have valid driver license and passport...even though not required
• Observe all traffic rules
• Clean car, no tinted windows, no rubbish
• Luggage stored neatly in trunk
• Answer questions concisely and accurately
• Maintain good hygiene and dress neatly while traveling
• Unclip your dang knife and stick it IN your pocket!
• Enjoy your trip Up North

Law Enforcement / Customs are reasonable people. Show yourself to be a likewise reasonable, intelligent, and friendly visitor and you shouldn't encounter any problems. My family has crossed the border to visit family on many occasions with all sorts of one-handed or automatic folders and have never experienced a problem in the course of many years of traveling.

YMMV,

~ Blue Jays ~