Buying blades while traveling

F

freddeh

Joined
Feb 20, 2006
Messages
6
So my little brother is taking a trip to Indonesia and he asked me if I wanted a souvenir. Of course I'm thinking Goloks, Parangs, etc. The problem is, I really don't want to cause my brother any legal problems or airport hangups while he's over there. Does anybody have any experience with buying blades (especially big blades) and getting them back home safely and without hassle? Is this something he can just put in his checked baggage or should he ship it? Might he get hassled just bringing it from where he buys it to where he is staying?

Also, does anyone have any advice on buying traditionally made blades in the Lampung region of Indonesia?
 
never been to indonesia and i dont live in the us, but when i travel i allways get a blade, some times more then one, including swords. never had a problam. as long as you put it in the checked baggage it should be fine.
there are two things to worry about:

1. if he buys something that looks old, the customs in indonesia might think it is some archeological product, and might couse problems.

2. my expirience tell me, that unless your brother knows knife, he will most likly get some tourist blade.

shipping can be a good idea if he buys and ship things for himself, if not it is usually very expensive.
 
I've never been outside the US, but when i fly from state to state i often buy knives. I always just but them in my checked baggage. No problems
 
Thanks for the responses so far, it seems that checked luggage should work ok. sab13 you bring up a good point, do you have any tips for avoiding cheap tourist blades?
 
freddeh said:
do you have any tips for avoiding cheap tourist blades?
Click to expand...

you can:
1. send him to the local marketplace

2.find a place to buy a knife on the internet and send him there

3.(my favorite) ask him to buy is from a local guy that actually use/carry the knife.
 
I brought back 6 knives this past summer from Spain, two of which were pretty large. I have also gotten knives back from Australia and Nicaragua without any issues at all. Checked baggage is absolutely fine. The only thing you need to worry about is that a luggage handler will like it and decide to keep it. I bury mine underneath clothes to prevent this from happenning. I wouldn't recommend shipping as it will be very expensive and certain countries (not sure about Indonesia) will not ship knives internationally. As far as buyig "non-touristy" knives, ( a problem I encountered in Spain) I'd go to a shop or a local maker if there are any.
 
ok ^^^ but know what the customs process looks like [from someone who can give you the right answers] There was a problem getting some short swords through Ninoy Aquino Int. airport in the Philippines, the problem revolved around the quantity [10]

duty was set at $100 per sword. the guy ended up abandoning the swords! :(
 
i've always posted souveniers and gifts for people home while i'm travelling.

saves weight i need to lug around and potential hassles.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top