Checking in knives

I've had a few knives taken from from the airport years ago, it was so much of a hassel filing a claim it isn't even worth it.
 
stitchawl said:
I fly often, and have found very easy ways to deal with the problems.
For security of small items inside the suitcase I use a product called "PacSafe" http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&_action=detail&id=18 It's a small secure bag lined with wire mesh so it can't be cut, and locks with a wire drawstring. I can wrap the drawstring around the hanger support inside my suitcase so the bag can't be removed. All my small valuables go inside this stash. (I have a larger one that I use when I bring a camera or such with me.) I use these bags for storage of my passport, extra cash, etc., kept inside my locked suitcase which is usually locked to a water pipe (without being overly noticeable) in the room when I've checked into the room or have the locked bag put inside the hotel's lockbox if possible. In the past 20 years flying all over SE Asia in some pretty seedy locales, I've never had a thing stolen. All of this wouldn't stop a dedicated thief but it will stop a baggage handler, room porter, or cleaning maid from dipping into your goodies.

As for removing zip ties (or even the stronger heat-sealed tapes that some Airlines secure bags with) I always carry a small 1" chunk of flint and a mini striker in my pocket. Once, and only once, during a pat-down, a guard asked me about it. I showed him how it made a spark, he shrugged his shoulders, and passed me through. The flint is more than sharp enough to cut through zip ties, plastic package wraps, just about anything I've ever needed it for before I could get my EDC out of the suitcase.

Stitchawl
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Thanks for the link. I forgot about those and may have to purchase one. I fly at least once a year to the US or Caribbean on vacation and have never had an issue with stolen items in my luggage. I always pack a few folders (Spyderco, SAK, Leatherman) in my checked luggage.
My cameras stay in my carry-on and I leave my expensive jewelry at home. I used to wear gold (chain, bracelet, etc) but about two years ago switched to Stainless steel and titanium jewelry except for my wedding ring.
I've also learned to pack lighter, quick drying materials, bio degradable "camp" soap, rubber clothes line, etc so I can carry less clothing and wash, hang to dry and be ready for the next day.
 
Josh K said:
Check your baggage and lock it. If they want to open it up and examine it say you want to be present.
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They have no obligation to allow you to be present.

lk3331 said:
most stories of knives or other valuables being stolen were in third world countries, with mostly poor emploees
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This is not true.

What I have learned to do is either buy my knives when I reach my destination, mail them to myself ahead of time, or ensure that the scum at TSA are aware of the fact that I am fully intent on pursuing any dissappearance of my personal items. (I photograph all my important stuff, place the picture in the bag with a note explaining that I expect all my stuff to arrive with me, and a business card from a fed attorney friend of the family. I also make sure I have the receipts ready to access if needed and keep a copy of the pic and letter on my person. My buddy does this and actually contacted airport police shortly after landing on a domestic flight b/c some stuff came up missing. It was back in his hand with an apology in a few hours.) Oh, and I make sure to conspicuously and permanently engrave my knives and such.
 
i flew through 3 different sets of customs all in one flight. i went from Canada to the US and then from the US to Australia. didn't get any of my knives stolen nor was my pack searched. My ruck sack was in an airline tote with a TSA lock on it and was not opened.

I had brought a mora clipper with a firesteel in a OST kydex sheath. A leatherman surge and a victorinox one hand trekker. i simply rolled the knives up in a couple t-shirts and stored them inside my pot. didn't have any trouble at all about the knives nor were they stolen.

i also had a pop can stove in there which didnt draw any attention.

i guess i was one of the lucky ones. i make it a rule that if its something i can't carry onto the airplane with me (like my gps and survival kit minus knife) i will leave it at home or take a cheap replacement.

my next trip is probably going to see a similar load out, a mora, swiss army knife, and a multitool.
 
Let's face it. You are probably asking for a search if you lock up your bag. And the bigger the lock, the more obliged they will feel that they need to search your kit. Who hasn't flown since 9/11? Who doesn't know what they need to do at this point? When you put a monster lock on your bag, aren't you kind of telling the inspectors you don't want anyone in your gear? They might look at it as making your bag a required search since they would figure you knew better and were taking a chance you wouldn't get caught.

I completely applaud those that feel their civil rights are violated by the airlines and choose to driver rather than fly. That's their right, and a great way to handle it. Perfect, really.

But to try to work around the system, try to defeat the system with oversized locks, and worse, to whine because you don't get away with doing things your way is silly. Just follow the rules and for the most part, you won't have any problems.

But the more important issue is to accept the reality of airline travel. And that is: don't put anything in your baggage you can't afford to lose.

It may be sad, and it may be ugly, but that's all you need to remember.

Robert
 
There is one right that we do have, and that is to have our bags inspected in our presence. However, we do need to make prior arrangements for this, and get to the airport a few hours earlier than the usual 2.5 that international flights seem to need. After inspection you can put on any sort of lock you'd like, but remember... if you put on a really big one signifying valuables, the entire suitcase is just as likely to go missing! This sort of inspection is only effective if your bags are checked though to your destination.

Stitchawl
 
One can always dissasemble foldling knife for the time of travel. Put the blade in checked-in luggage and the handle in your suitcase. Repeat the aforementioned in the opposite direction after arrival to your destination. It will minimize the chance of theft.
 
I have never had problems, and regularly fly twice a year to see family. I use a good quality sturdy suitcase with a good lock. I carry one fixed blade and two folders. I keep the Spyderco police in a pocket near the top, so that I can easily reach in to retrive it at the baggage pickup, before I hop on the hour long taxi ride.
 
I've traveled in Europe and all over the US and have been fortunate to not have anything missing, yet. I do stuff knives inside socks and then inside a shaving kit or shoe and make sure you really have to rummage the get to them. I also use TSA locks.

I like the stained skivvies in a zip lock bag idea someone posted. That has gotta make a baggage handler think twice. :D
 
Glock26 said:
Are not the rules same as transporting a firearm? Put it in a TSA approved lock container?
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There are no TSA rules prohibiting knives in checked baggage. You can bring 100's of them as long as they are not carried into the cabin. The problems arise with baggage handlers or TSA agents with sticky fingers who want toys for themselves. Unfortunately, these sort of people are found all over the world...

Stitchawl
 
On a trip a couple of years ago, I locked my luggage. They took me aside and asked me to take the lock off. Of course, I did, and they whisked through the inspection.

So I asked the lady, "what would have happened if I wasn't here to take it off?".

She told me that they would set my bag aside until the bolt cutters got there. If they couldn't get through the lock, the would have X-rayed it for contraband, and put it in a special locker whether any was found or not. It would not have gone on my flight, or any other flight. They would wait for me to come claim it later.

If they cut the lock and were inside the bag, they leave a tag taped to the bag that says they were there. They will then TRY to get it on the proper flight, but they won't guarantee anything.

Once again, the lesson was clear. Don't pack anything you can't afford to lose.

Robert
 
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