Checking Knives in Baggage

M

mysticlotus

Joined
Jun 18, 2007
Messages
489
Hello.

I've been a member for several weeks, but this is my first time posting on Bladeforums.

I am planning to travel by air sometime in the next month or so and I was wondering if the TSA confiscate knives if they find them in your checked in baggage (via x-rays or "random searches")? I'm planning to depart from Oakland International Airport... with about ~$1000 worth of my collection.

If this isn't the right subforum for this topic, can the admins move this thread to the correct one?

Thanks in advance.
 
In your checked baggage is kosher. I routinely toss a folder in my luggage when traveling, and even my big ass dive knife without problems. However, there is the risk of theft from your luggage. There is an old travelers rule of thumb, if you can't afford to lose it, don't pack it in your checked luggage. If I was going to travel with anything of value, I would ship it ahead of time, fully insured, via FedEx or UPS.
 
You can ask to have it checked by hand, and lock it yourself when they are done.

...but this might not be a good idea if you are traveling at a busy time, or show up late.

BTW -- Isn't the idea of airline security kinda screwed up when you have to worry about the employees stealing your valuables?
 
I've flown my small collection all over the place.

I've never had a knife confiscated even though I now have a nice collection of "TSA Inspected" cards.

Folders, Fixed Blades, Bali's .... No Problem. TSA doesn't care.



If you're worried about them getting stolen, send them to yourself at your new address, insured mail, for $1000.
 
I have flown all over the country with various knives and tools in my checked luggage. Never had a problem and also have a nice collection of inspection notifications.

Once checked a soft-side tool case filled with wrenches and whatnot that wreaked of diesel. Felt for the poor bugger that got stuck inspecting that one!
 
Thanks, you guys. All of your experiences are really insightful. And yes, Argyll, I've befriended the TSA site for who know's how long. Thanks again! I'll see what I can do...
 
I always carry a folder in my checked luggage and never had a problem. I have only received one bi-lingual TSA inspection card (Corpus Christi, TX airport) and have never had any problems with theft. I keep the knife inside a battered old pair of running shoes deep inside the luggage.
 
To avoid theft, one sugestion I have heard is to just check the blade in the luggage, and carry-on the frame. The idea being that the blade alone does not offer much attraction for theft, and the frame alone is not a weapon.
 
I posted this in another thread a while ago... So far this has worked for me, but I do like the idea of separating the frame from the blade and may try this the next time also.
I did find a TSA "Inspected" card in my bag returning home from BLADE East this year, but nothing missing. :):thumbup:

Jaxx said:
Safe Skies & Master Locks are two companies who make TSA approved luggage locks... Combination locks that only TSA inspectors are able to open with a key should they need to visually inspect your checked luggage. This allows you to lock your luggage again to keep baggage handlers and others out. Also, since you are permitted to transport knives in your checked luggage. and if it DOES disappear in spite of these TSA approved locks, you now know that the fault lies with TSA, and you should file your complaint & request for investigation accordingly. When I fly, I place the knives in a small lockable pouch with one of these TSA locks on it inside my locked bag with a tag that contains my name, addy, & cell #, and a note that reads All knives contained within are legal to posses in the USA and have been thoroughly photographed & documented before packing.". The name tag (on the knife pouch inside the bag... I don't want to 'advertise' to any other travellers or baggage handlers that there are knives within!) is a bright red Kniferights.org tag I got at BLADE last year (2007). So far, no problems. :) On my last trip, I packed a Hinderer XM-18, a Busse Active Duty, a Krein TK1, and a SAK of the thicker variety... All made it there and back home.

EDIT: Sorry, I was mistaken... the red tag was from American Knife & Tool Institute (AKTI)... They were passing them out for free at the convention.
Click to expand...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top