Has anyone had experiences with checking in their expensive knives on flights?

THEJimmyN

THEJimmyN

Joined
May 1, 2015
Messages
283
Hey everybody,

I was planning to take a short trip and would love to bring at least two Sebbies along. My airlines will allow knives if they're checked in however, I'm iffy about leaving my babies unattended. Surely I know more expensive things go through luggage check in, but a folder is so small and easy to snatch. Was thinking I should just check in my rat 2 or tenacious.

Has anyone had experiences with checking in their knives? Do you know anybody who has had? What did you hear about their experiences? And finally would you be willing to risk it?

Thanks,
 
I've never flown with expensive knives, but have flown with guns. I've always put the guns in locked plastic gun cases and never had an issue. I put my knives in with my guns. I'd suggest putting the knives in locked plastic cases just like it was a gun.
 
Knives with guns is the safest method. The handlers know if a bag gets lost or cracked open there is little chance of being caught but if a gun case vanished the whole place is turned upside down till it's found.
 
I have traveled extensively with both firearms and knives. With a knife by itself, I always place it in my checked shave kit and have never had a problem. If traveling with a firearm I do place the knife with the firearm in a locked and approved metal travel case which is handled by a TSA agent and not the standard airlines check in. Again never an issue. One caution, always check the destination and layover knife laws. Examples would be switchblades and spring assisted are not always legal in the stop overs. Random checks do occur such as NY in which there could be a legal problem.
 
This topic is better suited for the Knife Laws forum, there are lots of intricacies involved, regulations, etc.
I would buy a knife at my destination rather than taking a $400+ knife and risk having it either stolen or confiscated. The latter being more prominent than the former. Nothing beats a Victorinox for travelling, inexpensive, capable, and non threatening.
 
You might spend fifteen minutes Googling the current state of affairs regarding theft by airline employees from checked baggage--it went out of control 2-3 years ago. If you are so inclined, also check out the federal laws regarding individual claimants' rights against airlines.

When you check your Sebenzas remember you have no rights, other than filing a claim form, if they are pilfered in the back room. The Union guys back there know it, too.
 
Hi THEJimmyN,

My experience closely follows JLDunlap and RevDevil. I strongly prefer to leave the CRK's locked in the safe at home, so that they're fine while I'm gone. I pack a cheap knife that is easily replaced, usually a Vic Cadet, into my checked shave kit. Never an issue. In the past, I have lost a Vic Classic to TSA at LaGuardia - that I did not even know was in one of the 50-something pockets on my carry on messenger bag. That's my own fault. Also had a supervisor called over to inspect and approve the P-38 opener on my key ring. SMH about that one.

Have a safe and enjoyable trip.
 
Thanks for all the responses! I ended up bringing a Sage 3 and Rat 2 in my check in. Went well and didn't have to worry about losing it.
The risk would have definitely not been worth it. Thanks again!
 
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