Knives and air travel

swimmerdude1127

swimmerdude1127

Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
1,925
Hello all,
I am going back home by air tomorrow, and would really like to take my blades back with me to be stored. It's all CONUS so I don't have to worry about international stuff....

My question to you all is... what methods do you use to ensure that they're safe, and if you really don't have any means available to do so, would you still bring them?

I have heard horror stories (a.k.a. Ken Onion) about how stuff in checked baggage can get stolen.

I have other options available so I don't HAVE to take them with me... but I would like to.

Any and all input would be appreciated! Thanks! :thumbup::thumbup:
 
Tape them to your legs and stomach. You should be fine. Ive heard INFI doesnt go off when going through the metal detector. And as long as you dont get frisked you are good to go.












Or just ship them USPS and they will get there before you.
 
Just last week before heading to the airport something told me I should double check my computer backpack. Way down in the corner was my Benchmade 9700 auto. I hate to think about the scene it could have caused.
 
Either ship it, or have a lockable case that you walk through the TSE security check. After they inspect it, lock it and put plastic zip ties through the hole so you can tell if the case has been opened. Not too much of a hassle.

I fly a couple of times a month and have found this to be the best way. I also always have a firearm that I'm checking, and the knives go in with it. Even the lowest paid baggage handler doesn't want to screw up ang get a charge for tampering with a firearm.

I did have one knife stolen that was in a regular peice of luggage, not locked. It was about the same time as Ken Onion's big loss. The airline was suprisingly cool, and didn't balk at the price, just wanted a receipt or a comp advertisement.

I also have an insurance rider on all my guns and high dollar knives, doesn't cost much for the peace of mind.
 
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I do the same, firearm and locked container.

For a firearm, I bring my Glock 26 frame. It's tiny and light weight.

The zip ties are a good idea, I'm going to use that one.
 
ceiw said:
Ship them...don't try to take them in your checked luggage.
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+1,000,000

Ship them home, you won't be sorry spending a few bucks to insure their safety vs. the loss of hundreds or thousands of dollars of knives.:eek:
 
Another vote for cable ties, its all I use (no locks), I keep a 100 pack in the front pocket of my suitcase/duffle and an old knife or side-cutters there to open it whenever I get to where I am going. I personally think locks tell thieves there is something valuable in your suitcase. I travel internationally 10-12 times a year and I've never had a knife stolen (knock on wood) and my suitcase is always full of knives! :)
 
I posted this a while back in the Chris Reeves forum on another thread asking this question...

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 nametag (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. 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... They were passing them out for free at the convention.
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