Knives in the People's Republic of China?

Howard Wallace

Howard Wallace

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This July I’ll be going to the PRC for 3 weeks. I’ll be spending most of my time in Beijing and Kunming, and perhaps some time in outlying areas.

Do any of you have knowledge or experience concerning carrying knives in China? Are there legal restrictions I need to be aware of? Are there any cultural idiosyncrasies I should know about? If I take over something expensive like a Sebenza do I have to worry about getting it through US customs when I come back?

Also, any special purveyors of cutlery in the areas I will be visiting? Any special knives I should be keeping an eye out for?

Thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Airport security there is insanely strict. If you take any knives keep it in your luggage.

The Chinese are used to carrying non-locking folding knives for peeling apples. Many adults have them. If you carry a gents knife you should be okay. They are not used to "scary" looking knives and if someone sees a "tactical knife" they're likely to freak out. Do not carry any fixed blade knives.

I believe there are some ethnic minority bladesmiths in the Kunming area. They make all sorts of traditional knives and swords. I've never figured out how to transport them without getting caught breaking a bunch of laws.
 
Oh come on, the chinese use these huge cleavers for veggies and meats, what's a little tactical folder gonna do?
 
I see swiss army knives and many smaller then 4 inch folders. I also see a lot of fixed paring style knives up to 5 inches.
The reality is that many people carry a folder or small fixed blade on their body or bag. This is becuase of the many transit people who are traveling through or are ' illegals' without working papers for the city. Depending of the neighborhood there is an increase in carry.
I would not recommend any fancy or expensive carry. I would suggest a cheap functional blade or sak under 3.5 inches.
You can pickup a blade there for less then $10.00. Switch blades are also available for $5.00 and above depending on where and who you buy from. Understand that as a foreign person they will charge you top dollar but you can cut it down by 30% or more generally.
Real saks are expensive and cost 20% more then retail.
They make welcome gifts.
The law states dangerous weapons are forbiden and not allowed. Do not carry on body or carry luggage on the plane or customs. They will check with detectors , body search and x ray if needed.
As a foreigner you will get away with a lot. They want tourists and a will forgive them for many faults. Be nice , do not smile much, speak normal and do not flash and you will be ok. The use of leathermans , saks, small folders and fixed blades are common but not flashy or dangerous looking knives. The truth is the police or military may like it and take it. The law is not really enforced unless there is a confict or complaint.
You can buy anything and have it packed for shipping back to the US. You can travel with it as longs you have it packed . I have not had any problems buying anything and getting it back. :)
 
I went to Bejing and Shanghai in '02. I carried my Victorinox Climber in my checked bag and never had a problem. I suggest carrying a flashlight. The Mini-mag light was used a lot more than the knife.
 
I would only travel with a knife that I wouldn't mind losing to theft, customs, confiscation, etc. With a replacement cost of $25, a SAK would be perfect.
 
I carried a bm 705 in China when I was there a little over a year a go. I kept it in my shaving kit when we flew in a checked bag. I did not carry it clipped.
 
I was in China last December. I got POS switchblade to use and throw out before I left. I trusted the lock on it more than I trusted a POS linerlock.

You can buy knives at road shops in the cities. The police don't really care what American visitors do with regard to knives.
 
I am going to Beijing for a family vacation in about two weeks. I trying to bring back an heirloom sword, so that's going to be interesting. I am probabaly going to ship it back. But I will definitely check out some cool knives and post em.
 
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