Off on my travels. What knives/ multitools do people like to take?

But the tsa recently changed its rules to allow non locking blades around the size of the sak classic blade ( I can't remember the exact spes allowed, they have to be under 1/2 wide, can't lock, and the sak classic was the exact knife they had in mind when they changed policies )
 
They've looked, studied, called supervisors and pondered - but my LM Style PS has made the flights with me when I have to fly commercial.

A SAK is always a good bet - as is a LM. I find that I use a multi-tool more often travelling than not.

As for folders, checking local laws regarding locking blades is smart but I go for the most functionality and capability I can while maintaining a price point where I can have a few of them and not worry if none of them make it back due to theft, loss or, as you do, gifting. In that regard, the Ontario RATs (1&2) are wonderful. The FFG AUS8 serves my cutting and slicing purposes just fine most of the time.
 
I take the cheaper knives I own in case they get stolen/confiscated its not a big loss. Usually something like a CRKT Drifter, Kershaw Cryo, etc.
 
Last year we traveled by air to Bermuda and I put a SAK Electrician in my checked bag. Bermuda has very strict knife laws--like UK x 2--so you're limited in size as well as locking and opening. I really missed having something clipped to my pocket.
We are currently in Barcelona for ten days and their restrictions are limited to swords, daggers, double-edged, and autos. You're good up to 4.3 inches. I didn't want to bring anything I'd hate to lose to a light-fingered baggage handler/checker, so I brought an Ontario RAT. Feeling much better on this trip with a blade in it's rightful place.
Oh, and I brought the SAK too....
 
I backpacked around Turkey for 2.5 weeks in the mid 90s. Carried a Victorinox Adventurer and it was perfect.



My advice would be: The SAK of your choice, and a small pair of needle nose pliers in your suitcase/backpack. You'd have all the functionality of a Leatherman but don't take the risk of losing a $50-plus multitool. Have fun and let us know how the trip goes. We found Turks to be super friendly people, especially outside of Istanbul and away from the resort areas on the Mediterranean.
 
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I work for an airline so I have the nice benefit of flying for free if there is a seat available.
I'll be going to Georgia next month and will put in my checked luggage probably my Kershaw to carry over there.
If it gets lost, I'm only out $35.
 
Hickory n steel said:
But the tsa recently changed its rules to allow non locking blades around the size of the sak classic blade ( I can't remember the exact spes allowed, they have to be under 1/2 wide, can't lock, and the sak classic was the exact knife they had in mind when they changed policies )
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You're sure about that? Back in 2013, TSA was considering allowing small pen knives to once again be allowed for carry on flights, but airline employees and regular citizens raised a big stink about it, so the idea was scrapped.

Jim
 
If flying, I check the laws at the destination to see what I can carry. I pick the cheapest p.o.s. knife I have that meets those limitations so I won't worry about losing it.

If driving I still check the laws at the destination but this normally has not been a problem. I pick a knife that I think is tougher than average, not knowing what I might encounter. I also usually carry my old Leatherman PST. I've actually been on trips with my cousin in his old schoolbus and had to use my Leatherman to fix the headlight switch so we could drive from out in the middle of nowhere back to town in the dark with headlights.
 
Usually SAK, but I have travelled with a couple of different Leathermans. Only once in a while is it something nicer.
 
James Y said:
You're sure about that? Back in 2013, TSA was considering allowing small pen knives to once again be allowed for carry on flights, but airline employees and regular citizens raised a big stink about it, so the idea was scrapped.

Jim
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Really, well I'm sure glad that I don't fly, if I had the money to fly somewhere ( I don't plan on leaving the country ) I'd probably just drive just so I could have my daily multiple knives on me.
 
I check the laws at the destination to see what I can carry. I pick the cheapest p.o.s. knife I have that meets those limitations so I won't worry about losing it.
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EXACTLY what I do ;)
 
James Y said:
You're sure about that? Back in 2013, TSA was considering allowing small pen knives to once again be allowed for carry on flights, but airline employees and regular citizens raised a big stink about it, so the idea was scrapped.

Jim
Click to expand...

Yeah, the TSA was on the verge of allowing certain, small blades but the unions raised a stink and the idea got dropped. You can't fly with a blade, don't try. You can, however, fly with knitting needles, lol.
 
If it's legal to bring on a plane I'd bring a Leatherman micra it's a very capable little package. And it sounds like it may fit the criteria for a legal blade
 
I usually travel with a SAK of some sort and a ESEE Izula. Pocket friendly, relatively inexpensive, and capable of handling 95% of any cutting chores. No tears if some corrupt TSA employee takes the five finger discount...
 
If I'm flying I take an Opinel and a Mora. I've had things disappear from my luggage in the past, I won't risk anything expensive.
 
Where in Barcelona are you? I live there!

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I can recommend some knife places, if you want...hehe
For traveling, and if legal, I recommend the Pacific Salt or other Salt from Spyderco + a SAK.
Many uses, durable, not extremely expensible and maintenance free!
 
Opinel 8 stainless - cheap, light and useful for common tasks thanks to the nearly full size grip and the slicey blade, especially with food. More likely seen as a tool rather than a weapon.

SOG Paratool as the non-locking blade is legal in more countries in Europe.

Neither has a OHO device, so that helps too with legality.

Check knife laws if you're traveling.
 
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ThePeacent said:
Where in Barcelona are you? I live there!

I can recommend some knife places, if you want...hehe
For traveling, and if legal, I recommend the Pacific Salt or other Salt from Spyderco + a SAK.
Many uses, durable, not extremely expensible and maintenance free!
Click to expand...

We're staying in the Gothic Quarter down by the marina. I was going to head up to CuchilleriaAlbacete and check out the Sollingen store on the Placa del Pi as well. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

That Spydie you're holding in your picture makes a great fifth tower on la Sagrada. I want to pick up a Spanish knife--something useful that would not be readily available back home. BTW I checked out the Spyderco prices on the CA website--you guys pretty much pay list price here. Ouch!
 
Yup! Spydie prices are almost MSRP here...

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I recommend:
1. Cuchilleria Labrador. Where: Carrer del Carme
My favorite is a store previously owned by old classy Spaniards, cutlery lovers who were real Knife nuts. After going through hard times they went away, the store is owned now by semi retarded Pakistani people (absolutely no racism here they just don't know a sh*t about knives anf just want to sell to the average tourist their highest priced knife...)
Their catalog is large, though. Swords, axes, fixed and folders, MT and many SAK, Kitchen cutlery...

2. Cuchilleria Sun And Moon. Where: Carrer Ferran (that's the one with a BK and McDonnalds, they are a few meters away from the store)
At a hundred meters from the previous one. Also owned by Pakis now. Way overpriced. Large stuff, from machetes to pocket knives. Many brands, foreign and Spanish.

3. Ganiveteria Roca. Where: Plaça del Pi (beautiful church on that square)
The oldest still working knife store. Catalan owners, classic serviceable people. The owner (not the helpers and women that attend you) is a true Knife Nut. Many products and shaving, kitchen stuff. They have the highest end folders you will find in the city. MTs and some fixed blades as well. Many Spanish classics there, and European knives.
Definitely worth a look

4. Sherman Survival. Where: Carrer Muntaner, number 58
Survival and airsoft stuff, mainly folders. Extrema Ratio, Spyderco, some SAKs... If you can talk to the owner (Pedro is his name) he is passionate about knives and will lead you to the back of the store where he has on display some truly awesome classic and discontinued knives from particular collections and private auctions. SOGs, Muelas, Aitor, Cold Steel, some truly rare pieces and big knife history classics

5. Don't remember the name but its just a minute away from sherman survival. It's on Carrer Aribau, which is parallel to Carrer Muntaner and is really close to this previous store. Just ask somebody for an "armeria" or "tienda de caza" which translates as "armory, weapons store" and "hunting store".and they should point you in the right direction

6. Militaria BCN. Where: Carrer del Bruc number 87
Well this is more of a military library. War, weapons and knife literature, books, encyclopedias etc. in all languages and from all countries. Many American books about the history of pocket knives, the USArmy issued knives and tools, etc. From old to modern stuff. The owner is a true fan of edged things, in the store he displays and sells about 40 swords, and has a cupboard with truly unique pieces from around the world. Dozens of bayonets from all countries, axes, daggers, Khanjas, Kukris, traditional spears and ethnic weapons, Navy Dirks, handmade knives and stuff like that. They have a really really high price tag, though, since they are the original stuff. Genuine pieces all around the store. Ask to the owner, not his younger son, if you can.


Have a nice stay! I'm sorry the weather's being so bad these days... It usually is much better.
Bye!
 
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