OK to take Multi-Tool or Leatherman to Italy in my checked bags?

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pjmaxm

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Nov 29, 2005
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I have a question, I am going to Sicily for 10 days in March and was planning on bringing my Gerber Multi Tool or Leatherman. Now the Gerber Multi-tool I have is one of the older models without the locking blades and tools, so if lockbacks are illegal that should not be a problem. I was just not sure what the knife laws were in Italy and if the multi-tool or leatherman would pose a problem.

Second part of the question is with the post 9-11 security would I be ok with putting the Multi-tool or leatherman in my checked bags? I will not be putting in my carry-on, that is so obviously out of the question, but just wanted to check on putting it in my checked bags. I know you used to be able too but was not sure after 9-11 if things changed.

Thanks very much.
 
I carried a pocket clipped Spyderco Endura and a Vic SAK Champ in a belt sheath all over eastern Sicily 2 years ago. (Motta St. Anastasia/Catania/Siracusa) Never got a look or comment. In checked luggage it will be OK. Rolled it in (clean) socks and jammed it into the toe of my boot to make it less 'accessable'. Driving is a nightmare similar to a high speed video game. The Italian motto is apparently "Me first" and/or "The hell with the line lets all crowd around the counter!" Really very fun!
Beware of the 'motorinos', take time to enjoy the seafood and have a few glasses of (sulfite free = headache free) wine for me!
 
Sounds great to me. I have rethought my selection and I might just bring an old Swiss Army Spartan my father passed down to me, for one major reason: it has a corkscrew :D . But seriously I am not hiking or taking part in any activities that I can think of to warrent a multi-tool (I am going for a poltical science confrence at the University of Messina), yet I can think of many times I will need a corkscrew.
 
The whole point of being prepared is for those times when you don't think the activities will warrant carrying something useful to the occasion. My absolute basic pocket carry consists of a knife and a lighter. You may use your corkscrew, but the wonderful waiters will likely do the honors. One of the favorite things I like about the CS on my Champ is the tiny eyeglass screwdriver which utilizes the CS twist to hold it. I hope the person who thought of that got the raise they desrved.
Conferences (here) usually involve a 'chicken sling' (derrogative term for carted-in all-the same-dinner). Perhaps they will do better. I hope you get the chance to go to at least one restaurant (dinner crowds usually start later than 8-9 and LAST a long time) Have some wine, eat some food, have a little more wine and more food and little more wine and more food... Make it leisurely. Don't hurry 'American style'.
I really miss that trip....
Oh, 'White-knuckled' can apply to passengers too....and once you see the traffic, you will know exactly what I mean.
Have fun!
 
I keep a Leatherman in my toilet kit, along with a few repair bits and some bailing wire. I've used it to repair ripped off suitcase handles and the like, so it's earned its place in my kit, along with the SAK. I pack the one with the phillips screwdriver and the corkscrew - I forget what model that is but its been eating holes in my pants pockets for some 25 years.

The one country I would be most leery about carrying a blade wold be the UK, but if it's packed in your kit, it should be a tool and thus OK. The Europeans tend to be a bit more mellow IMX.
 
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