Question on flying with a knife

A

akubra

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Sep 10, 2006
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I will be flying to the US in a few weeks, and would like to bring my large Sebenza. I`ve went the checked luggage route before, and it worked fine. However, I would like to minimize the risk of losing it/getting it stolen from my checked luggage. Hence I am considering to take it down, put the blade into checked luggage and the handle into my carry on.

What I`d like to know is, has anyone tried this, and how did the TSA people react in case that they`ve noticed the empty knife handle?
 
I haven't done it, but I don't think it's a very good idea. TSA will confiscate things that look like guns, knives, ammo, etc., even if they're not functional. I know this for a fact - I had a dummy round on my keychain (with a hole drilled right through the middle), and they still took it.
 
to minimize chances for getting it stolen you could still take it apart and put the blade in one bage, and the handle in another
 
Take it down, and separate the parts in difference places in your checked bag. That way, no one will see a knife if they rummage.
 
I recently saw a post where someone taped the knife to one of the metal bag frames to minimize having it found if ransacked, but I would think it would look funny on an xray.

HAK
 
just flew via delta and had a microtech mini socom, auto, also a kershaw justin both in the stowaway luggage and they rummaged through both of the checked bags and they was still there at the first destination and on return as well...

it was not a international flight.
 
I just completed 8 flights in and around the US visiting the Guild show. Many knives in my checked luggage with no problems. I did have a small holdall that I checked which had my spare jacket, jeans etc and a piece of black micarta. That was opened by the TSA and inspected.....go figure:confused:

Someone suggested cable tying the knife to the inside of the case....I like that idea.

I have always been concerned with theft by baggage handlers so my cases all have TSA locks on them. I don't know what good it does but I have them.

Personally in the past when I visit the US I carry a slip joint. Nothing worth more than $60-00 incase it goes astray.More friendly and acceptable wherever I am.
 
The last time I flew they gave me an insane amount of grief because I had a pound of coffee in my bag. I don't know if it looked like a bomb on the X-rays, or if the drug-sniffing dogs alerted to the smell, or what, but it almost caused me to miss my flight. Go figure.
 
Samael said:
The last time I flew they gave me an insane amount of grief because I had a pound of coffee in my bag. I don't know if it looked like a bomb on the X-rays, or if the drug-sniffing dogs alerted to the smell, or what, but it almost caused me to miss my flight. Go figure.
Click to expand...

Coffee is sometimes used by smugglers to try to throw the dogs off the scent.
 
I will say that if you decide to take the knife apart, be careful and remember where you hid the blade. You really don't wanna start your tip with a visit to the emergency room because you forgot where the blade was.

My philosophy when traveling is that if I'm overly concerned about theft or loss, and I don't absolutely have to have that item with me, I leave it at home. I know it's an added comfort to have that favorite knife with you, even if you never use it, but is it really worth worrying about?

My usual suggestion when this question comes up is to leave the knife at home, and then buy a new knife when you get here. It doesn't have to be a Sebenza, but even a Vic Classic would be a nice reminder of your trip here. Then you can check that knife in your luggage or ship it home in the mail.
 
Personally I've never had a problem with TSA BUT A while ago Ken Onion had a bunch of knives stolen by some baggage handlers.

If you are going to check it in I would suggest securing the knife or it's disassembled parts to the frame on the inside of the suitcase with a wire lock as Alfaholic mentioned.

Also you might consider buying your ticket with a credit card, I think most CC companies give you insurance for lost baggage.

There was a couple other threads about this same problem but I can't find find with google and I'm blocked from using search.

Sending it is another idea, but it is possible, although unlikely, that it might get lost in transit and/or arrive after you leave the US. How long are you staying? If it is just a short trip, I recommend just leaving the Sebenza at home--This is the only way you can guarantee not losing the knife.
 
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Do NOT take your sebbie. The risk is too great to get it confiscated. Confiscation is not the major problem tho. Its some TSA punk straight up stealing your sebenza.
 
I would advise just buying something decent here for under $50 as a keep sake. No reason to risk losing a Sebenza. For a TSA guy who is dishonest, if he knew the value of a Sebenza, would snatch it up. It's like an easy $350 or more straight in his pocket.
 
I read a funny and interesting idea where the guy said that he rubs a chocolate bar onto some underwear and wraps his knives in the underwear.
 
Kaizen1 said:
I read a funny and interesting idea where the guy said that he rubs a chocolate bar onto some underwear and wraps his knives in the underwear.
Click to expand...

Now THAT is awesome :D

If that don't work, you could express mail it to your hotel or place of residence.
 
A_Blade_Afficionado said:
I would advise just buying something decent here for under $50 as a keep sake. No reason to risk losing a Sebenza. For a TSA guy who is dishonest, if he knew the value of a Sebenza, would snatch it up. It's like an easy $350 or more straight in his pocket.
Click to expand...

I'd buy something here as a keep sake and spare yourself the grief and worry of loosing your Sebenza.

You know you want a Cold Steel 4" Zytel TiLite!
 
I purchased a relatively inexpensive Spyderco for air travel (Manix 2). I can zip tie the knife closed through the opening hole and also pad lock it inside my baggage through the same hole in the lade. (I use a small combination lock.)

My bag was searched last time I flew and the knife shifted about. I think if not for the lock it would have gone missing.

Plus this gives you an excuse to buy another knife!
 
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