Hey all,
Figured I'd share my story, maybe this will help someone in the future.
I am currently backpacking in Turkey and had a sheath knife in my pack. It was pretty non descript, with a stainless steel blade and plastic/rubber handle. Not a accessory knife but a real workhorse. The blade was probably 5 inches long. As I was passing my pack through an airport style x-ray machine at the Ankara bus station(ASTI) the guard stopped me and had me open my pack to take it out. This is a 65 litre pack mind you, the knife wasn't EDC It took me a minute to dig it out.
I had three other knives in my pack, a large Swiss army, a balisong and a small fruit knife. The only one they wanted to see was the sheath knife. The guard asked for my passport and told me I was in trouble. My Turkish is quite bad, but when I asked about the knife he shook his finger and tapped his pistol. Seeming to imply that sort of knife was viewed as a weapon.
I had read on Bladeforums before going to the country that that sort of knife was illegal, so wasn't really surprised. But Turkey is quite relaxed about a lot of things such as road rules and pushing in line. So I figured I'd be alright. After being held and questioned by the police for a few minutes I had my passport returned and was free to go. Although my pack was one knife lighter.
I should add that I carried my Swiss army knife on my belt in a leather pouch for a few days while hitchhiking and never had any trouble. So I can say with a bit of experience it's just sheath knives they have a problem with.
Hope this helps someone and prevents more knives from being confiscated. Mine only cost $8 at a pawn shop, but it was very good. It's never fun loosing a knife.
Figured I'd share my story, maybe this will help someone in the future.
I am currently backpacking in Turkey and had a sheath knife in my pack. It was pretty non descript, with a stainless steel blade and plastic/rubber handle. Not a accessory knife but a real workhorse. The blade was probably 5 inches long. As I was passing my pack through an airport style x-ray machine at the Ankara bus station(ASTI) the guard stopped me and had me open my pack to take it out. This is a 65 litre pack mind you, the knife wasn't EDC It took me a minute to dig it out.
I had three other knives in my pack, a large Swiss army, a balisong and a small fruit knife. The only one they wanted to see was the sheath knife. The guard asked for my passport and told me I was in trouble. My Turkish is quite bad, but when I asked about the knife he shook his finger and tapped his pistol. Seeming to imply that sort of knife was viewed as a weapon.
I had read on Bladeforums before going to the country that that sort of knife was illegal, so wasn't really surprised. But Turkey is quite relaxed about a lot of things such as road rules and pushing in line. So I figured I'd be alright. After being held and questioned by the police for a few minutes I had my passport returned and was free to go. Although my pack was one knife lighter.
I should add that I carried my Swiss army knife on my belt in a leather pouch for a few days while hitchhiking and never had any trouble. So I can say with a bit of experience it's just sheath knives they have a problem with.
Hope this helps someone and prevents more knives from being confiscated. Mine only cost $8 at a pawn shop, but it was very good. It's never fun loosing a knife.