Shipping a knife

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joepa150

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I just sold a hunting 4 1/2" blade knife on Ebay. We both live in the US. I plan to use USPS.

Is there any laws about shipping a knife?
Should I use a flat rate box, a normal box, or a padded envelope?

I would have probably have to package it at the post office so I don't know if they will freak out seeing a knife.
 
go to the post office - pick up a free small flat rate or priority mail box.
go back to your car, wrap knife in paper, crumple paper to fill rest of box, seal box, write addresses in appropriate space on front of box, go back inside and pay postage.
simple.
 
joepa150 said:
I just sold a hunting 4 1/2" blade knife on Ebay. We both live in the US. I plan to use USPS.

Is there any laws about shipping a knife?
Should I use a flat rate box, a normal box, or a padded envelope?

I would have probably have to package it at the post office so I don't know if they will freak out seeing a knife.
Click to expand...


I send everything USPS Priority Mail and use their boxes, pack it up good so it doesn't slide around etc.

No there are no problems shipping knives law wise as long as they are 18 or older.
 
Hello,
I would suggest you wouldn't walk in just carrying a knife. Wrap it in some newspaper, or bubble wrap, or something to disguise it a little. That will also cut down the threat of it being seen and "lifted" from postal employees. (Yes that can happen.)

I assume the knife is in a sheath? If not, you will need to wrap the blade well with newspaper, or something that would keep it from poking thru the box.

They have a variety of boxes. The small flat rate is 5-3/8” x 8-5/8” x 1-5/8”, and there is one just a little larger, a "large video box" at 9.25" x 6.25" x 2". And sizes larger. I would stay away from the medium flat rate box because shipping would cost you close to double.
https://shop.usps.com/webapp/wcs/st...ent_category_rn=10000002&top=&sort=&viewAll=Y

Do take packing material - as newspaper to crumble, or bubble wrap. Otherwise you will need to buy that and that just adds to the cost of shipping.

I hope this helps you a little. Shipping is not that hard.
 
+1 on the USPS priority box with the knife wrapped in bubble wrap or paper. I would ensure it for the price of the knife and a give it a tracking number. It costs more, but worth it. Never use the padded envelope because the knife could break through it.
 
If you go to the on-line post office and print out your shipping lable there you get discount pricing and you delivery confirmation is free. you have to pay by credit card when doing it on-line.
 
All good advice. Just be sure that the knife won't cut itself out. Cover the edge. I would also suggest priority mail since faster just means less handling and less chance for it do just that.

You will be asked, "Is there anything hazardous in the box." A properly-packed knife is not hazardous and so you can answer no. If asked the contents, the answer is "a handtool."

Opt for delivery confirmation.
 
The USPS has been heavily promoting the Flat Rate Priority boxes, and the older, regular Priority boxes are harder to find (you can order them from the USPS web site, the boxes and shipping to you are FREE). The Flat Rate boxes are a bargain for shipping heavy items, but you are paying too much in shipping if you only put one or even two knives in them. So I stock three sizes of the standard Priority box.

Please do not use a padded envelope, or your buyer may be posting here to say that he never got his knife.
 
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