Shipping Knives to Canada (Fixed Blades)

[JSMcustoms]

Okay, I have no idea what I'm doing where this is concerned. What are all the legal ins and outs of dealing the dreaded customs when it comes to shipping knives, specifically fixed blades to Canada? In this case, the knife in question is a damascus hunting knife. It's an older one so it could be considered a collectible. Am I going to have any issues as long as I make sure to have all my ducks in a row? Also, should I declare the item as a 'knife' (if I recall you have to put exactly what the item is) or does something like 'tool' (item's intended use) suffice? Also, how to declare the value of item that's hard to set an exact one for? I suppose that 'return to sender' is always the correct choice if an item is non-deliverable?

 

[416isToronto]

I live in Toronto, but so far have purchased knives only locally. However, from what I understand, a fixed blade should be no problem at all...I am sure some one with more experience will jump in...

Check out this thread in the regional communities section:
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php/450773-Canadian-Knife-Laws

From one of the posts (#124) there, this is a very relevant and recent guideline from Canada Border Services:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publicati...9-13-2-eng.pdf

 

[acourvil]

I sent a fixed blade to Canada recently w/o any problem. It had a ~4.5 inch blade, and I declared it as a camping knife. Sent USPS Priority Mail, it took about a week to arrive.

I have heard that there can be significant customs fees depending on value and how it is described, but that was not an issue for the knife I sent.

 

[Caustik]

Unless you're shipping Balisongs, autos(assisted are ok), push daggers, trench knives and/or constant companions(belt buckle knife) theres no restrictions.
Otherwise anything made in the USA, Canada and/or Mexico are duty free (not to be confused with tax free, you still pay HST or PST/GST). Anything made outside of north american is technically an import duty of an additional 5%. Whether or not you get charged is up to the value of the knife.

The really big cost associated with importing to Canada is the brokerage fee of your prospective shipping company (Customs does not charge this, it goes to the company). Basically its the cost the company associates with importing the knife and the paperwork that follows. Mostly a ripoff, imo. And if you live close enough to a land border I would go an pick it up yourself to save the hassle and potentially pay a lot less.

Hope that helps!