So mailing knives is prohibited? I guess we are all criminals!

jprime84

jprime84

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So I went to mail some knives today, and one of them is headed to Canada. On the customs form I put "collectible". They asked what it was specifically. I said a collectible pocket knife, and they were all WHOA NO WAY! YOU CANT MAIL THAT! :rolleyes:

Um, I do all the time. Plus, companies mail knives all the time. After some digging I found this on the USPS website

Restricted Matter
[7-28-14] Restricted matter is an article or substance prohibited or limited by title 18 of the U.S. Code. It also includes matter not otherwise restricted by 18 USC 1716(a) because it may, under conditions encountered in the mail, be injurious to life, health, or property. Examples of the type of restricted matter content moved to Publication 52, chapter 4, include:

a. Intoxicating liquors.
b. Firearms.
c. Knives and sharp instruments.
d. Liquids, powders and odor-producing materials.
e. Motor vehicle master keys and locksmithing devices.
f. Controlled substances and drugs.
g. Unsolicited promotional samples.
h. Instruments for use in animal fighting ventures.
i. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
Click to expand...

And more specifically

44 Knives and Sharp Instruments

441 Definitions

441.1 General

Sharp instruments include all sharp–pointed or sharp–edged implements such as knives, tools, ice picks, razor blades, stilettos, or similar devices. When uncertain about the mailability of a sharp instrument or a switchblade knife, a ruling may be requested from the local postmaster (see 215.3).
441.2 Switchblade Knife

A switchblade knife has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle, or by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.
Click to expand...

Okay it makes sense that they would be mad at a fixed blade in a paper envelope. Now, I fail to see any danger in a retail boxed folding pocket knife that is well packaged, but they would not accept it. Of course, I drove to the next post office to mail my "collectible figurine" without issue. When I asked about how companies send such things in the mail, they said the companies must "have a thing that lets them". :confused:

Has anyone else ever had a problem with this? I dont know that these are laws per say, but certainly appear to be the USPS rules.
 
I mail knives nearly every week and nearly every one I've I've bought or traded for has been mailed as well.
 
Never had a problem with this, I usually get "Anything liquid, hazardous or fragile?"

Me "No"

"do you need any stamps"

"No"

"Have a nice day"
 
Does this mean if we insure a mailed knife they won't pay the claim because it is a prohibited item?
 
d. Liquids, powders and odor-producing materials.

LOL, Just about everything produces an odor of some kind. :confused: Just another unenforceable regulation.

Here is
18 U.S. Code § 1716 - Injurious articles as nonmailable

(g) All knives having a blade which opens automatically
(1) by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle of the knife, or
(2) by operation of inertia, gravity, or both, are nonmailable and shall not be deposited in or carried by the mails or delivered by any officer or employee of the Postal Service. Such knives may be conveyed in the mails, under such regulations as the Postal Service shall prescribe—
(1) to civilian or Armed Forces supply or procurement officers and employees of the Federal Government ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of the Federal Government;
(2) to supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or militia of a State ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of such organizations;
(3) to supply or procurement officers or employees of any State, or any political subdivision of a State or Territory, ordering, procuring, or purchasing such knives in connection with the activities of such government; and
(4) to manufacturers of such knives or bona fide dealers therein in connection with any shipment made pursuant to an order from any person designated in paragraphs (1), (2), and (3).
The Postal Service may require, as a condition of conveying any such knife in the mails, that any person proposing to mail such knife explain in writing to the satisfaction of the Postal Service that the mailing of such knife will not be in violation of this section.
...
(i)
(1) Any ballistic knife shall be subject to the same restrictions and penalties provided under subsection (g) for knives described in the first sentence of that subsection.
(2) As used in this subsection, the term “ballistic knife” means a knife with a detachable blade that is propelled by a spring-operated mechanism.
 
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Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
Never had a problem with this, I usually get "Anything liquid, hazardous or fragile?"

Me "No"

"do you need any stamps"

"No"

"Have a nice day"
Click to expand...

I think its because you didnt specify what it was. For international shipping I had to, and thats how it came up. Heck most knives I ship with the self service kiosk.

This reminds me of the Mitch Hedberg joke "I love my mail man cause he's a drug dealer and he doesn't even know it"
 
Next time they ask you what's inside firmly tell them it's none of their business. Unless it's being sent to another country they have no right to ask you what the item inside is.

I've had employees ask me what I am shipping a few times before and all those times I have went off on them and gave them a proper lesson on why they shouldn't get into other people's business.

I almost got a lady fired on the spot one time for copping an attitude with me. She started crying when her boss came by and disciplined her. It was the best thing I had ever seen, I bet she'll never do that again.
 
Knifein said:
Next time they ask you what's inside firmly tell them it's none of their business. Unless it's being sent to another country they have no right to ask you what the item inside is.

I've had employees ask me what I am shipping a few times before and all those times I have went off on them and gave them a proper lesson on why they shouldn't get into other people's business.
Click to expand...

That sounds great until they decide to inspect the contents of your package after it's taken in the back and then they confiscate the goods. There are a great many people I will put a stern tone on, but Post Office employees aren't one of them. I'd defer with some innocuous sounding half-truth before I went off on 'em.
 
Canada is a crazy place for knives. The government there doesn't trust their subjects with much blade.

There's a code you have to use to send them into Canada....people have posted it here before but I can't remember what it is---something like "camping gear" or "collectible recreational item...". And even if you do that, if customs grabs it randomly you're cooked.

This is my understanding anyway. Maybe a Canadian can better inform you or correct me if I'm wrong.

I know I was followed around by four security guys at an amusement park in Montreal a time back because I carried a SAK in a belt case. They finally surrounded my wife and I in an obscure corner of the park, asked me why I had it and escorted us to the security office where they demanded I surrender the SAK.

I in turn demanded a claim check, a receipt and a statement of cause from them, which allowed me to send the claim check back to them after I returned home for return of the knife by mail. They sent it back, but sheeeesh...over a Swiss Army Knife???​

I understand Canada is also a partner in our War on Terror so long as they do not have to participate in actual combat and provide only non-lethal support...

You figure it out....I can't. :dejection:
 
Knifein said:
Next time they ask you what's inside firmly tell them it's none of their business. Unless it's being sent to another country they have no right to ask you what the item inside is.

I've had employees ask me what I am shipping a few times before and all those times I have went off on them and gave them a proper lesson on why they shouldn't get into other people's business.

I almost got a lady fired on the spot one time for copping an attitude with me. She started crying when her boss came by and disciplined her. It was the best thing I had ever seen, I bet she'll never do that again.
Click to expand...

Wow you showed them who is boss:rolleyes:
Sounds like a good way to get unused laws pressed into action, not to mention making you look like a prick
 
Knifein said:
Next time they ask you what's inside firmly tell them it's none of their business. Unless it's being sent to another country they have no right to ask you what the item inside is.

I've had employees ask me what I am shipping a few times before and all those times I have went off on them and gave them a proper lesson on why they shouldn't get into other people's business.

I almost got a lady fired on the spot one time for copping an attitude with me. She started crying when her boss came by and disciplined her. It was the best thing I had ever seen, I bet she'll never do that again.
Click to expand...

Bravo. Someone with spine....
 
Time to go to another post office my friend. I go to the same lil old lady at my local post office and wait just to have her complete the shipping docs. She loves to see custom knives and is amazed at the the insured values of what I ship. (Knock on wood) I have never had an issue with shipping "collectibles" as part of my hobby.
 
EChoil said:
Canada is a crazy place for knives. The government there doesn't trust their subjects with much blade.

There's a code you have to use to send them into Canada....people have posted it here before but I can't remember what it is---something like "camping gear" or "collectible recreational item...". And even if you do that, if customs grabs it randomly you're cooked.

This is my understanding anyway. Maybe a Canadian can better inform you or correct me if I'm wrong.

I know I was followed around by four security guys at an amusement park in Montreal a time back because I carried a SAK in a belt case. They finally surrounded my wife and I in an obscure corner of the park, asked me why I had it and escorted us to the security office where they demanded I surrender the SAK.

I in turn demanded a claim check, a receipt and a statement of cause from them, which allowed me to send the claim check back to them after I returned home for return of the knife by mail. They sent it back, but sheeeesh...over a Swiss Army Knife???​

I understand Canada is also a partner in our War on Terror so long as they do not have to participate in actual combat and provide only non-lethal support...

You figure it out....I can't. :dejection:
Click to expand...

I sent it as a "gift" and listed the contents as "collectible figurine".

Paypal should cover the both of us if it is seized.
 
Bear Claw Chris Lappe said:
Never had a problem with this, I usually get "Anything liquid, hazardous or fragile?"

Me "No"

"do you need any stamps"

"No"

"Have a nice day"
Click to expand...

This is the standard procedure in domestic mail. It is the mailer's responsibility to avoid illegal items like switchblades, and to package other items safely.

Customs declarations open up another problem: postal clerks unfamiliar with the actual regulations, just like mailers not familiar with what's legal going to certain other countries.

But ordinary knives are legal in the US mail, even going outside the country. Kitchen knives, other fixed blades, slipjoints, and tactical folders are all legal.

I really don't know what to tell you when you encounter an ignorant clerk, and on appeal, an ignorant supervisor. Personally, as a manager, I was happy to put up with a lot from customers. They deserve service even if they don't always know the routine -- that's what we were there to take care of for them. But it's never a great idea to put on a performance if you don't get your way.
 
EChoil said:
Canada is a crazy place for knives. The government there doesn't trust their subjects with much blade.

There's a code you have to use to send them into Canada....people have posted it here before but I can't remember what it is---something like "camping gear" or "collectible recreational item...". And even if you do that, if customs grabs it randomly you're cooked.

This is my understanding anyway. Maybe a Canadian can better inform you or correct me if I'm wrong.
Click to expand...

You don't HAVE to send it/declare it any special way, you can declare pocketknife, knife etc. I've had stuff come thru labeled all sorts of ways and no problems yet! Whew. We pretty much just can't have auto's, bali's and push daggers. I think it usually comes down to the CBSA whether or not they're having a good day or not haha.
 
"because it may, under conditions encountered in the mail, be injurious to life, health, or property. "
I think this means if shipping a knife it must be safely packed so as Not to Endanger the Postal Employees or equipment.

In other words Don't ship a knife in an envelope:
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EChoil said:
Canada is a crazy place for knives. The government there doesn't trust their subjects with much blade. There's a code you have to use to send them into Canada....people have posted it here before but I can't remember what it is---something like "camping gear" or "collectible recreational item...". And even if you do that, if customs grabs it randomly you're cooked. This is my understanding anyway. Maybe a Canadian can better inform you or correct me if I'm wrong.
I know I was followed around by four security guys at an amusement park in Montreal a time back because I carried a SAK in a belt case. They finally surrounded my wife and I in an obscure corner of the park, asked me why I had it and escorted us to the security office where they demanded I surrender the SAK. I in turn demanded a claim check, a receipt and a statement of cause from them, which allowed me to send the claim check back to them after I returned home for return of the knife by mail. They sent it back, but sheeeesh...over a Swiss Army Knife???​
Click to expand...

I don't see how your experience with what appears to be the park's private security should imply anything about the repressiveness of the Canadian government. In Canada, the only knives that are explicitly prohibited are:
  1. Belt buckle knives
  2. Push daggers / punching knives
  3. Knives concealed as other innocuous objects that is less than 30 cm long
  4. Automatic knives
  5. Gravity and centrifugal knives
  6. Throwing stars
  7. Bladed rings
Source

All other knives and bladed objects are perfectly legal to own and carry, open or concealed, in Canada. The burden of proof is on the government to prove that a knife being carried is intended to be used as a weapon, which would be illegal. Police may question one who is openly carrying a fixed blade in the city, but the only grounds for arrest is if they have cause to believe that you intend to use it as a weapon. In 2011, after a spate of stabbings, Edmonton's police declared a policy of arresting anyone carrying a knife in public. But, this is an exception, rather than the rule. The hysteria died down soon, as I have seen news of Edmonton's prisons being packed with regular citizens awaiting trial for carrying SAKs. In some ways, Canadian laws on knives are more liberal than in some US states:
 
According to this, "restricted matter" is not necessarily unmailable. You simply have to prove to the post office's satisfaction that the knife you intend to mail is packaged in a way to pose no risk to postal employees who may handle your package. The OP didn't specify, but it seemed like the knives were already sealed in their packaging, so the employee has no idea how the blades were secured. Under the rules for restricted matter, the default answer is to not allow them to be mailed unless they are proven to be safe to be mailed. If you don't like their answer, there are several levels of appeal one can take.
 
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