Traveling with a knife. (HELP!)

knivesandguns

knivesandguns

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Mar 6, 2008
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Hey guys, I need as many good responses as possible, so please help me out.

I will be traveling to Honduras tomorrow for a 12 day trip, and I plan to pack a knife/knives. I've already checked up on the laws, and I'm ok to have them.

How do you pack your knives in your checked suitcase? I'm afraid that some Honduran baggage inspector would like to walk away with my ZT MUDD.

Please don't try to persuade me to bring a cheaper knife--I want to bring the MUDD. How should I secure it to my suitcase so that someone can't easily take it?

I leave tomorrow at 9 PM, so the more responses the better!

Thank you!
 
Find a thin wire lock like laptop lock or something and lock it on something in your suitcase or to the handle and shut it? I dunno, folders are tricky to secure w.o just keeping them out in the open.
 
I'm not familiar with the ZT Mudd, ir's a folder, yes?... Can you separate the handle from the blade? If so, put the blade in your checked luggage, put the handle in your carry-on bag somewhere easily reachable to show TSA that the knife blade is not currently with the handle. Just an idea. :)

Edit: Forgot to mention... If you can separate the blade from handle, don't forget to wrap the blade in something to insure no one gets cut with it. :D Also, there are TSA approved luggage locks available now, so that you can lock your checked baggage again. 'Safe Skies' & "Master Locks' both make these now. Check dept. stores or hardware stores, maybe even places like Staples for availability. If this works for ya, Don't forget to throw the tools necessary for reattachment in your checked bag also! Have a good trip!! :thumbup:
 
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I agree... Carry on the handle. And pack the blade. This was an idea that I have heard of many times.

HAVE FUN!
 
Lock your suitcase and leave it locked. Make an inventory of what's inside and take pictures. If security wants to check it, unlock it for them and watch them look through it. Don't let them unlock it or do anything without you seeing it. When they're done, lock it back.

If they try to say you can't have it, tell them that you know your rights, if they push the issue talk to their supervisor, higher-ups at the airport. They know the laws, the security people are low level employees, they don't know everything. Don't be afraid to fight for your rights, and remember you're the customer, they work for you.

If you get there, or get back and your knife is gone, you've got inventory and pictures that it was there to go after whoever stole it.
 
You've heard of these guys right?

http://www.pac-safe.com/www/index.php

I keep my knife (usually a Spyderco Salt-1 when I travel OS) in my toileteries bag, so it's in a bag within a bag within a bag. Not sure if this is added deterrent/inconvenience for a thief or not but I haven't lost anything yet.
 
This is probably overboard for your circumstances, but since I usually travel with a handgun too, I just put the knife in the locked case with the gun. TSA will do a check of everything in your presence, and then lock and seal the case. I've never had any problems.
 
Psychopomp said:
Lock your suitcase and leave it locked. Make an inventory of what's inside and take pictures. If security wants to check it, unlock it for them and watch them look through it. Don't let them unlock it or do anything without you seeing it. When they're done, lock it back.
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Unfortunatly, that's not an option these days. If you lock your checked luggage and they want to look at it, they will just cut the lock off and do it anyway. You have no "rights" to deny them access to the inside of your luggage at their discretion. That unfortunatly, it a fact of air travel in these post 9/11 days.

If you get there, or get back and your knife is gone, you've got inventory and pictures that it was there to go after whoever stole it.
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Unfortunatly, your options in this regard are also limited. When you buy a ticket and check your luggage, the airline is legally limited in what they are obliged to do and how much they are obliged to reimburse you for lost items. That is all part of the small print on the back of your ticket that you legally agree to (knowingly or not) when you buy the ticket. They may, at their own discretion, investigate you loss, or not. You may well just end up with a token reimbursment, that does not come close to covering the cost of an expensive custom or high end production knife.

My best advice is not to put anything in checked luggage that you are not willing to lose. :(
 
mdauben said:
Unfortunatly, that's not an option these days. If you lock your checked luggage and they want to look at it, they will just cut the lock off and do it anyway. You have no "rights" to deny them access to the inside of your luggage at their discretion. That unfortunatly, it a fact of air travel in these post 9/11 days.

Unfortunatly, your options in this regard are also limited. When you buy a ticket and check your luggage, the airline is legally limited in what they are obliged to do and how much they are obliged to reimburse you for lost items. That is all part of the small print on the back of your ticket that you legally agree to (knowingly or not) when you buy the ticket. They may, at their own discretion, investigate you loss, or not. You may well just end up with a token reimbursment, that does not come close to covering the cost of an expensive custom or high end production knife.

My best advice is not to put anything in checked luggage that you are not willing to lose. :(
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not entirely true, they only have the right to access the luggage or case if an inspection system has flagged it for containing an illegal or suspecious object or substance AND they have attempted to contact or locate the owner w/o success is a timely manner.

I would suggest to use a TSA approved lock it will have an approval logo (usually red) and a key number, so that if they must inspect the luggage they can do so w/o damaging the locking systems.

Airlines are limited to $3300 in luggage or damage claims.

Another option is to UPS it to the place that you plan to stay, much better serivce and a lot less hassel.
 
Thank you guys for all of the excellent suggestions.

I am leaning towards zip tie + TSA lock from office depot or something.

The ZT MUDD is a folding knife.


Keep them coming! :thumbup:
 
Whenever I travel I never leave the knife in the suitcase pockets. I put it with the clothes, wrapped up in either my socks or underwear. I don't know how effective it is, but I haven't had any knives stolen from my luggage. I figure that airport thieves want to be in and out of your bags as quickly as possible, and that goal is made more difficult if they have to rifle through your clothing.
 
Whenever I travel that requires me to check luggage, I simply place it/them in a pocket, or among my clothing. There's nothing we can really do to keep the TSA from cracking open luggage if they feel the need to do so. The last dozen times I've been to an airport, the airline itself has requested a passenger to come back to the ticketing counter in order to remove a lock from their luggage. Not only is it a hassle to have to do so, but you then have to go through the huge bottle neck that is security for a second time. I generally wouldn't chance a lock for convenience's sake.

Another option that's similar to the zip tie solution is a combo or key lock with a long arm (or whatever the round portion is called), plus a pouch with a pair of zippers with holes in them large enough to accommodate the width of the lock arm. It may not be fool proof, but it will keep a would be thief from being able to open it up willy-nilly.
 
Only ZT MUDD ha?
This is common problem with genuine knife knutt.
Average Joe will by a SAK upon arriving but guys like us will separate blade from handle
gulp up each and squeeze teeths on toilet seat beign soooooo happy when joining it(after flushing of course).
cheers
 
I usually put mine in a pocket of one of the pairs of pants that I have packed. Usually pick a pair in the middle of the stack. I've also just put them in my shaving kit, and sometimes will put them in my shoe under the insole (a pair of shoes that I packed of course, not the one's I'm wearing). I've never had a problem.
 
Out of sight is a good idea, bag within a bag, within a bag, etc. Have you considered mailing it to yourself at a friend's residence or the hotel where you'll be staying?

Just a thought. It may have to clear customs, and i don't know anything about Honduras.
 
spidyman said:
not entirely true, they only have the right to access the luggage or case if an inspection system has flagged it for containing an illegal or suspecious object or substance AND they have attempted to contact or locate the owner w/o success is a timely manner.
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That is certainly not my understanding. I have traveled quite a bit for work, and I have had my checked baggage obviously opened and searched without my knowledge or approval and I was certainly not carrying contraband of any sort.

From the United Airlines website:

To protect you and your fellow passengers, the host Government and applicable laws and regulations require the inspection of all checked baggage. As part of this process, some bags may be opened and physically inspected in the absence of the bags' owners. During the inspection your bag and its contents may be searched for prohibited items.

If your bag is unable to be opened for inspection because it is locked, the screener may be required to remove or break the lock on your bag. United Airlines is not liable for any damage to your luggage resulting from this necessary security precaution. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding. If you have any questions, feel free to contact your local United Customer Service Representative.
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This is in line with my understanding, and with the notices I have recived from out travel department at work.

I would suggest to use a TSA approved lock it will have an approval logo (usually red) and a key number, so that if they must inspect the luggage they can do so w/o damaging the locking systems.
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Definetly a good idea if you have anything of value in the bags. I (obviously) won't prevent the airport security from opening your bags, but it may cut down on casual pilferage. I don't bother locking my bags since I just don't place anything in my checked luggage that is worth stealing. ;)
 
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