Traveling with your collection

Adian

Adian

Joined
Jul 28, 2013
Messages
2,570
With our pending relocation to Puerto Rico, I've been thinking about how I am going to transport my collection with me.

I'm not sure if I would be better off getting a Pelican and putting em in and locking them up. But I'm also afraid TSA would chop the lock and go through em. Not sure if it would be like traveling with a gun where they would inspect first then lock everything up and seal it.

Or I could UPS them in a similar manner, just thought maybe it would be easier to have with me.

Don't know if I will take everything with me, but my favorites are def going
 
I have travelled out of the US many times with knives. My advice is a good quality hard suitcase like a Samsonite or Delsey. Be sure to get one with TSA locks. Nothing with zips though.

I then also pack my knives into hard plastic boxes within the case for extra security and to ensure that they don't rattle around. I also put duct tape across the locks.

A suitcase does not draw attention but a Pelican does. Recently a well known dealer had a large amount of his knives stolen (almost all recovered fortunately) They were in a Pelican and when the thief was questioned by the investigating officer he said that he did not know what was in the case but as it was a pelican it was probably something valuable. The key is not to attract attention to the case.

My case has passed through the TSA countless times with knives without any problems.

Good luck with your move.
 
So the TSA has never opened or riffled through your bags? So maybe smaller cases/pouches for them inside a larger bag
 
Adian said:
So the TSA has never opened or riffled through your bags? So maybe smaller cases/pouches for them inside a larger bag
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They have, but never my case with knives as I am very careful what else I pack in there.

I had another bag opened constantly by the TSA because it had a big block of Black Micarta in it and they wanted to see what that was. Large pieces of G10 have also caused problems. (these were not handles but actual raw materials)
I once purchased a vintage radio in the US and that also caused my bag to be opened. But I have never had my knife case opened because to be honest the TSA really do not care about knives in your checked baggage. So avoid packing anything in the knife case which may give them a problem.

I can only relate my experience but I can make no guarantees.

Edit:

I use boxes like these..... http://www.ryman.co.uk/really-useful-box-cable-tidy-2-5l-tray
To pack my knives in for travel. They work excellently. You can buy them from Staples.
 
I was just thinking about wrapping them in my clothes. Maybe flying from a small airport here it will be easier
 
Adian said:
I was just thinking about wrapping them in my clothes. Maybe flying from a small airport here it will be easier
Click to expand...
It really doesn't matter the size of the airport. If they want to have something checked they will do it. Follow Steven65 advice and you'll be fine.
 
True. The hardest part is deciding that to take. Gladius, MOASS, FFBM for sure. At least one of my hawks, folders.

Depending on Operation 2 weeks completions they will have to send them to me in PR.

Now I guess I need to grab some hard case luggage
 
Another bit of advice that has been posted on BF is to put the knives in a case with a gun. Then, when you declare the gun at Check-in, the case will be searched and tagged right in front of you. It should be secure after that. So we've been told.
 
True, but all of my guns have to be sent to an FFL in Puerto Rico while we wait for the the license to possess them come back.
 
I came back from China a few years ago after staying there for 7 months. While I was there I had several swords commissioned by a local forge that I befriended. The longest sword was about 1.5 M or about 5 feet long and it was razor sharp. So I put them in a container used for skis and wrapped them seriously well and put cardboard and plastic guards over all sharp edges. When I checked them in at Shanghai and in San Francisco CA, I just informed the desk representative what they were. I left the top openable until they were happy and then I sealed them there in front of them. I had zero issues. It was noted what it was and they even put some sticker on it, don't remember now. Once I arrived back in VA, I immediately popped the container in the parking lot to make all was well and it was. The lady at the desk in SF told me that you can just about check anything not explosive as long as you inform them. I had zero issues with them and I have brought back lots of blades from my Chinese Forge friend. It is about the only Chinese blade I would ever consider buying only because I spent so much time at the forge.
 
I think it's hopeless man, not only will they check they will confiscate and fine you, your only option is to send the knives to the new loving home before you leave. Email me for the shipping details, I will be gracious enough to take the knifes off your hands.
 
Man I have run into so many nice people here and at work that are willing to hold onto my things for me now that I'm moving.
 
Or, you could leave them in conus with someone you trust to ship them to you once you have access to your safe again. :eek: ;)
 
Hard to find someone you can trust with nice toys these days who will then want to part with and send them to you.

Mr Brown has been fondling a couple of them laughing behind my back =0)
 
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Dave's a good guy, he'll not harm them before they are returned. :) LOL
Does everyone have to travel together on same trip?
Options and choices can be beautiful things when applied to solving problems created by often imagined or self-imposed limitations. Freedom starts with free thought!
 
Yea David is a great guy.

True. I'll take my favorites and then have the other mailed or leave them state side with a couple other toys that I can't have in PR
 
Mail them to yourself.

Have it signature required and order it held at the receiving post office.

Same thing with guns.

Just don't even bother with the TSA. Half of them want to steal from you, half of them don't know the law, and all of them are completely ineffective.
 
Mailing would probably be the safest bet if you have a lot of money put into your collection.

TSA are probably the scumiest people possible, they can and will go through your stuff to swipe anything they decide they want. I've had my suitcases and bags gone through for no reason, and things have gone missing. Nothing you can do about it and nothing you can prove.

I apologize, but I hate the security theatre we have to go through, and the power it gives these dirtbags over good ordinary people.
 
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