Flying without knives

[KevinB]

I hate it. I also hate checking luggage. Lately I've been checking luggage and stashing a folder, a SAK and a Squirt P4 in my shaving kit.

Last week I had to fly to Texas for a few days. I had to travel light and not check bags. So as soon as I got to my destination I went to Target and bought a SAK Sportsman for $15.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/dkevinb/EDC/sportsman.jpg

Simple, inexpensive, and a nice variety of tools. I thought about mailing it back to myself on the way out of town, but my daughter flew in from college (she was showing at a horse show, which is why we went) and she checked luggage. I had her slip it into her checked suitcase on the way home. I assume it will catch up to me eventually.

Anyway, it's an option. Walmart has an OK selection of decent cheap knives, too, though they don't carry SAK's. It's a good excuse to add to the collection, too.

Kevin B.

[AK_Greybear]

BTDT, many times.

[TKC]

I positively HATE flying with out a knife. Hate it, hate it, hate it. I feel naked with out my knife.

[gadgetjunky]

sigh.... Back in the good ol' days, I used to fly with a Delica in the collar of my Polo shirt and a Merlin and a big SAK in my pockets. Stupid terrorists/security!!!

Bummer that the Walmarts around you don't carry Victorinox. All of them down here do, but mostly just Recruits and Spartans.

Another option would be to order one from Felinevet.

http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

He sells the Sportsman used for $5 shipped. Send him the Paypal a couple days before you leave and have him mail it to your attention at the hotel.

[KevinB]

sigh.... Back in the good ol' days, I used to fly with a Delica in the collar of my Polo shirt and a Merlin and a big SAK in my pockets. Stupid terrorists/security!!!

Bummer that the Walmarts around you don't carry Victorinox. All of them down here do, but mostly just Recruits and Spartans.

Another option would be to order one from Felinevet.

http://felinevet.sosakonline.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

He sells the Sportsman used for $5 shipped. Send him the Paypal a couple days before you leave and have him mail it to your attention at the hotel.


Yeah, I don't know why Wally World out here doesn't carry SAK's. They carry Spyderco, Buck and Gerber. Target doesn't have a huge selection of SAK's, but any knife is better than no knife.

That's a good idea about ordering a used knife from Felinevet. Didn't think of that.

Kevin B.

[bruner]

Interesting you should bring this up... My wife and I just went to FL from PA for a week. We don't like to check luggage either, so it was all carry-on. As soon as we got there, we went to the local Walmart and I picked up a CRKT M16-?? (the smaller edc one) for about $20. I carried that all week (accidentally took it with me swimming in the gulf of Mexico several times) and the day before we went home, I mailed it back to myself. Should be here any day now.

I wish TSA was a bit more relaxed on these things. I couldn't even take my SAK classic, which is a constant keychain item for me...

Dan

[Blackheart]

Another thing you can do if you don't want to check your luggage is mail your knives General Delivery to the Post Office nearest to where you're going. They'll hold the package for you until you pick it up.

I had to call the Post Office and ask about this. The guy I talked to was only semi-interested until I explained what I was doing, then he perked right up. "Sure! You can send knives to yourself. Can I look up a zip code for ya"!

[Crash_Fistfight]

Flew to Mexico last spring with my knife in my shower bag, to Tucson last week, Europe last winter
and had no trouble getting my CRKT M16 into my pocket after leaving the airport.

No muss, no fuss and no side-trips to the local Target store or post office to get sharped-up. :cool:

Good luck in your travels!

[luigi]

Last time I forgot to put my leatherman S2 and my knife in the bag and noticed I had them with me when going through the metal detector.
I went back to the airline booth and they were kind to let me put the items in a small bag and check it as another bag.
I put the newspaper and the knives to create some volume.
My wife bet me $1 the bag will get lost but it arrived. :)

Luigi

[Blackhat]

Like the rest of you I hate being without my knife(ves), which is the reason I refuse to fly anywhere I can get in a reasonable amount of time by driving or by train. The really sad part of it all was that on the morning of 9-11-01 before all the crap hit the fan I could board any flight out of my local airport with a SAK adventurer in my pocket, but couldn't carry my Spyderco ladybug because of the serrated blade which was considered to be "menacing". Of course once the plane was airborne, what did the airline give ya to eat with? A serrated plastic knife, of course. Go figure.

Dave

[dbhn]

Last time I forgot to put my leatherman S2 and my knife in the bag and noticed I had them with me when going through the metal detector.
I went back to the airline booth and they were kind to let me put the items in a small bag and check it as another bag.
I put the newspaper and the knives to create some volume.
My wife bet me $1 the bag will get lost but it arrived. :)

Luigi


Did the same thing... But when I got to the luggage booth my bag was still visible. I asked the lady at the counter if I could put something in it and she said yes.

[karlito]

You can't take a SAK Classic on board, but you can take a 7" pointy thing called a pen. Go figure...

[akubra]

with my knife in my shower bag, to Tucson last week, Europe last winter


Thats how Ive been doing it with my SAK and occasionally Leatherman tool, on my last trips. I plan on doing it again, this time with my Sebenza, when flying to the US this summer. Ok, Ive got to say that Im slightly worried about losing it (read-somebody stealing it or the whole suitcase). Yet, so far Ive never lost anything, fingers crossed... . :)

[houdini28]

I have never had a problem of placing my knife in luggage and then checking it. Of course, for every one person who receives their bag I'm sure there are five that do not. Additionally, most of my knives are readily replaceable e.g. Leatherman CS4 or Victorinox Climber (granted I wouldn't want to do that).

One option I've considered doing and plan on doing the next time I fly is to bring my Gerber EAB with me without a blade in it. I would store spare blades in my checked luggage or I could buy spare blades at a grocery store, Target, Wal-mart, etc. I figure this way I wouldn't have to buy a whole new tool and I'd only have to buy a box of razor blades. If for some reason I lose the blades I'm only out two dollars instead of twenty.

edit to add: I've heard of some people locking or zip tying their knives to parts inside of their checked luggage such as zipper pulls. A person could not simply open the luggage and grab the tool; they would have to get it free from the lock or zip tie. This doesn't help with losing your checked luggage but it is something to consider.

[KevinB]

I've heard of some people locking or zip tying their knives to parts inside of their checked luggage such as zipper pulls. A person could not simply open the luggage and grab the tool; they would have to get it free from the lock or zip tie. This doesn't help with losing your checked luggage but it is something to consider.


That's a good idea. I'll have to try that next time. I've never had a knife/multitool stolen from my checked bags, but I've heard of it happening. The only problem is, how do I cut the zip tie without a knife (vbg)?

Kevin B.

[bruner]

Flew to Mexico last spring with my knife in my shower bag, to Tucson last week, Europe last winter
and had no trouble getting my CRKT M16 into my pocket after leaving the airport.

No muss, no fuss and no side-trips to the local Target store or post office to get sharped-up. :cool:

Good luck in your travels!


I assume you are talking about "checked" luggage?


Just a point... Let's not make this a thread about how to get around TSA security.
:db: - bruner

Moderator off, member on...

Fact is, your checked luggage can include knifes (or guns), it is "carry-on" luggage that is restricted.

By attempting to take a blade as carry-on, you risk loosing it. They will take it away and you won't see it again, except perhaps on e-bay.

My wife and I simply have no need to check luggage for a simple trip to FL because the weather is so warm there. We don't travel that often and rarely fly, but I hate the idea of checking ANY luggage. I just feel like I will never see it again...

Dan

[KevinB]

I assume you are talking about "checked" luggage?


Just a point... Let's not make this a thread about how to get around TSA security.
:db: - bruner

Moderator off, member on...

Fact is, your checked luggage can include knifes (or guns), it is "carry-on" luggage that is restricted.

By attempting to take a blade as carry-on, you risk loosing it. They will take it away and you won't see it again, except perhaps on e-bay.

My wife and I simply have no need to check luggage for a simple trip to FL because the weather is so warm there. We don't travel that often and rarely fly, but I hate the idea of checking ANY luggage. I just feel like I will never see it again...

Dan



I think we're all clear on only packing sharps in checked luggage. No matter what you may think about them, trying to sneak anything past TSA is just asking for a major helping of trouble.

I've flown so many times I can't remember, going back to the days when airplanes had big spinning things on the wings. My wife's a 2 million mile club member. We hate flying nowadays, and drive whenever we can, but neither of us has ever permanently lost checked luggage. Granted, it might lag behind by a few hours, but it's always shown up. Always carry your jacket, a toothbrush and a change of skivvies onboard, just in case. And don't check anything you would hate to lose. Stuff happens, and baggage screeners are human.

Kevin B.

[houdini28]

That's a good idea. I'll have to try that next time. I've never had a knife/multitool stolen from my checked bags, but I've heard of it happening. The only problem is, how do I cut the zip tie without a knife (vbg)?

Kevin B.



I have been able to open zip ties by using a key, screwdriver, or something similar to wedge between the ratcheting mechanism. A pen, for example, is something that you'd be able to easily carry with you that might also open the zip tie. Again, any person could do this but it would slow a person down and that might deter someone from stealing your tool. It prevents it from being opportunistic.

[luigi]

The Zip tie is a great tip, thanks!
As you said it can be opened but it will work against oportunistic hands.

Luigi

[VT-aroo]

Last year I was flying home for Thanksgiving. I got to security and found a baby Kershaw in my pocket. The Kiosk to mail it home was closed, and they wanted more than the knife cost. Bah- so I wandered around for a bit looking for a place to hide it ( likely looking way to suspicious) and in the end I put it on the back of a bank of monitors well outside security and to high for small fry to find. Then I said a little prayer and walked off. Sunday night I came back wandered up to where I put it and voila still there. The janitor gave me a strange look, until I showed him what I was after. I think he probably checks there now.

I bought an Ozark trail knife at Wally Mart for weekend chores and they returned it. Failed to make me even 1.00's worth of happy.

[LoneWolfUSMC]

I hate flying. I am going to have to fly to DC next week. This is the first time I have had to fly since 911. It will be the first time I have been without a firearm in a LONG time. It's just too much trouble to risk my luggage not making the transfer and loosing a $600 handgun. (yes I am legal to carry a handgun in DC, just not on the stinking plane). My M-SOCOM will be making the flight in my checked luggage. I hope that will make it. Good thing I will have my "tactical" Zebra Pen in my pocket on the plane. >:(

BTW, Screwdrivers under 7" and Scissors with blades under 4" are authorized in carry on baggage per TSA's website. ;)

[Stutoffee]

I hate not having a knife on me, too.
It DOES seem ludicrous that I cant carry-on even a SAK Classic, but, once Ive passed through security I can buy ALL the glass bottles I like in the duty free shop.
It strikes me as equally barmy that the check-in clerks often weigh your hand luggage & say it MUST be under 5kg but you van then go and buy loads of gear in the shops before you board the plane. Last year I bought one of those huge 1kg blocks of Cadburys chocolate for my gal to take out to her & THAT increased the weight of my hand luggage by about 25%!!!
The world's gone mad!

[jmasson]

I usually check my bagage just so I can pack a knife...I'm sure I'll lose my bags one day and regret it.





BTW, Screwdrivers under 7" and Scissors with blades under 4" are authorized in carry on baggage per TSA's website. ;)

Not last time I flew :(

Going through security they took my little folding gerber keychain scissors >:(


also, since I was on a flight going to the states so my checked baggage was also scanned, I had my laptop in the luggage and they asked to test it with the swabby thing(technical term ;)) apparently the customized Zippo I had pack wasn`t allowed even in my checked luggage. There was no option to hold it for me or to have it mailed. Due to traffic I was already running late and didn`t have time to stick it anywhere. -1 Zippo for me :( The best part was that he didn`t even notice the full tin of lighter fluid that was also in my bag :rolleyes:

[Lugsalot]

Not last time I flew :(

Going through security they took my little folding gerber keychain scissors >:(


I'm going to have to start carrying copies of all these laws and regulations with me, just so I can catch people trying to shake me down for whatever gear I'm packing. There are some unscrupulous people out there in positions of relative authority. If small scissors are allowed and MY scissors don't violate their rules, I want to be able to haul out some documentation and burn the thief in front of everyone. :evil:

Garbage like this makes me want to fly even less, and I already hate flying; that air turbulence plays hell on my nerves! :nervous:

[m_calingo]

It's crazy. Before 9/11 I could board a plane with a SAK with no problem. Sadly, those days are gone. One can only hope that situation changes in the future.

In the meantime, I have heard folks FedEx'ing their knives ahead to their destination. In extreme cases, I've heard of folks actually removing knife blades from their SAK, or Leatherman so they still have access to the "non-deadly" tools.

I really prefer not to check luggage myself. Traveling overseas, I've waited for my checked through luggage to appear 45 minutes after I've cleared immigrations and customs! :thumbsdown:

[bpa]

I have had to rethink my normal EDC because my new job will require lots of travel. I hate the security rules, but plan to abide by them because the hassles of complying are less than the hassles of not complying.

After some thought, I am substituting keychain scissors for the CRKT KISS I normally carry. They are useful in their own right, and can do 90% of what I use my knife for. The percentage increases if I keep the scissors blades sharpened. Perfectly legal, and the 10% of functionality lost is for things I don't normally do on the road.

[bruner]

You bringing up scissors made me wonder about something...

I wonder what the TSA's thoughts would be on carrying a Kershaw TwoCan...

Probably negative :(

Dan

[Lugsalot]

^^^
Undoubtedly, the draconian simpletons... :rant:

[tvodrd]

I tempted fate (http://edcforums.com/index.php?topic=6752.0) on two round trips with a LM Squirt S4 with the blade converted into a screwdriver. I was called on it at three of the four security checks. I'm not going to pack it any more as it is an inconvenience for the folks behind me in the line.

Larry

[bpa]

I wonder what the TSA's thoughts would be on carrying a Kershaw TwoCan...

Probably negative :(

Dan


Methinks it looks too much like a knife and not enough like scissors.

[Lunal_Tic]

I'm going to have to start carrying copies of all these laws and regulations with me, just so I can catch people trying to shake me down for whatever gear I'm packing. There are some unscrupulous people out there in positions of relative authority. If small scissors are allowed and MY scissors don't violate their rules, I want to be able to haul out some documentation and burn the thief in front of everyone. :evil:

Garbage like this makes me want to fly even less, and I already hate flying; that air turbulence plays hell on my nerves! :nervous:


Unfortunately having a copy of the TSA rules doesn't mean you will be in the clear. In all cases the decision to confiscate or not is up to the discretion of the individual screener.

-LT

[Lugsalot]

Unfortunately having a copy of the TSA rules doesn't mean you will be in the clear. In all cases the decision to confiscate or not is up to the discretion of the individual screener.

-LT


So then I guess I'm totally justified in calling them draconian simpletons. Heck, last time I was in an airport I noticed that most airlines don't bother employing people with a passable command of the English language (and I'm including those screeners who appeared to be born and raised in the USA). I think the only guideline these fools follow when deciding whether or not to confiscate an item is "Do I want it or not?"

:evil: