[Griblik]

Howdy all - can anybody give me a straight up translation of what I can and cannot bring into Canada in the knife department? Going on Monday, need to figure out what's kosher, tried searching threads and google, but not finding any straight answers. Specifically, is a 3.9" Benchmade Ambush and/or a 2.9" Assisted-opening Kershaw Leek cool? Going to Panorama, BC, if that effects anything. Any assistance is appreciated, thanks everybody.

[Leadhead]

Should be fine with both of those knives.
Switchblades, butterfly knives, ring knives, push daggers, and knives that are easy to flick open(loose pivot bolt) will get you in trouble but otherwise there is no blade length issue and assisted opening kershaws are sold up here.
Have fun in Panorama!

[Griblik]

Awesome, thanks for the info.

[7X57chilmau]

Canadian laws regarding knives are intent based. You do not carry a knife here as a defensive weapon, as that is illegal. You carry it as a tool, or optionally as a martial arts weapon. It's interesting to know that I am allowed to walk down any street with my 6' spear and my katana, if I'm headed out to "practice martial arts".

One of the interesting prohibitions when carrying a martial arts weapon or a knife is that one may not panhandle, as the existance of the tool may be perceived as a threat, so be aware of that.

I carry a Kershaw Leek and a 2.375" homemade fixed blade in a pocket clip sheath every day. It's well accepted here.

When I travel to Maine, I've got to leave the fixed blade home, and I pack the leek in my baggage while crossing the border. You may wish to do similar.

Remember, if your vehicle or person is searched at the border, and your knives are mentioned, they are NOT weapons. They're simply tools that you like to carry to assist you in your hobbies of camping/hiking/hunting/fishing/stick carving/general survival etc. Stress TOOL not WEAPON.

Have a nice trip, and I hope you enjoy your visit.

J

[Griblik]

Hey everybody -
Back home from Canada, and had a great trip. Ended up going with option C and bringing my trusty old Buck 110, relatively innocent and outdoorsmanly looking. Ended up spending 2 whole minutes at customs in both directions, no searches or anything, and no, I had no weapons, only tools. :-) Thanks for the advice everybody.

[7X57chilmau]

Glad you had a nice trip!

J