Knives on planes

[ColdSteel1]

I am in Japan for some months now and have begun a huge knife collection (40+ knives) Ranging from 12 inch bowies to folders. I'm nearing the time to head back the States and wondering if the Airlines will have a problem with me packing this in my CHECKED luggage on the plane.. i've searched via google but didn't find a good answer. Does anyone know if it's legal to pack a knife collection in ones checked luggage while traveling on a plane? Key word being "CHECKED" luggage obviously not carry on.. Thank you!

 

[italy4nra]

It is legal, and it is pictured (along with axes) in all carriers checkin acceptable itrms for stowed luggage. However, your biggest concern is theft. Many, if not most bags are xrayed, both outbound and inbound and that many knives could prompt a legal TSA search on entry to the USA, and possibly theft. Better to ensure, and declare a locked suitcase (as you would do if transporting firearms) and be required to declare it on entry (research duty/tax reauirements on entry). If expensive knives, then take the hassle, otherwise take the risk. I always return fromJapan with one or two high end kitchen knives and have not had one stolen. But I almost always lose a nice jacket from the same suitcase. Good luck.

 

[IlikeSA]

Not in Japan, but I have traveled and lived in Korea, but now am back in the US. I always had more trouble getting my knives into Asian countries, not the US. Unless you are returning for good, I would leave my knives there.

 

[Yo Mama]

I for one would love to see a pic of the blades you bought over there.

 

[19-3Ben]

Any reason not to just ship them separately?

 

[hso]

You're much better off shipping.

If your knives are something more than trinkets they will be roughly handled putting the value at risk.

If you have a lot of hard goods coming back with you in your international checked baggage they might make it through if you wrap each and then tie them together and then tit that into a clothing cacoon to keep them from banging about.

 

[bubba in ca]

I have sent knives, uncluding a big bowie and spec plus machete to central america with no problems, but they were 1 at a time and not subject to customs duties. No problem with the airlines. TSA will open anything they think is suspect, but they just leave a little note saying they were there and have never messed anything up.

I have never taken knives to the States, but would check with US customs as to their desires. I would probably package them (blades shrouded with cardboard and boxes taped up like some retail stores do) so as to render them unuseable as a weapon in the airport.