What Has It Got In Its (Naasty Little) Pocketses?

One of the most useful take alongs for the well-equipped traveler is the once ubiquitous pocket knife. Not so easy in this age of Homeland Security, metal detectors and airport screening. I try my darndest to remember to stow mine in the checked baggage when flying – sometimes I forget (I’ve lost a few good knives that way). Even without the “Swiss” attachments – a plain old simple one-blade little folding knife can be worth its weight in gold – but it’s not much good if you can’t carry it ashore – (or the REAL rub, carry it back on board). Numerous times I’ve been stopped by ship security when the tattle tale beeper beeped in shrill alarm over my little vade mecum. A few times – they’ve actually “held on to it for me” until final disembarkation. Ah well – still - nice to have one when you need one…

Tags: Pocket knives travel tips Vade Mecum

6 Answers

Bring it if you must but just remember where you have to stow it once on board - not in your pocket when leaving the ship.

I have a better time dealing with TSA than I do with the ship security,

Nothing is worse, though, than going through a Mexican land port. If you do, make sure you are not coming from a firing range. Possession of a single .22 casing in the bed of your truck is a jailable felony.

My father always told me a man has a pocket knife and handkerchief with him at all times. The pocket could save your life, the handkerchief is to give to a lady if she needs it. I thought he was crazy but I found them both to be true. I carry both to this day.

my son carried an old timer folder in his pants through MIA, then told me about it later, I do like the idea of having a swiss type knife in case of icebergs in the carribean or running into pirates on a Canada/New England... We did go back through MIA with it in the dirty clothes bag

Never had a problem with a SAK in checked luggage. Coming home from Atlanta I got stopped by TSA and was told I could pick it up on my way home. I told them I was going home and that Westchester had no problem with it in my carry on ( that was all we had ). They took it from me. Honestly, I think they saw a brand new knife with black bolsters and decided to take it.

My DH is in total agreement with you. He is finding the travel to be very frustrating.

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