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Posted byHarriet(Minnetonka)on
I have a tiny (2") Swiss Army knife that I always keep in my handbag. It contains a knife blade that is 1-1/2" long, a tiny scissors and a nail file. I'm wondering if I can take this with me on flights to/from Europe from the USA - I'm not checking any bags this trip. Can't seem to find detailed information on the TSA website other than saying that knives are not allowed.
Posted byMatt Washington, DC, USA
571 posts
Twice I've forgotten to take my mini Swiss army knife off my key chain, and twice I've lost my knifes to TSA. Don't bother unless you're checking bags. It would be safe in checked baggage, but confiscated otherwise.
Posted bySarah St. Louis, MO USA
1976 posts
Everyone here has given you good advice - don't take anything that you don't want to lose to security. On trips I take a set of nail scissors (metal, blade less than 4" long), tweezers, and nail clippers which I don't really care about, in case it's confiscated. I leave my good set at home. And it isn't only the TSA you have to worry about. Security in airports in other countries can flag you for what you're carrying. A few years ago I flew to Brussels on BA and changed planes at Heathrow. I was flagged in the security line because of my scissors. It took a while for security to determine if I could keep the scissors (they finally said I could). They said the rules changed all the time so even they weren't sure.
Posted byKira Seattle, WA, USA
1068 posts
A couple of years ago I was flying to Iowa (not abroad - just plain old Iowa) and had one carry-on duffel bag with me. I had forgotten that in my bag was a less than 3" long single-blade souvenir pocket knife (from Niagara Falls, of all benign places). It had slid under the bottom lining of my bag, so I couldn't see it. The TSA folks - not one, not two, but three of 'em - spent 20 minutes figuring out what it was, where it was, and removing it with much to-do and threatening ceremony. They tossed it in a bin and let me through with the stern warning. I was going to Iowa. On a crop duster, practically. And I got hassled for a teensy, dull blade. On another trip - to France, last year - I had a nice quality Barlow knife, with a sharpened blade, in my purse. Again, I'd forgotten in was there. I sailed through the TSA checkpoint without anyone even blinking. So my point is - you can never tell. And I wouldn't chance it.
Posted byMichael Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
I don't think you can carry-on knives of any size, but you can apparently carry-on smaller scissors. You can have a knife if it's checked. I had a colleague once who was cuffed and arrested by airport police at MCI for accidentally having a letter opener in his briefcase...longer than four inches. They held him for questioning in a holding cell right there at the airport for several hours...missed flights...business trip ruined. He was never charged and did receive a letter months later, indicating that he could come pick up his "steak knife" if he wanted it back. Ridiculous but true. Maybe just buy a cheapo to use while you're there and either pitch it or mail it home before returning.
Posted byMonte Genesee, ID
1838 posts
I feel naked without a pocket knife, and always carried a small one on planes until they became illegal. Now I carry a Wenger Clipper AT (Wenger no. 16918) and have never had it examined here or overseas. Its a smallish tool with a nail clipper, nice scissors, a nail cleaner and file, and a small screwdriver for spectacle screws. No knife blade. Another small tool I always take along is a pair of Slip-N-Snip folding scissors. They have never been examined either. Both these items are available from Smokey Mountain Knife Works with which I have no association.
Posted byLarry Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Harriet, I too have one of those Swiss knives permanently in my left front pocket. I have never tested the TSA with it. If I have checked luggage, it goes in the there. If I only have carry-on, I don't take it. I leave it at home. I would hate to lose it to TSA.
Posted byMonte Genesee, ID
1838 posts
I should have expanded on the Wenger Clipper. I have a baggie in my shoulder bag (underseat bag) that has a bunch of metal items in it. That's where the Clipper goes. Along with it are coins, keys, a Green Tara gau, Buddhist pin, the Slip-N-Snip, and a small bottle opener that is nonthreatening.
Posted byKathy Seattle, WA, USA
156 posts
I have tested the TSA on this - by accident. I normally remove it from my key chain, but once I forgot. I was going through security in Saint Louis, MO. I got stopped. They put my purse through a couple of times and then looked at me. It took me a minute and then I realized that I had left my keys (from home) buried deep within my purse with the small swiss army knife attached. They had found it and I had 2 choices, throw it out or put it in a bag and check it. Luckily I was flying Southwest and I had a spare bag that I could check (Yes, I know they are only $20 but I hated to have to throw something out that I'd replace.) I checked a bag through with one item - that knife. Now, I'll come completely clean. I have actually forgotten about that knife twice. Once it was overlooked. So, if you want to chance having to throw it out (and being delayed because it takes awhile for them to determine what they are looking at), then give it a try. My recommendation is don't take it.
Posted byHis Regal Madness Parker, Texas, United States
29 posts
Straight from the TSA website: TSA allowed carry ons: Scissors - metal with pointed tips and blades shorter than four inches Yes
Tools (seven inches or less in length) Yes Knives with any blade length NO It's that simple. Don't take any knife with you.
Posted byIrv Beverly Hills, MI
785 posts
The TSA web site says the only knives you can carry on are 1) a plastic knife or 2) a rounded butter knife.
Posted byHarrietOP Minnetonka
2 posts
Looks like I will need to leave the tiny Swiss Army Knife at home. It has come in handy so many times, but the trade-off in traveling with just a small carry on-bag and taking the knife, is a no-brainer. Will leave both the knife (doubt it could really do much damage to anyone) and my corkscrew at home and wing it! Thanks for all your replies and helpful comments.
Posted byReg Dunlop Charlestown, PA, USA
193 posts
I had the very same one confiscated once at MSP. Last time I forgot to take it off the keyring until I got to the airport. I stashed it in a planter and picked it up when I returned two weeks later!
Posted byMichael Des Moines, IA
2193 posts
Not saying Reg is any kind of threat, but isn't it just a tad bit unsettling to know one can just stash a knife at the airport in Minneapolis and pick it up again weeks later without anyone noticing? Reminds me of that scene from The Godfather where the Corleone dudes stashed the gun for Michael in the back bathroom, duct-taped behind the toilet. One might think that MSP has a lot of extra police presence anyway, especially after that Senator Craig scandal up there.
Posted byHeather Seattle, WA, USA
31 posts
This is exactly why we decided that we will be checking one bag for our trip (we usually just fly carry-on). We're going to be doing so much picnicking, we'll need that swiss army knife! We've decided our checked bag will carry the knife, hiking boots, trekking poles, and some other things we might not have brought otherwise. All our clothes and everything else will be carry-on.
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FAQs
TSA - tiny Swiss Army knife? ›
These are typically small folding knives, such as
Checked Bags: Yes
Except for plastic or round bladed butter knives. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on baggage; please pack these items in your checked baggage.
What happens if TSA finds a pocket knife? ›If caught with carry-on contraband, the unwary usually have four options besides surrendering it: Put it in a checked bag, give it to a relative or friend who's seeing you off, take it back to the car, or ship it home.
Is a small Swiss Army Knife considered a weapon? ›Although a Swiss Army knife is generally not considered a weapon and you are allowed to carry it in your pocket, there are places where it is still considered illegal (regardless of the type of knife or the size of the blade).
What size pocket knife will TSA allow? ›TSA in the US allows knives with blades that are 2.36 inches (6 cm) or less in length in carry-on baggage, but any knife with a fixed blade or locking mechanism is prohibited.
What is the smallest knife allowed on plane? ›Knives are no longer allowed even if they are shorter than 2.36 inches. Can I bring a pocket knife on a plane? You can only bring a pocket knife in your checked baggage.
Does the TSA sell confiscated pocket knives? ›There, state agencies sell surplus or confiscated goods via a bidding system. TSA-confiscated items for sale often include pocketknives, corkscrews and bottle openers. Simply search under the category of your missing item and cross your fingers that it shows up.
Are keychain knives legal? ›Pocketknives, Swiss Army knives, box cutters, and utility knives are all considered folding knives. Under California Penal Code Section 17235, all folding knives are legal in the state and can be concealed if they are in the folded position.
Does TSA throw away knives? ›This is a common scenario where you've not followed the law in packing or loading. According to statistics, the TSA confiscates an average of nine to ten firearms a day from carry-on bags. Other prohibited items that the agency collects include sharp objects such as throwing stars, swords, and knives.
What does TSA do if they find a weapon? ›
All weapons detected in carry-on bags are turned over to local law enforcement authorities.
Can pocket knives go through metal detectors? ›Some detectors are known to be pretty sensitive in detecting everything from a pocket knife to a body piercing. For the most part, if you don't normally carry something that may alarm the general public, you may have nothing to worry about.
What items are TSA confiscate? ›- Chainsaw, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
- Wine holder (shaped like a firearm), Sacramento International Airport.
- Fireworks, Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
- Machete, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
Swiss pocket knives or Swiss Army Knife, the most famous pocket knife. The Swiss pocket knife is a global term for a multifunctional and compact pocket knife with many tools.
Is a Swiss Army Knife a pocket knife? ›The Swiss Army knife is a multi-tool pocketknife manufactured by Victorinox. The term "Swiss Army knife" was coined by American soldiers after World War II after they had trouble pronouncing the German word "Offiziersmesser", meaning "officer's knife".
Is a Swiss Army Knife enough? ›The short answer is yes, they definitely can be the only EDC pocket knife you carry. That's because there are so many different variations of the Swiss Army Knife, that (most likely) there will be one to fit your situation.
Can I bring a multitool on a plane? ›In general, you are prohibited from traveling with sharp objects in your carry-on bags. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with knives of any length are prohibited. Please pack these items in your checked bags. Multi-tools (multipurpose tools) with scissors less than 4 inches may be placed in carry-on bags.
Can I bring an exacto knife on a plane? ›Most knives are not allowed past the security checkpoint (including, but not limited to, pocket knives, folding or retractable blades regardless of blade length or composition, box cutters, X-ACTO® knives, scissors with a pointed tip, straight razors, and Leatherman® or Victorinox Swiss Army® knives).
Can you bring tweezers on a plane? ›Checked Bags: Yes
Any sharp objects in checked baggage should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
It is an offence to carry any sharp or bladed instrument in a public place, with the exception of a folding pocket knife where the cutting edge of the blade is 7.62 cm (3 inches) or less.
Can I carry a 4 inch pocket knife? ›
Types of Knives You Can Typically Legally Carry
Knives that are usually legal to carry almost anywhere include multi-tool devices, Swiss Army knives, and utility knives, and knives with blades that are shorter than 2.5 inches.
Answer: All public schools have rules that prohibit students from possessing weapons at school. A knife is considered to be a weapon, but some schools have created an exception for a folding knife with a blade length of two and one-half inches or less. Other schools prohibit knives of any length.
What happens if TSA finds a prohibited item? ›As a result, prohibited items may result in both a TSA civil enforcement action and a criminal enforcement action. Before leaving home, remember to check your baggage to ensure you are not carrying any prohibited items to avoid a possible arrest and/or civil penalties.
What weapons are banned by TSA? ›Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. Replica firearms, including firearm replicas that are toys, may be transported in checked baggage only. Rifle scopes are permitted in carry-on and checked baggage.
Will TSA take my chips? ›Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage.
Are Swiss Army knives legal everywhere? ›This includes a “pocketknife” or “Swiss army knife,” box cutter, or “utility knife.” According to California Penal Code Section 17235, all folding knives are legal in the state and may be concealed as long as they are in the folded position. There is also no restriction on the blade length of a folding knife.
Can you walk around with a pocket knife? ›People in California can carry folding knives (other than switchblades) concealed on their person and freely in the open as long as the knives are in the folded position. And it does not matter how long the blade is. Folding knives include pocketknives, Swiss army knives, box cutters, and other “utility” knives.
Why are butterfly knives illegal? ›Because a butterfly knife is a type of switchblade under Penal Code 17235 PC, they are prohibited by Penal Code 21510 PC. A butterfly knife can be folded to hide the blades.
Why nail clippers is not allowed on planes? ›Summary. Yes, contrary to popular belief, nail clippers are allowed on planes. As are tweezers, small scissors and even small knives (except in the US for the latter). Therefore, there is no good reason not to travel light; you can bring everything you need.
Why is bleach not allowed on planes? ›* Bleach is considered to be either a corrosive or oxidizing substance, and is therefore not permitted to be checked in or carried on board.
What triggers TSA search? ›
TSA counts on the traveling public to report unattended bags or packages; individuals in possession of a threatening item; and persons trying to enter a restricted area or similar suspicious activities at airports, train stations, bus stops and ports. If You See Something, Say Something™.
What happens if you hit a TSA officer? ›According to TSA's internal guidelines, interfering with a TSA agent is punishable by a fine of $500 to $5,000. Larger fines are imposed if the defendant touches the agent or makes threats.
Does TSA really sell confiscated items? ›Lost and found items retained by TSA for a minimum of thirty (30) days, and if not claimed, are either destroyed, turned over to a state agency for surplus property, or sold by TSA as excess property. The state may dispose of the items through sales, destruction, donations or charities.
What knives can go through TSA? ›Except for plastic or round bladed butter knives. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors. For more prohibited items, please go to the 'What Can I Bring?'
Do store alarms detect knives? ›Security metal detectors are designed to detect metal objects such as guns, knives and tools.
Does aluminum foil stop metal detectors? ›Metal Detectors Find Aluminum and Metal Contaminants
So, x-ray machines cannot detect aluminum, foil, or metalized film, while metal detectors can.
The Transportation Security Administration randomly swabs passengers' hands at security checkpoints and airport gates to test them for traces of explosives. The TSA swabs are analyzed for nitroglycerin, nitrates, glycerin, or other chemicals. This was an expansion in 2010 from simply swabbing luggage and other items.
Can toothpaste get past TSA? ›Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, mouthwash and lotion.
Does TSA confiscate deodorant? ›The TSA prohibits containers with more than 3.4 ounces of liquid in carry-on luggage, so if you have a liquid or semi-liquid antiperspirant, be sure to check the quantity on the container. For example, many stick deodorants and antiperspirants come in sizes under 3.4 ounces, so it's fine to bring in your carry-on bag.
What's the difference between a pocket knife and a Swiss Army Knife? ›The SAK is made by Victorinox and is technically known as a multi-tool. It always has a spear-point knife and a host of different tools like can openers, scissors, screwdrivers, and others. The pocket knife, also known as a jackknife, consists of one or more blades that folds and is suitable to carry in your pocket.
Is a Swiss Army Knife a weapon or a tool? ›
There may be an exception, but any object can be a weapon. A swiss army knife is designed and primarily used as a tool. Many tools could be effectively utilized as weapons and all physical weapons can be utilized as tools.
Why do they call it a Swiss Army knife? ›Swiss Army knife, multibladed pocketknife that evolved from knives issued to Swiss soldiers beginning in 1886. Although the knives were originally produced in Germany, Swiss cutler Karl Elsener began making soldiers' knives in 1891, equipping them with a blade, reamer, screwdriver, and can opener.
Why are Swiss Army knives red? ›The name Victorinox was inspired by Elsener's mother Victoria, and the French term for stainless steel, les inox. And in case you were wondering: the iconic color red is no coincidence. It makes the knife stand out when lost in the snow.
Why are Swiss Army knives so popular? ›After World War II, American GIs stationed in Europe took a liking to the Swiss Army knife and bought many of them, turning them into a popular souvenir to bring back to the states. Since then, and the brand has continued to grow. Victorinox now makes other types of cutlery along with outdoor gear and watches.
Can you travel with a small Swiss Army knife? ›Checked Bags: Yes
Except for plastic or round bladed butter knives. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
Although a Swiss Army knife is generally not considered a weapon and you are allowed to carry it in your pocket, there are places where it is still considered illegal (regardless of the type of knife or the size of the blade).
What age is appropriate for a pocket knife? ›A good general age range for supervised knife use is somewhere between 5 and 7 years old. Buy a first time knife, explain how to properly use a knife, and only let them use the knife while you are instructing and watching carefully.
Can you take a Swiss Army card on a plane? ›No, you cannot bring a Swiss Army Knife on a plane. A Swiss Army Knife, pocket knife, firearms, or any weapon must be placed in your checked baggage, and you must follow TSA guidelines for transporting weapons on a plane.
Can I carry a Swiss Army knife at college? ›Pocketknives, Swiss Army knives, box cutters, and utility knives are all considered folding knives. Under California Penal Code Section 17235, all folding knives are legal in the state and can be concealed if they are in the folded position.
Can I bring a Swiss Army knife to school? ›Answer: All public schools have rules that prohibit students from possessing weapons at school. A knife is considered to be a weapon, but some schools have created an exception for a folding knife with a blade length of two and one-half inches or less. Other schools prohibit knives of any length.
Can you get a Swiss Army knife without a blade? ›
When a pocket knife comes without a blade, it can go everywhere you do. Make your next journey a well-equipped one with the Jetsetter, a sleek, slim profiled Victorinox piece that's packed with functionality, including scissors and a screwdriver.
What happens if you have a knife in your carry-on? ›The TSA has very strict guidelines regarding any and all sharp objects, and not for no reason. Essentially, it boils down to this: if it's sharp and useful, you're not allowed to bring it with you on a plane. At the very least, trying to bring a knife through a TSA security checkpoint will get that knife confiscated.
Are you allowed to carry a Victorinox? ›They often are made with a small 3-inch blade and have a non-locking blade which makes them legal to carry in most countries. Carrying these tools with a blade is fine as long as you have the right intention. We've listed the benefits of carrying this type of blade in comparison to other pocket knives below.
Can I take a Victorinox card on a plane? ›All of the Swiss Cards have a blade, scissor, or blade-like implement. Your only option would be to check it or selectively remove items prior to traveling with it as your carry-on. Otherwise you risk having it confiscated. However, there's at least a decent chance you'll get away with it.
Is a Swiss Army knife considered a knife? ›The Swiss Army knife is a multi-tool pocketknife manufactured by Victorinox. The term "Swiss Army knife" was coined by American soldiers after World War II after they had trouble pronouncing the German word "Offiziersmesser", meaning "officer's knife".
Can I bring a pocket knife to college? ›Subsection (b) of the statute provides that it is illegal for any person to bring or possess “any dirk, dagger, ice pick, or knife having a fixed blade longer than 2 1/2 inches upon the grounds of, or within, any [college or university].”
Is it worth carrying a Swiss Army knife? ›The short answer is yes, they definitely can be the only EDC pocket knife you carry. That's because there are so many different variations of the Swiss Army Knife, that (most likely) there will be one to fit your situation.
Why can't you bring a pocket knife to school? ›When a teen takes any type of knife to school, the local law enforcement may charge the youth with a crime of possession of a weapon. However, this may only occur if the child is caught with the blade.
Why do kids bring knives to school? ›But sometimes, students might bring guns, knives, or other weapons to school for attention, to protect themselves, or to threaten or harm others. If someone tells you about or shows you a gun in school: Get away from the person quickly and quietly. Tell an adult you trust right away.
Why carry a SAK? ›While not meant to be a combative tool for stabbing or slashing people, the SAK was meant to condense a toolkit down to a compact package. While the individual tools on a SAK aren't as potent as a standalone one, they work great for a lot of tasks, and are much easier to carry.
What is the blade with a hole in it on a Swiss Army knife? ›
And yet, have you ever stopped to think what purpose that little hole in the middle of it serves? It turns out that particular aspect makes it not only an awl, but also a sewing needle. It doesn't work quite like a traditional one, of course, because there's no way to push your entire knife through a piece of material.