Airport Security Idiot [Archive]

Keith Silliman

10-28-2000, 12:00 AM

I fly every week on work-related travel. My usual carry is the Michael Walker Lightweight in a straight edge. Never have problems with getting it through-- put it in the basket with my keys, phone, etc.

Sometimes they open the blade, sometimes they don't. Often times they cannot figure out how to operate the liner lock. Usually, they figure it out, or ask me. Not last week.

I go through security, get my bags, and retrieve the basket. Put my hand in the basket and feel something sharp-- The security guard had not closed the knife!! Just put it in the basket-- open, without telling me!! Everyone knows how sharp spydercos are.

Unbelievable. He acted like it was my fault.

So--- be careful.

Keith Silliman

sal

10-28-2000, 09:07 PM

Hi Keith. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

Sorry 'bout the cut. Hope it wasn't bad.

"We learn from idiots, not to be idiots, they make the best teachers".

sal

sam the man..

10-29-2000, 02:15 AM

Ouch! Did the guy handed you a band-aid? Mr Walker's knife is indeed : Really sharp!

Sam

have spydies
will travel...

Christopher Doner

10-30-2000, 09:55 PM

Mr. Silliman,
Curiosity check, what airline do you fly on? I have never heard of any airline letting a passenger on board with a knife. I'm not readily familiar with the model you mentioned though. I once tried to go thru airport security (US) with a Kubotan (a 6 inch piece of wood blunt on both ends) keychain I've carried for almost 15 years and they would not allow it! So the story you posted is quite amazing. Not only is the security lacking (I'm sure your intentions were peacefull, but what about the knife toting sociopath with harmfull intentions boarding behind you?) the officers blatant lack of safety and common sense knife etiquitte is truly stunning. Your travel story is very unique. Good luck and be safe in your travels!

Christopher Doner.

NCBlades

10-31-2000, 06:39 AM

Most airlines do allow you to carry a knife as long as it is not too big. Sal and Spyderco specifically designed the Copilot model for airline travel. I have gotten by with a Spydie such as a delica w/plain edge or a Rookie. I don't know why, but they don't like knives that can be opened with one hand and has serrations. I always use both hands to open the knife if asked to do so. I recently went to a family attraction in Virginia and walked through the metal detector and it went off. I had just gotten my large Dyad and was carrying it. The guy took it from me and told me I could get it when I left that evening. I did however get through without it detecting my aluminum Cricket which I use as a money clip. When I got back to pick up my Dyad, there was a screw missing from the pocket clip. I was so mad, but I had to keep my cool because my preacher and his wife were with us. Wish Spyderco would make a full titanium model (blade, handle, screws, etc...) so it would not be detected by metal detectors. I would definitely buy one.
michael

Joe Talmadge

10-31-2000, 04:22 PM

Without going over all the rules again, plain-edged knives with blades under 4" almost always make it through here in the states, in my experience. I've never ever been stopped with a plain-edged delica or endura. My own experience is that I'm surprised when a security guard *does* give someone a hassle for a 3"-bladed plain-edge knife like the Walker Lightweight.

sal

11-01-2000, 01:44 PM

hi Christopher. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

There is no "they". the federal law on knives is 4" blade length. But local laws prevail.

Recently (2 years), the Feds don't like serrations, on any size knife.

These laws are enforced by individual security grards posted at each of the metal detectors. None of them have clear guidlines as to wht is or is not safe to bring on an airplane. They are forced to make their own dxecisions.

Yes, it is difficult, and the world would like clear directions....?

sal

jakelaw

11-13-2000, 09:50 AM

I have traveled fairly extesively throughout the US and have not had any trouble with a variety of knives. I usually have a "Q" for a money clip and have never had any trouble. I also travel with a surefire 3p I generally have more problems if the knife has serrations. I try not to have a blade with more that 3inches just to be safe. I had a lot of trouble fron a deputy in the Las Vegas airport a couple of years ago. I was carrying a C.R.K.&T. Apache. He told me that cops couldn't even carry those kinds of knives. As I am a police officer, I knew that was not true. I didn't argue though, I just put it in my carry-on and checked it. I am traveling back through there again in acouple of weeks and will post if I have a problem again. I will be carrying a Wayne Goddard light weight. I just purchased it on an auction on Policeone.com. If anyone knows about this knife please let me know. It is not even listed on the Spyderco website.

sal

11-18-2000, 01:31 PM

Hi Jakelaw. Welcome to the Spyderco forum.

We do make a variety of models that are fairly travel friendly. We recognize that many that wear Spyderco also travel.

Regarding the security guards; though it may be sometimes difficult to remember at the time, these fellow humans are doing their job looking for terrorists. Their crime is only ignorance of the "knife world". Select your travel pieces wisely and be patient with those that know less than you do, IMO.

The Wayne Goddard is still available to dealers until the 1st of the new year. Then it moves over to the "discontinued model" section of the website until inventory is gone.

sal

bethorn

11-18-2000, 03:36 PM

Greetings all,
I am fairly new to the knife world, having purchased my Delica lightweight just a few months ago. I would like some more info on these "airline friendly" knives; which ones would be recommended, and where is this Rookie model I hear about? I didn't see it anywhere in the product listing.
Are all Spyderco clips made of metal?

sal

11-18-2000, 10:01 PM

Hi Bethorn. Welcome.

The CoPilot was the original airline friendly knife. It came out back in the late '80's. We still make it.

Other current pieces that work well are:

Ladybugs (sometimes they don't like the teeth), I've not had a problem with them, although I've hard on rare occassions it has been a problem.

Pegasus - now discontinued, but thre are some around.

Navigator - made in a variety of handle choices. Current model is an elegant Almite version with 7 slots cut into the handle.

Michael Walker's in plain edges are usually ok.

D'Holder "toads" always seem to go through without a problem.

Dyad Jrs are ususally ok.

Dragonfly's are ok

In all cases, try the plain edge. teeth are a no-no at this time.

sal

Marc

11-27-2000, 09:47 PM

I travel quite a lot, and have had the best luck with the "Toad," although the navagator also usually works. I just got back from Europe. The Toad made it into both the Reijksmuseum and the Vatican museum without a hitch. At the Vatican the were taking even small Swiss army knives! Don't try most domestic carriers with any serrated blade. I forgot I had a blue native on once, and had to check it. I hate to check any of my knives, so I now always fly with the Toad only.

Brian_Turner

11-28-2000, 07:59 AM

The X-Ray at Chicago-O'Hare picked up the Mouse in my backpack on Thanksgiving. I was asked if I was carrying a knife, and I smiled and answered "yes". They asked me to show it to them. I removed it and opened it. They started laughing, and told me to go ahead. They said it was a really cute little knife, and seemed embarassed to have stopped me.

G35

11-28-2000, 08:17 AM

Went to the Minneapolis airport with my wife to meet a friend of hers who had a layover. Had to pass through security wearing my new plain blade Delica. Set off the alarm so I put my knife and keys in the tray and walked through and picked up my stuff and went on my way. They never even looked at my knife.

sam the man..

11-28-2000, 02:46 PM

Love the "Mouse" and "Toad", these critters are so airport friendly! <img src="smile.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle>

Sam

have spydies
will travel...

afee

11-28-2000, 08:27 PM

You think thats bad? Flying out of Oakland last weekend i was stopped and harassed for tying to board with a 29" skateboard. Seems Oakland has the highest rete of terrorist skateboard attacks of any domestic airport. Made me check it. Lucky it didn't go off in the cargo hold and have the wheels spin or something.

Can't wait for my plain edged copilot!

dePaul

11-29-2000, 02:39 AM

Seems like the US security guards are far more tolerant than those in Europe. Since I live in Sweden and do regular trips to Central Europe, I have always had troubles bringing a quality knife with me. For about a year ago I had to do some business in the Czech Republic. Strangely enough I somehow managed to smuggle the knife (Puma Cub, 2,5&quot<img src="wink.gif" width=15 height=15 align=middle> through the security checkpoint in my pocket. The alarm didn´t go off.
However on my return journey I was stopped at the airport in both Czech Rep. and Denmark. In Denmark, I had to check out and fetch the knife, than to check in again and leave it to be posted to my home.
Their problem was that the knife was a lockback! It looks like the length of the blade was of a lesser problem than the ability to lock it.

dsvirsky

11-29-2000, 02:07 PM

afee,
Was that Oakland, CA? Because I've had no problem taking knives through that airport (and knives are what count, not skateboards). In fact, when I asked one of the guards what the rules were, I was told that the FAA limited on board carry to 4" (apparently not all airport security guards are idiots).

They're probably just tired of all you young whipper-snappers skateboarding down the aisles of the airplanes, disturbing the rest of us, and spilling our drinks.

Dave

cutler34

11-29-2000, 02:35 PM

I flew to New Zealand about 4 years ago.I had a Victorinox Tinker, Ladybug, and a Delica in my pockets. I also had over 40 knives in my briefcase with my laptop.They didn't stop me going into NZ or coming back into Australia. Must've been lucky I guess.

Regards
Ricki
info@outdooredge.com.au
Spyderco Club Member

baszerkawits

03-20-2001, 11:06 PM

At 14 I had my old 3.75 inch S&W SWAT knife, and carried it onboard the plane for a trip to Pittsburg(grandma) I put the knife in the tray with my watch and my change and the security gaurd asked me to open the knife.

I opened the knife REAL fast with one hand, and it was serrated inside for about 1.5 inches. He shrugged and said "neat" and I was on my way. I don't think that I should've been able to board the plane with that knife.

formula44

03-21-2001, 10:04 AM

I have heard of people not being allowed to carry a nailfile onto an airplane. Seems how much steel you can carry on board is subject to change depending on how nervous the airlines are. A Delica might be OK by FAA rules, but the individual airlines could have stricter rules.
P.S. Metal detectors detect all metals, not just iron and steel.

Blade

03-21-2001, 05:04 PM

While going through a metal detector at a neighborhood movie theater, it went off from my tiny swiss army key chain knife. They would not allow me into the movie with the knife!!

fannin

03-21-2001, 10:05 PM

From what I understand the FAA rules limit blades to less than 4". The seration obsession was picked up by the individual airlines. I was told that at some seminar on safety a supposed expert showed how he could, "saw metal", with it. I've checked knives at several airports here and abroad. Seems like the ones I leave in my carry on just get scanned and thats it. I've only been questioned twice concerning a knife. Once was by the secret service at a presidential event at the university. I was carrying a full size rescue. After showing my ID and a few questions they passed me. The other was at CNN headquarters. They made me leave it with the guard. Go figure. I think that the new delica blue in plain edge will be a good carry knife though.

Mancer

03-22-2001, 12:34 AM

Does airport Security actually allow people on the aircraft carrying knives?, reason I ask is because Im going to be flying to another city at the end of June and always have my Matriarch clipped firmly to my side, and Im not to impressed with the idea of leaving it in my luggage since I dont trust airport staff in this country (or any other bar Singapore,lol)
Was wondering if you guys reckon they'd let me though onboard with the Matriarch.

Many thanx

MaNcEr

It's Time To Kick @$$ 'N Chew Bubble Gum

dsvirsky

03-22-2001, 10:39 AM

Matriarch? They say that all things are possible, but that one's way, way down the list towards unlikely. Plain edge, under 3" is your best bet.

Dave

earthworm

03-23-2001, 04:51 AM

Y'all ain't gonna like my practice,but whenever I fly I leave my good knives @ home & buy a cheapie when I arrive.Beats all the hassles & loss of good steel.

cockroachfarm

03-23-2001, 04:05 PM

No argument from me, earthworm. I often do the same thing. Getting into an argument with these security nimrods (and perhaps losing a good knife) is not worth the trouble just to make a point.

Ewok

03-23-2001, 04:17 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=1 face=arial>quote:<hr height=1 noshade>Are all Spyderco clips made of metal? <hr height=1 noshade></BLOCKQUOTE></font><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2> No, some of the FRN (plastic) handle models had integral clips of the same material. I think they're great, but SpyderCo doesn't do them anymore.

earthworm

03-27-2001, 02:51 PM

Two alternatives to my'buy a cheapie on arrival'post are:
1.Find a knifeshop @ your location & purchase a duplicate of the knife you left @ home & be prepared to sacrifice it when you fly home.One might take it to the airport & ask:if it goes home with you great;if not...The obvious drawback is expense:I for one cannot afford a new Spydie each time I fly!*G*
2.Ship the knife or knives to your destination.You can do this by shipping to a trusted friend @ your destination or to 'General Delivery:Hold Until Called For'.Drawbacks are obvious:cost,inconvience,possible loss.
I'd reserve these two suggestions for extended stays or special trips; say an African safari.

BRAM

03-27-2001, 03:15 PM

Ok use common sense..LOL..get a travel SPYDERCO..thats right a deddicated travel knife...like...
Navigator
Co Pilot
Cricket
Mouse
whatever..
check your other favorite knife IF you really need to have it in your check in baggage....Then carry the ultra small travel SPYDERCO with you..I mean how big a kife do you need to open those stupid bags of peanuts, cut out an advertisement from the magazine or cut your seat belt...ROFL...

Its not worth arguing with the people in airport security..they don't know and they 're not paid enough to care....

As for carrying a KUBATON..its i;l;egal in airports and many other places..Its officially an LEO tool and its actually called by name as an unacceptable tool to be carried in airports or onto the planes..

See ya..Travel safely..
Oh by the way EUROPE is very different than we are..NO knives @ all in England..NONE..
check carefully before you travel.. I carry the smallest one possible and before i go through security its with a bunch of other metal....
We (Spyderco)were just in Germany and they took a Navigator from me in Frankfurt..going..not coming back..go figure..
Once in Frankfurt they held me up for 45 minutes discussing my leatherman II...

jamafa

03-30-2001, 01:49 PM

Hi, I have just bought my first Spyderco and saw this last post in the forum.

The chances are that you may get your knife into the UK but you may not get it out again.

The UK laws on knives are thus:
Offensive Weapons - Any Person who, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof whereof lies with him, has with him in any public place, any offensive weapon, is guilty of an offence.
Points and Blades - It is an offence for any person to have with him in a public place, an article which is sharply pointed or with a blade, OTHER THAN A FOLDING POCKET KNIFE WITH A BLADE NOT EXCEEDING THREE INCHES (7.7CM) without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, the proof whereof lies with him, is guilty of an offence.

Basically, keep it short and simple, and obviously a pocket knife. A Harpy may be just less that 3" but it will look offensive to our Police. You can bet a conviction on that.

Knives, of whatever size will have to be put in carry on with any other non-leathal metal objects you may be carrying. Alternatively you can get them to box it up and put it in the cargo to pick up when you disembark.

Don't go flashing you knife, of whatever size, around too much. Be cautious and you will be ok.

Damn good knives though!

coldsteel

03-31-2001, 05:31 AM

A couple of years ago, while flying out of Casper WY. a fellow hunter had put his hunting knife in his carry on. It was a fixed blade, probably about a six inches or so. Airport security made a really big deal about it. They took him a side, demanded to know what he planned on doing with the "weapon" while on board. They then called the local sheriff, who finally talked some sense into the security people. Explaining to them, that this guy was just a hunter, who didn't realize that he shouldn't be carring the knife on the plane. They finally let him board the plane, which was delayed from take off for about a half hour. Then the poor guy had to then endure some nasty looks and mutterings from some of the passengers that were going to miss their connections in Salt Lake because of the hold up he caused...Coldsteel

PAT

05-17-2001, 05:04 PM

THE SECURITY PERSONEL ARE NOT THE PROBLEM. THE AIRLINES ARE THE PROBELM. I AM A POLICE OFFICER AND WORK PART TIME AS A LEO AT A AIRPORT. THE FAA SAYS 4 INCH IS OK AND SERRATIONS, BUT ALLOWS AIRLINES TO BE MORE RESTICTIVE. IT GETS SO REDICULOUS. AT ONR AIRPORT ONE SET OF GATES IS CONTROLLED BY ONE AIRLINE AND FOLLOWS THE FAA REGS. THE OTHER SET OF GATES IS MANAGED BY ANOTHER. NOTHING OVER 3 IN OR NO SERRATIONS, THIS IS AT THE SAME AIRPORT.SO CHECKING WITH THE AIRLINES YOU ARE FLYING MAY NOT HELP. SOUTHWEST IS THE MOST RESTRICTIVE AIRLINE.

scoobydoo

05-18-2001, 03:32 PM

I guess, after reading all of these posts about un-informed airline security, and the recent release of "Hannibal," I wouldn't be a real big hit carrying my SS Harpy with the fully serrated edge on board any planes, huh?

jeremy

They actually PAY me for this??

yog

05-19-2001, 04:11 PM

Just to bring Jamafa up to date.
The UK law was amended in the last couple years. The 4" folder rule has gone out the window. Now it is any object that is "deamed" to be an offensive weapon.
This has probably come about because of the fashion of football hooligans carrying stanley knives with their 1" blades. The upshot is that you can be arreseted for carrying a sharpend pencil as long as the arresting officer deams it an offensive weapon.
Common sence says I should be alright with my Laydybird on my key ring. But my serrated Military might be pushing it ;-))

clipiteer

05-22-2001, 09:40 AM

The mini police necklace or tie clip shouldn't violate even the strictest airport security regulations, but it might be a little small.

ftkinney

05-22-2001, 09:49 AM

i think that i sould sit down and design the least offencec wepon possible: straight flat grind blunt rounded tip with a bright "barbie pink" handle emblazonded with a hello kitty sticker. actually the way 90% of the people looking at the handle allone would not even ask to open it. and you could a double lock back with a Chinook on one side and a fully suraded harpy on the other. but then again who would whant to carry that pink handle any way.

FTK