You Can Now Fly with a Knife

You Can Now Fly with a Knife

Recently, I took a trip to Costa Rica. I faced that horror of horrors, the security line, with the kind of aplomb that would have put George Clooney’s character in Up in the Air to shame. I had my belt off, my bulky watch tucked into my carry-on bag, and had already emptied my pockets. Of course my liquids and gels were all in containers less than 100mL and stored in a clear plastic bag!

But, dammit. I had my pocket knife with me. And now, some happy TSA agent is surely opening packages, slicing fruit, and generally improving his day with my knife!

Nonetheless, this post is good news - this doesn’t have to happen to you. And no, you don’t have to leave your knife at home.

In fact, you should fly with your pocket knife! It’s handy to have, and it’s totally legal under two circumstances:

  • Its blade is 6cm or shorter
  • You are not flying to the USA, even as a layover.

    Canadian (and most international) regulations permit any pocket knives up to 6cm. What are you waiting for? Grab your pocket knife and take a trip! Even though, according to the Canadian Transportation Agency, talcum powder remains too dangerous for air travel, you can finally feel that freedom of carrying perhaps the most useful tool mankind has ever come up with: the pocket knife.

    If you're looking for a suitable pocket knife to add to your travel kit, the Opinel No. 5 meets the flight-safe criteria. The small blade is perfect for little tasks, and in the event of a water landing, the beechwood handle can be used as a floatation device.

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