Dirk

[prattw]

If even a dull blade has a point it could still be an effective weapon. I'm not saying all knives are bad or anything like that, in fact I have been carrying a sarge knife from himalayan imports for the past week and have found it to be very useful. But if you are going to carry a blade I feel it should be the real deal. If you are going to a place that wouild not let the blade in then don't wear one, or leave it at the door.

MHO

In fact, it's the point that does the damage with a stabbing weapon such as a dirk. But for some reason, that doesn't seem to register with the usual guards. Ceremonial weapons have been worn for a very long time; they are, in effect, male costume jewelry. Court swords, for example.

Will Pratt

[GlassMan]

I was going through airport security in San Francisco. Mind you, I'm in a wheelchair and the TSA screener looks at my kilt pin (which is in the same of a sword) and starts to tell me that even though it isn't sharp, has no real point and is too flimsy to be used as a weapon it could be perceived as one and that he'd have to confiscate it. I started to raise a fuss, since it had been perfectly fine for the flight to San Francisco. A supervisor came over, and the TSA screener explained what was going on in not so glowing terms. She then looked at the screen, rolled her eyes, shook her head, apologized to me and told him that jewelry is not a weapon. She also told him to do a risk assessment and that a man in a wheelchair with an obviously visible weakening of his leg (one leg in a brace and smaller than the other) is not going to a threat on a plane.

Of course, she's never been around me after beans otherwise she might have quarantined me!

[flyv65]

In fact, it's the point that does the damage with a stabbing weapon such as a dirk. But for some reason, that doesn't seem to register with the usual guards. Ceremonial weapons have been worn for a very long time; they are, in effect, male costume jewelry. Court swords, for example.

Indeed, common sense seems to be in short supply sometimes where "security" is an issue. I was once told by TSA personnel that my clan badge (on my balmoral) was a weapon due to the pin, but they politely waved me through ignoring the 10-inch tapered aluminium chopsticks in my briefcase. I once had a drone call over a supervisor because they were unsure whether or not I should be allowed past with a laser pointer in my posession.

Be that as it may, I'm talking about flying and the concern some of you have posted is for public events such as a Burns' supper: in truth, I've never been to a restaurant, pub, or celtic function of any kind where I was questioned about my knife (or knives as the case my be).

Bryan...maybe things are just a little more easy-going here in the Rockies... :grin:

[Bob C]

Has anyone tried flying with a dirk and/or sgian dubh in your checked luggage? Obviously, they could not be in your carry-on, but I wonder about a checked bag.

I'll have occasion to travel, with my formal kilt outfit, next year. I didn't see anything prohibiting blades on the airline website, but I'd sure hate to have them seized and go through all the accompanying crap.

[GlassMan]

You should go to the TSA website at Homeland Security. They have the complete and most accurate list of items that are prohibited in carry-ons and also in checked baggage. That way you can at least print it out and show them proof it is allowed.

[flyv65]

I've checked fixed bladed tantos with no problem before, but to echo Glassman, hit the TSA website, and print out a copy of the pertinent parts for travel.

Bryan...just in case, ya know...

[switchblade5984]

heh it helps with a US military id

but let us know on the fixed blade thing

[macwilkin]

Cheap as it is, I don't want it confiscated when I wear it to Burns Night.

Will -- what venue would prohibit dirks, etc. at a Burns Night? No one has ever said anything to us at the local hotel where we have ours, and we usually have several dirks, broadswords for the Haggis escort, and of course, a fair amout of sgain dubhs.

Cheers,

Todd