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The FAA prohibitions on
passengers carrying knifes are; nothing with a blade over 4"(10cm) and not
'menacing' (FAA's word). Box knives would scarcely raise an eyebrow at
most airports. And there are literally hundreds of knives with blades
<4" that would make dandy weapons for this (Benchmade, Spyderco, Emerson, not
to mention the knock-offs), these can be bought by anyone almost anywhere in the
US. I am sure most of those on the list at least own a knife like this if
not carry if possible. I do (Benchmade mini-AFCK), and have only had one
airport refuse me passage (Raleigh-Durham, they said it was 'menacing'), the
rest usually say "cool knife....how do you close it?" (liner lock). I do
not attempt to carry it overseas.
I travel for a living
(>100,000 miles domestically last year) and have seen first hand how lax
security can be at US airports ( I have been to all three originating airports
numerous times, the tightest would be Dulles). The personnel at the
checkpoints are generally high school educated (if your lucky), 8 hours of
training and are paid minimum wage. Unlike several European and
Asian airports where security is taken VERY seriously by VERY serious people
(most whom are commissioned law enforcement or the equivalent). I am sure
this will change.
Gareth Livergood
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