Crossing US/Canada border w/knives

Will York

Will York

Joined
Jan 21, 2000
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I need advice from someone who has recent and/or extensive experience crossing the US-Canadian border on what the rules are for blades?

Specifically, I'll be crossing the border in a rental car, going from Seattle, WA to Vancouver, BC on I-5 next week, and returning the following week. I plan to take a ferry to Vancouver Island and do some hiking there, and would like to carry a large fixed blade in my pack and a large folder, partially serrated, in my pocket. Any problems with border crossing those kinds of blades?

Thanks, guys.
--Will
 
As long as I'm asking, just realized I need to know if there's any problem with carrying these knives in checked baggage on commercial aircraft within the US, as well. I'm assuming I can still put any kind of knife in a checked suitcase, but if anyone has had any negative experiences along those lines, I'd sure like to know about it.

Also, hopefully my border crossing question was obvious in that I need to know what the rules are on both the US and Canadian sides for entry with blades, as I'll be crossing back and forth.

-w
 
As long as the blades aren't restricted, you should be fine. If you tell me what the knives are, I can give you my best guess (i.e. free legal advice from a non-lawer!) as to how fine you should be.

Carrying fixed or folder isn't illegal in Canada. You just have to leave your autos, balisongs, gravity knives and ballistic knives at home :)
 
I have crossed back an forth a few times since 9/11 and had no problems.

It seems a fixed blade deep in the backpack would be fine. Not sure of the folder laws in Canada, but I'd put anything larger than a 3 inch blade in the pack, until you are out in the woods. 3 inches or less seems to be acceptable by most folks.

The Canadian officers have always been very professional and polite.
They want specifics as to where you are going and for how long. Carrying a small folder in your pocket should be ok. You should have good picture ID, and a copy of your Birth Certificate.

I have noticed that the Canadian cops and border patrol seem to do some of that dreaded "profiling" us American cops aren't allowed to do. If you look, smell, or act like a doper, they are going to check you out quite thouroughly. I'm clean-cut,have a clean car,I throw the backpack on the backseat and they always seem happy to share their beautiful country with me. Again, if you don't have a SPECIFIC reason for visiting Cananda, they'll look at you alot closer. They'll want to know the who, what, wheres about your trip.

I've backpacked there alot and everytime I told a border officer that they asked if I had maps and compass and told me to have a good time.

Good Luck and have a great trip.
 
WHen you get to the border, tell the commanding officer the truth as to what you have with you IE. knives, food, alchohol, weapons. Keep you story strait, they may try to trick you up for example when you first arrive theyll ask you were your heading and how long your staying, then just before you leave they'll ask "o yeah, how long you staying?" so just keep everything strait and you'll be fine. Also tighten the tension if possible on the folder so you can't open it by flicking the wrist, waving it open, gravity drop.
 
On a recent trip to New Orleans from Phoenix - through Minneapolis, I had no problem at all and I had over 50 knives in my checked baggage. I went on Northwest Airlines and it states on their web site that there are no restrictions on bladed objects. But just to make sure you need to check the web site for the carrier that you're taking.
 
Great info all around, guys. Thanks a million.

Crayola--I'd be taking a Busse Steel Heart E (7.5" blade) and a large Carson M16 folder with 4" drop-point blade, half serrated. So nothing too exotic. From the responses so far, I'm thinking I should be okay.

Thanks again to all,
Will
 
You should be OK with that combo. The addition of camping gear will cause them to pass unnoticed. The only question that you will be likely to be asked is whether or not you are carrying any fire arms.
 
Welcome to Canada Will, and enjoy your stay!


As George said, what you are taking should be juuuust fine. I carry an AFCK a lot, half serrated. The M16 is fine, I've seen CRKT m-16s in the stores all of the time.
 
Will

Remember, your knives are "tools" not "weapons". Carrying them to use as tools will not likely raise eyebrows. Carrying them as a weapon for self defense will!! (and could result in some sort of legal problems)

Hope you have a great visit!

(p.s. My Spyderco Matriarch is a great letter opener ;) )
 
Hey Guys....

Now hold on a minute...

Your talking about a Busse Steelheart E...

Might be a problem coming into Canada with that thing...

One question ??

Is it in an On/Scene Tactical sheath ??

If so,,you won't have a problem...:)

ttyle

Eric...
 
Will,
That Busse will pose a HUGE problem! Send it to me, and I will take very good care of it until you need it back:rolleyes: ;) .
You should be fine, I've had me CS Recon Scout (7.5") in my van without issue.
 
Those knives won't cause you any problems. If you run into an officer that is having a bad day you could be in for a bunch of questions. You know, ones like, "What the heck do you need those knives for?" Just give them the truth and don't try to be funny. It's amazing how few of these people have a sense of humor.
 
Those would definately be no problem.
If you're camping, make sure you carry them in plain sight so that the stupid cops won't have an excuse to seize it (conceal carry is not allowed by law)
The clip on a folder showing on the pocket is enough to constitute plain sight.
You'll be fine with your selection.
 
Will, I have not been across in the last couple of years, but I use to cross all the time in Detroit and Buffalo in my 18 wheeler. I only had one run-in on the Canadian side of Buffalo, NY. The customs officer asked me the usual questions. Got any guns, weapons, knives, cigarettes. I replied that I had a couple of knives. They asked to inspect them. I complied with the agent. I handed him an Old Timer sharpfinger and a Kabar. I got a lot of flak about what I needed the Kabar for, and I told the agent it was a survival tool from the jump. Anyway, the agent fondled the knives for a few minutes, and then handed my knives back to me saying that he could confiscate the Kabar, but he would let me have it back this time. That was the last time that Kabar went across the border, and the last time I went back to Canada in a 18 wheeler.

Now, if this is upsetting to any Canadian members, I have no reason to lie about it. I am just simply relaying first hand information in my life and times. Big D1
 
Originally posted by Normark
Now hold on a minute...

Is it in an On/Scene Tactical sheath ??
Click to expand...
Eric--Did you have to ask? You KNOW it is! :)

Keith and Big D1--I'm sure on any given day one could run into those kinds of questions with border officials. I live down here on the Tex-Mex border, and am familiar with the drill. Patience and straight-forwardness have always served me well, and I'll plan to use the same going into Canada. As long as I have a good reason to have the knives--camping and/or survival--sounds like I'll get through.

Thanks again to all.

-w
 
I'm glad this thread came up. I will be traveling to Nova Scotia this summer for my honeymoon. Most of the trip will be by car, but I will be taking a "mini cruise" ferry from Portland, ME to Nova Scotia. I plan on carrying my usaul EDC, a blue handle PE Delica and my leatherman micra. My question is, I usually carry the delica without a clip in the bottom of my pocket, does this qualify as concealed carry? Should re-attach the clip? In addition I will probably have a Kershaw double cross and may be a TOPS thunderhawk in my luggage. Please let me know what you think.

Please note my fiance may confiscate my TOPS folder and my soon to be ordered double cross if she finds out that I just ordered them. I have to get home and intercept the package from UPS.
 
In addition to the excellent advice already given, here's my additional .02 on how to act with border agents:

1. Open all vehicle windows on whatever side the agent is on.
2. Turn off the radio.
3. If you're wearing sunglasses, take them off.
4. LISTEN to the agent's question before answering.
5. Look them right in the eyes when you answer (even if THEY are wearing sunglasses)
6. Give short, concise, truthful answers only to the questions asked. Do not volunteer information.
7. Be polite (even if they're not).
8. Don't try to be funny.
9. If you do get an agent who simply wants to hassle you, immediately ask for a supervisor.

Small details, to be sure, but they're important IMHO. I have had ZERO hassles with border crossings for many, many years (even with the pre-checks we now have to go through)

And to clear up one small myth (I know it's a myth because most of my friends believe it): if you DO happen to be unfortunate and have your luggage or vehicle "taken apart" by the agent(s) - they do NOT have to repack everything for you in a nice orderly manner. That will be YOUR job.
 
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