Good? TSA Theft deterrent idea? How legal?

Jens Schuetz

Jens Schuetz

Joined
Jun 24, 2013
Messages
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I just had a new idea how to make life harder for the TSA or their friends the baggage handlers.

Over the years I got multiple knives stolen when flying.

Expensive Adamas at first but I learned, or tried at least.
Hiding things in diapers didnt help. The cheaper ones like Opinel disappear too and a single cheap Kershaw blade (handle in other suitcase) also left me. Even the tiny Spyderco Ark they found in one of my many pants which all have a multitude of pockets. Either they have lots of time to go through my stuff or they use x-ray?

Things only go away when there are no TSA inspection papers left in the suitcase. Also only knives have ever been stolen and nothing else. Not even a camera in the same suitcase!
Do they think flyers might not be sure it's allowed in checked in and credit the disappearance to that. Or that customers would feel awkward to complain about something "dangerous" like a knife disappearing?

Anyways. My idea is to use a Non TSA cable lock and loop it around the metal telescoping handle part inside the suitcase and through a lanyard hole in the knife. Might even bolt in some D anchor point into the case if there are no handle telescopes extending into it.
This way the good TSA guys can see and inspect it completely but wouldn't be able to disconnect it from the suitcase except with force. Also it will require any dishonest baggage handler to spend more time and force stealing and thus hopefully deter him from doing so and make him move on to the next victim's suitcase.

What are your thoughts regarding legality and success of that approach?

Thank you.
 
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That actually sounds like a pretty good idea. I may steal that idea and modify my laptop bag as well. I could tether my external drive to the case. Hmmm. Off to the hardware store I go! :)
 
When you fly if you have a legal concealed carry permit in the state you are going to put your knives in the locked box containing your firearms. No TSA agent is stupid enough to fuck with a box full of guns. I know some photographers that do this with their camera equipment also.
 
I've fly allot as well (200+ flights in 2015), but knock on wood haven't had any issues. I typically fly with 4 or 5 knives in my suitcase or tool bag. This includes fixed and folders. I have a tsa approved lock and since using it I've noticed that my bag gets inspected allot less. My lock has a tamper indicator if unlocked or messed with, so I can see if it was inspected even if they don't put a flyer in it.
 
When I fly I tie/tape shut zipper on checked luggage using string/tape from the heirloom collection. Stuff that is marked from use and no longer in production. That way I know if someone has been in my bag. I am not worried about TSA but being used as an unsuspecting mule. It is easy enough to cut open but I will know.

If knives are allowed in checked in luggage and they are being stolen you have a legit beef. Contact the airline.
 
This is a great idea! Maybe even just zip tie it to something bulky inside your bag! I would call the airline, the airport, the TSA & all of their moms too.
 
I'm sitting in a plane on the runway right now. Thanks for making me paranoid about my Manix 2 and Dragonfly in my checked bag. Ha

We'll see how it turns out when I land.... Tomorrow.
 
I'm literally on my way home after landing. I'm now slightly paranoid that my mnandi might not be there....
 
Maybe some STD cream and ointment packed away with your knives will make them think twice. But then again they may be to dumb to understand the consequences.
 
I don't know what the solution is, but TSA/Baggage person theft is one of the main reasons that I don't want to fly. If I have to put all of my guns, knives, whatevers in a bag, then they thumb through it and take what they like, I am not liking that solution.
 
I have not had any problems, but also left my nicer knives at home! You have an interesting idea though for those inclined to bring their better knives on trips.
 
Ive never had a problem with carrying a folder in my checked bag on a flight. But I do carry one of my cheapest knives (Tenacious) on my flights.
 
I've gifted several knives to a friend that lives abroad. Like 3 or 4 trips with a variety of fixed & folders packed in luggage bags. All arrived no problems.
 
Another very safe solution is to mail the knives to yourself each way. I think the chance of it being stolen in the mail is vastly lower.
 
What a shame that we have to go through all of this drama to have our pocket knife on vacation...
 
Misanthropia said:
Another very safe solution is to mail the knives to yourself each way. I think the chance of it being stolen in the mail is vastly lower.
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This might work for the occasional traveler who will be at their destination for awhile. However those like myself who can easily have 2-5 flights in a week spending a day at each destination that wouldn't work. Not to mention I usually get my travel info on Fri or sat and leave on Sun.
 
I refuse to fly. Haven't since I came home from Iraq in 04.
 
A bigger risk is bags with coil zippers. they can open them, pat the bag and close them up very very fast. cameras are safer because they have serial numbers, so only high dollar ones or lenses are at as big a risk. But something like a knife can be a couple bucks.

Even just zip-tieing the knife to the bag might be enough, but the cable makes them have to work on it. Take a look on youtube for lock opening techniques though, some are shockingly easy to open, even some of the "good" master locks.
 
Jens Schuetz said:
I just had a new idea how to make life harder for the TSA or their friends the baggage handlers.

Over the years I got multiple knives stolen when flying.

Expensive Adamas at first but I learned, or tried at least.
Hiding things in diapers didnt help. The cheaper ones like Opinel disappear too and a single cheap Kershaw blade (handle in other suitcase) also left me. Even the tiny Spyderco Ark they found in one of my many pants which all have a multitude of pockets. Either they have lots of time to go through my stuff or they use x-ray?

Things only go away when there are no TSA inspection papers left in the suitcase. Also only knives have ever been stolen and nothing else. Not even a camera in the same suitcase!
Do they think flyers might not be sure it's allowed in checked in and credit the disappearance to that. Or that customers would feel awkward to complain about something "dangerous" like a knife disappearing?

Anyways. My idea is to use a Non TSA cable lock and loop it around the metal telescoping handle part inside the suitcase and through a lanyard hole in the knife. Might even bolt in some D anchor point into the case if there are no handle telescopes extending into it.
This way the good TSA guys can see and inspect it completely but wouldn't be able to disconnect it from the suitcase except with force. Also it will require any dishonest baggage handler to spend more time and force stealing and thus hopefully deter him from doing so and make him move on to the next victim's suitcase.

What are your thoughts regarding legality and success of that approach?

Thank you.
Click to expand...

It's a great idea and great minds must think alike. I have been doing this for years and I have never had a problem. I started off using the cable locks that came with my firearms. I then changed over to Master Lock S806CBL3 adjustable cable lockout with a 3 foot cable that can 4 locks. The cable diameter is 5/32' thick. It fits most of my knives. I also have certain knives both big and small that I call my traveling knives. Most of them have a hole in the blade or a lanyard hole that this cable will fit through. My last trip I think I took about 6 knives locked up this way and I had no problems.

Tony
 
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