Bladeless Victorinox SAK MOD

[pa_strunk]

I have been piddling around with a  “bladeless” SAK mod that I could use as a carry on when I do not check luggage. Do you guys think 🤔 the TSA will let the new box opener slide?

[AzteCypher]

I'd wager that they wouldn't because it's still a "blade" of sorts.  In the past I've seen a lot of Classics "relinquished" because of the blade even though it's very small.

[nate j]

Do you guys think 🤔 the TSA will let the new box opener slide?

I wouldn’t bet on it, but it’s all going to depend on what TSA agents you get.  They have such broad discretion that it could easily go either way IMO.

[mzil]

It's not just "will they let it slide" in my view. They have a long line of people to get through and are under pressure to do it quickly. They don't have the time to open up and inspect every single tool on a multitool to thoroughly examine it. They are programmed to consider SAKs as an automatic "NO" . Personally I'm not the type to argue with a TSA agent because you're seconds away from getting wrestled to the ground and arrested if there is a miscommunication about you insisting you are allowed to carry a "dangerous item" onboard and refusing to surrender it, even if technically you are in the right.

Also consider that like with any industry (think baggage handlers) there's a certain percentage who are dishonest and quick to pocket something that appeals to them to either own or later sell.

P.S. I read once that SAKs are the number one most confiscated surrendered items at these check points. The TSA collects tons of them.*

The TSA aren't allowed to profit from them directly so what they do is donate them to charities like some churchs, or other government agencies, who sell them to used dealers in huge lots, who then sell them individually online at auction sites.

* "In 2015, the TSA intercepted 22,044 “dangerous items” in airport security screenings across the U.S."

[Juan el Boricua]

Seeing how many Classics, Ramblers, Minichamps and other small, pocket tools are confiscated then sold online, I would not risk it. Besides what others have said, I see what would be considered a slashing tool ( I know, wouldn't k*ll but can cause a big gash) in the new opener; I see poking tools in the phillips and SD and, as I undestand thet are no longer allowing scissors in-cabin. So, I'd hate too lose those beatiful scales and workmanship over some paranoid agent with superiority complex and issues.

[pa_strunk]

Great thoughts all, yeah, I  probably won’t try it. What bumfuzzles the c____ out of me is how a SAK blade of any size scares anybody more than some guy brandishing a corkscrew. Especially if the bad guy is holding it in a t-handle position between his knuckles. I tried googling violent crimes with Swiss Army knives and well I just did not find a lot supporting evidence. 

[nate j]

Great thoughts all, yeah, I  probably won’t try it. What bumfuzzles the c____ out of me is how a SAK blade of any size scares anybody more than some guy brandishing a corkscrew. Especially if the bad guy is holding it in a t-handle position between his knuckles. I tried googling violent crimes with Swiss Army knives and well I just did not find a lot supporting evidence. 

Your mistake here is assuming the regulations make sense.  They don’t, and they probably aren’t going to any time soon.

There are plenty of items that are objectively more dangerous than small folding knives yet are still allowed to be carried on, including canes, antlers, knitting needles, etc.

As you may be aware, TSA has made an attempt (post 9/11) to change the rules to allow small folding knives on commercial aircraft again.  The stated reasons were to allow officers more time to focus on items that might actually be threats to the aircraft, and to better standardize the rules with other countries for international travel.  However, the draft proposal caught so much flak (mostly from the flight attendants’ union and certain politicians) that it was dropped.

[nate j]

I undestand thet are no longer allowing scissors in-cabin.

May I ask where you got this information?

The MyTSA app says:

[mzil]

If I remember correctly the terrorists on 9/11/01 are said to have immediately murdered flight attendants using box cutters (to get everyone's attention) and think about how short those blades are.

It was a weird day for me. We were let out of work early and I had to post a sign on the front door saying "Closed due to national catastrophe." The entire US airspace was locked down. First and only time in US history. As I walked home everything was fairly silent but all of the sudden, out of nowhere, we hear an approaching jet. Everyone on the sidewalk froze in their tracks and looked up. . . . It was an F-15 flying in the direction of New York City. Everyone made a huge sigh of relief. "Oh thank God: it's one of ours!"

[Juan el Boricua]

May I ask where you got this information?

The MyTSA app says:

Yes, I know that info. from your app, and the TSA page, and the airport, and the airline BUT,  my experience 8 months ago in a domestic flight, and other family members and friends thereafter, is that the best way for you to loose a small pair of collapsible scissors (mine were like the ones in the first image) is due to the "small print at the beginning of the page" (2nd image); no matter what I or them stated, they kept them. We are not risking any more tools to TSA agents. We were able to travel with them without worries before, but not for the past year. It might be anecdotal, but too many cases on my side of the pond to risk any more tools.  [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]    [ You are not allowed to view this attachment ]  

[nate j]

Yes, I know that info. from your app, and the TSA page, and the airport, and the airline BUT,  my experience 8 months ago in a domestic flight, and other family members and friends thereafter, is that the best way for you to loose a small pair of collapsible scissors (mine were like the ones in the first image) is due to the "small print at the beginning of the page" (2nd image); no matter what I or them stated, they kept them. We are not risking any more tools to TSA agents. We were able to travel with them without worries before, but not for the past year. It might be anecdotal, but too many cases on my side of the pond to risk any more tools.  [ Quoting of attachment images from other messages is not allowed ]    [ Quoting of attachment images from other messages is not allowed ]

Well, that’s disappointing. 

They definitely do leave it to the agent’s discretion.  Almost seems like they should erase all the rest of the guidance and just put “Whatever we say goes; whatever we say doesn’t go, doesn’t go.”  At least that would be honest.

[Swisster]

the box opener tool and scissors are both blades and don't classify as bladeless but to have a true bladeless SAK it won't have much of what I like about SAK's. That titanium SAK mod is nice but costs a fortune to make and doesn't warrant the price to make or have one. It would take a Companion and a Explorer to make one plus titanium scales. It would be roughly $200-ish just in parts to make one of those. It's nice but the price to make one is ridiculous and a huge diminished return

[Farmer X]

The TSA aren't allowed to profit from them directly so what they do is donate them to charities like some churchs, or other government agencies, who sell them to used dealers in huge lots, who then sell them individually online at auction sites.

I always wondered how one got hold of those lots. My theory was as follows: the really good stuff was pocketed by the confiscating agent. Good stuff stayed with the person who purchased the lot. Decent stuff goes on eBay singly or in small lots. smurfty ones wind up in those "5LBS of multitools TSA confiscated" lots.

Personally, I wouldn't take a chance. I'm not up to speed with current regulations, as I haven't flown since 2006. So I'd have a lot of refreshing to do. Best to stay on the ground unless the FAA finds me properly qualified to exercise the privileges of Pilot.

[Swisster]

A SwissCard would probably not get taken if you take the scissors and blade out of it before leaving home. They should make a TSA friendly Swiss Card and market it as such

[Explorer]

i had a 58mm jetsetter taken by TSA because of the scissors so can't really see them being cool with the box cutter or even the larger scissors but who knows you could get lucky 

[AzteCypher]

Good to know about the scissors.  We're going to take a trip in October and we always have a first aid kit with us.  Wife wanted me to make a bladeless Classic to pack in the first aid to take with our carry-on.  That sounds like a no-go now.

[GA1dad]

I have been piddling around with a  “bladeless” SAK mod that I could use as a carry on when I do not check luggage. Do you guys think 🤔 the TSA will let the new box opener slide?

I really like your creation! With just a couple of tweeks it would be a good option for teachers and students, I would think.

[ReamerPunch]

That looks great!
I would not take any chances with the TSA. All it would take is one agent, and you'll lose it. Even with just a bottle opener and fish scaler, you can still get a TSA agent who will not allow it to go through.