travelling with multitools

[em]

hello everyone, i know there are some similar topics here but none of them answers all of my questions and you know how often these things change. I will be travelling soon from europe to the US where i'm gonna be in new york, philadelphia and probably washington and then i'm going to Mexico and after a week or so back to europe the same way. and now the question is whether i can take my swisstool spirit and victorinox climber with me? of course it would be in my main luggage when flying from place to place. i've just looked for some informations and it looks scary but how it is in practice?

[Benner]

As long as you leave it in your checked luggage then you'll be fine.

Be sure to check on the carry laws of each place you visit though before you carry it out in public.

[em]

ok, so let's say i'm in New York where it's kind of illegal to carry a knife in public (or am i wrong? i hope i am). Does it mean that i can have it in my bag? where is the difference between 'in public' and 'not in public'? i know these questions may sound stupid but in my country i can have a knife almost everywhere without any restriction.

[Zack]

best advice is don't do anything to make you look suspicious.  DOn't draw attetion to yourself and you will be fine.

[sardauker]

I had my multi at the belt when I travelled across USA in a pre-9/11 2001.
No problem anywhere, even at the Pentagon or at the White House tour. I had only to show it to the security before entering metal detectors in such places.

Now, I really hope that, even after Patriot Act, no law-enforcement officer could see a plier, or a not-so-long knife you usually need two hands to open, as a menace...

[Pacu]

I carried my Wave with me to New York City last year. If you go to any tourist-y areas they hassel you at the ever present security screenings. 30 Rock and the Empire State were the worst for cavity searches. I had to leave my Wave with Biz Markie the security guy for 3 hours.

[EZ822]

ok, so let's say i'm in New York where it's kind of illegal to carry a knife in public (or am i wrong? i hope i am). Does it mean that i can have it in my bag? where is the difference between 'in public' and 'not in public'? i know these questions may sound stupid but in my country i can have a knife almost everywhere without any restriction.

As a former resident of NYC I can tell you that SAK's and Leathermans are commonly carried in and around the city. Cops don't have a problem with them unless you use them irresponsibly or commiting a crime. You will however have a problem if you are caught carrying an assisted or gravity opening knife. If you want to play it safe just carry the Climber. It draws less attention. Have fun!!!

[american lockpicker]

I had my multi at the belt when I travelled across USA in a pre-9/11 2001.
No problem anywhere, even at the Pentagon or at the White House tour. I had only to show it to the security before entering metal detectors in such places.

I wish we had that kind of freedom today.