Rick Steves Travel and Pocket Knives

Here are your choices:

1. Put your knife in checked baggage.

2. Don't bring a knife - buy one when you get there.

3. Don't bring a knife - get by without one.

I believe that covers your options. Note that "bring a knife in my pocket or in my carry-on" are not options.

Swiss Army Knives are not allowed on board the aircraft. Only in checked luggage. BTW, corkscrews are allowed in the U.S. but not allowed by EU security when boarding in the EU.

Kind of ironic....Europe not allowing corkscrews but the U.S. does.

They can be checked but not carried on.

I used to carry one with, until 9/11, now I pick one up on arrival. I never have any problem finding one at a decent price. I give it away before I fly home.

A few years ago, I bought a Swiss Army knife in Interlaken, used it for the balance of the trip, and mailed it home the last full day of our travels. The knife arrived via US mail a few days after our return. That’s another option.

Another option is to examine what you really need and adjust. I always travelled with a Swiss Army Knife, and while the blade was handy, I used the corkscrew and bottle opener most. I now travel with a corkscrew (allowed by TSA, may cause an issue with European short hauls) and a ziploc of a few plastic knives, forks and spoons for picnics. I was also able to find a plastic collapsable corkscrew with a bottle opener (complements of a Japanese hotel) that seems to satisfy all security personnel. Overall, don't miss the knife much.

If you won't use the knife, you may find some things that can be carried on.

I use the knife for cutting meat and bread, spreading stuff and impromptu repairs. When I ask the question did I use it enough to justify carrying it, the answer has always been yes.

I get a swiss army knife with a corkscrew, small scissors, tweezers, toothpick, can and bottle opener, screw drivers and a couple of blades. I like that I get a lot of options in a small package.

Just an FYI. My corkscrew was confiscated this morning at CDG. No biggie as it was cheap and I was on my way home. (I expected to lose it, I had before :) ) I carry one on weekly in the US without an issue, but that does not seem to be the "rule" in Europe.

Corkscrews are not allowed in Europe, but then, did you have to take your shoes off at CDG?

That's why, for my next trip, I will be wearing the new Victorinex Swiss Army Shoe. All the tools are cleverly hidden in the soles. The corkscrew is a heavy duty plastic. There's a can opener and a toothpick. Since it's a shoe there's more room than the traditional pocket knife. I really like the collapsible rain poncho.

Frank

Shoes stayed on at CDG. If you had metal stays they did set off the alarm, but mine were fine.

My point. The rules don't make sense. One place, shoes off/corkscrews ok, the other place, shoes stay on/corkscrews a no-no.

Swiss Army Shoes actually exist…made by Wenger, who also makes the knives. They’re highly rated for walking and hiking (but not so much for opening wine bottles). Travelers often ask about shoes…they might be wise to check these out.

I always brought a pocket knife pre 9/11. I haven't since and, frankly, never seem to miss it. I just take a few plastic knives for picnicking and made sure any meat items I purchase are pre-sliced.