Many of you have heard the news that the august body that is the TSA is changing their knife policy. Now would-be airline travelers are allowed to carry knives onto airplanes, however, only under these considerations:
You can carry a knife on board, so long as it isn’t a dangerous, stabby knife. CNN reports: “Knives with blades that are 2.36 inches (6 centimeters) or shorter and less than a 1/2 inch wide will be permitted on U.S. airline flights as long as the blade is not fixed or does not lock into place. Razor blades and box cutters are still not permitted.”
News reports have indicated that one of the reasons for this policy change is to speed up ticket lines. Apparently having to confiscate all those pocket knives is slowing things down.
Meyer said the policy change should work to speed up security lines. He said many passengers who currently have small knives intercepted will be able to go through the checkpoint faster.
Here’s the deal: The new rules state that the blade can’t be more than a half inch wide, longer than 2.36 inches, and can’t lock or have the quick thumb release. Umm…well, someone has to inspect those knives, right? Does the TSA realize just how many pocket knives are manufactured — much less how many have concealed locking mechanisms? Also, MANY pocket knives have locking mechanisms that are not apparent.
Place this 2 3/8 blade in a carry-on with toiletries, pens, and a corkscrew and what are the odds that TSA will catch it? Slim to none unless they slow things down and inspect the bag.
Interestingly, some of their old rules are still in place. This includes a prohibition against carrying kubatons. So when I travel I still have to leave my Comtech Stinger in my checked bag and I’ll still have to take my belt off. Ironic because the belt could be a flailing weapon or I could just use it to wrap my fist.
How long does a blade have to be to kill?
I learned this during medic training and again when I worked corrections. It typically takes a 2″ blade to touch the heart and a 1″ blade can cut a throat.
On a lighter note, Happy Place suggests several in-flight activities you can now do with your TSA-approved knife. Enjoy!
7. “Claim the armrest as your own.”
-BCP
