Link to web page

I am just curious if anyone has even tried to get one of these through airport security. Folded up and put with all your other keys, which are tossed in the bin with a lot of other stuff (at least in my case), it seems unobstrusive enough.

I guess I'll de-lurk...

I have carried a util-a-key for quite a few years. I've successfully carried it on a number of flights, including international flights. However, the last time I flew was in the summer of 2002 so YMMV.

I keep a very slimmed down keychain -- 5 real keys, util-a-key, fingernail clippers and small metal whistle -- and it wasn't noticed. If you are one of those people that has dozens of keys on your keyring(s), I think it would blend in even better. Throwing your keyring in the bottom of a purse or carry-on bag probably wouldn't hurt either.

I really like having a serrated edge any time there's a possibility I might need to cut through a seat belt. The util-a-key isn't much, but it's better than nothing. Also, it's cheap enough that if it's confisicated at the gate it's no great loss.

Another possible "stealth" knife is this:
http://www.garrettwade.com/jump.jsp?lGen...roductID=105025
which looks even more like a key.

Dave F>

Hmmm...I think the FBI might have aready twigged on to your link. In fact they produced a Pdf file, linked below, showing what concealed weapons are available!!
Its about 2.4mb in size, so I would right click and "save as"..
Interesting article with pictures too <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

http://datacenter.ap.org/wdc/fbiweapons.pdf

I would weigh the chance of actually needing one of those toy blades against what will likely happen should I get caught with one, and I would definately leave it at home. It's just not worth the risk--at least for me.

Regards, Vince

I would weigh the chance of actually needing one of those toy blades against what will likely happen should I get caught with one, and I would definately leave it at home. It's just not worth the risk--at least for me.

Some years ago, I drove by an accident where the vehicle was fully engulfed and the passengers had been unable to free themselves. (I came by long after the passengers had died and the fire was burning itself out.) After seeing that, I decided that I would always carry a blade that was capable of cutting through a seat belt in case I needed to free myself or someone else from a vehicle.

I've carried a util-a-key for years. I don't use the blade for general cutting (I EDC a larger folder), but the other functions (especially the small screwdriver bits) are useful in their own right. Unlike a SAK or multi-tool, the util-a-key is *always* with me.

Although I've flown with the util-a-key in the past, in my case that's now a moot point. As I said, I haven't flown since the summer of 2002. I strongly disagree with so many aspects of the TSA that I will no longer fly. Make EDC selection much easier. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Dave F>

Mine might have, ahem, gone on a flight with me last year. I had my keychain in my carryon bag, and nothing happened.

What exactly do you think would happen? They won't throw you in leavenworth. They will confiscate it and some TSA reject will sell it on ebay amd you will go along your merry way not even being made late enough to miss your flight.

That's what is most likely to happen--now. But you could also be taken aside for a "more thorough" search and miss your flight. And suppose they start cracking down on these hideaways? Leavenworth is not likely but an overnight stay in some local facility would not be out of the question, plus a hefty fine. And for what? So you can carry a little *toy knife? Can you baton with it? Use it as a weapon? I guess a terrorist might die laughing at the sight of it. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> The fellow mentioned having to cut his way out of a seatbelt. In a car, maybe, but an airliner? In all the hundreds of millions, maybe billions, of air miles logged how many times has someone had to cut their way out of an airplane seatbelt?

I think the TSA rules are foolish. I think that you should be able to carry a real knife on board. But the rules are what they are, and until they are changed I don't think it's wise to try to circumvent them by smuggling aboard a knife that is only marginally adequate for cutting your toenails. It might be worth it for some people, just not me.

Regards, Vince

P.S.: FWIW I also believe that you should be able to carry a firearm on board provided you load frangible ammunition and can pass a background check.

*Edit: I mean they are "toy" knives in terms of Survival only. I'm sure they are convenient to carry, but that's not the same thing.

I couldn't agree more. I could break the glass on a laptop and have a better cutting tool. Although I wouldn't be battoning with that either. : <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/blush.gif" alt="" />

I live a dull life, rarely straying from civilisation, and the chances of me being in a survival situation are virtually nil. Flying is the one time I do have a chance of being marooned somewhere too remote for instant rescue. That is when I'd most want to have a knife.

I don't agree that a little knife is useless. We've debated this before. For some tasks, like splitting logs, you need a big one, but there are a lot of jobs you can do with a small knife that you couldn't do at all without one. At least if it is a good small knife - I don't know the product in question.

Although I wouldn't advise anyone to try to circumvent the law, when the rules are bad subversion and civil resistance become possible moral options.

If on the day you decide not to risk it, just transfer the knife to your checked-in luggage.