Those are valid points, but need be qualified to some degree.

1. After a good long flight I need a bit of a stroll to stretch these long legs back out again. There've been a number of times my bags were on the carousel within 5 to 10 minutes of my getting there. Still, it would be nice to be able to just walk out of the airport right away, which I've also done by not having checked baggage with me.

2. I guess I've been lucky so far in that I've lost nothing in the airports that wasn't confiscated as contraband at the gate (oops, my bad). It happens, but it I don't accept that it is so often that is is a significant risk.

3. I've not had anything of significance stolen from my luggage yet.

4. That's why I spend the money to get the best I can find. So far nothing's been broken.

5. Quantity to transport is situational. If it is a week or less trip I am making, then checked baggage really is optional. Usually my trips are a bit longer, more involved, and I find it necessary to pack more than I can carry on.

It's been suggested here, and with good merits I believe, that shipping to your destination is a practical alternative. I do like that idea. It does reduce the risks mentioned above, and can make travel a lot easier. If I did encounter problems with checked baggage where I felt it to be too risky, this is something I would do. In fact, I've shipped baggage more than once already. As a rule, I do not put anything of significant value in my checked baggage, including my knives, camera, money, jewelry, etc. If I need a knife at my destination, I will post it or order or purchase a new one when I get there.