Right on, Jeannette-
We carry knives only because they won't let us carry swords.

I agree that EMT shears can do almost anything that a knife can do-scissors are, after all, just two funny-looking knives hooked together. And, with the regard to psk's that will make it past the airport screen, please note that pointed scissors with blades less than 4 inches are permissible. (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm)
So, one can travel with a useful edged device-EMT shears.
So under your gentle and astute guidance, we will soon see the blade in the DRPSK replaces with teeny scissors from a swiss army knife.