Let me start this post by explaining that I am not an extremist. I don't live in a remote cabin in Montana or subscribe to the "Nut-Job Times" but Thursday evening I was on a plane from CHI to my home, and was going through my bag to find some sticky notes when I ran across this knife pictured to the left.
This is a CRKT knife, not some pansy nail file, and it went through no less than 4 security checkpoints this week on my travels.
I didn't even know it was in the bag...and I don't remember how long it's been there. I traveled last week too and the knife has been in there at least that long. If my memory serves me correct I placed the knife in the bag to bring it home, from the office (I use it as a letter opener!) and I just forgot it was there.
I was quite shocked to find the blade there, and quickly placed it back in it's side pocket where it has been for a couple of weeks. Now I have a lot of stuff in my bag...computer...iPod...Nintendo DS...headphones...paperwork...magazines...pens...markers...journals... breath strips...gum...receipts...an assortment of cables that range from a dongle to power strips. So granted, there is a lot of stuff in the Torque. But if Johnny Law can catch my tiny tweezers coming through the scanner, then why can't they catch that 8" KNIFE as well!!!
Have I found the secret of smuggling weapons on to aircraft? Overload the scanner with electrical material and place your weapon in the side of the bag? Seems just a little too simple for my liking. Or, could it be that they saw the knife and judged me worthy to carry it on a plane? Maybe they thought I was a Ninja, and since Ninjas only use their powers for good, they let me slide? Or maybe 3 major airports and 1 medium sized one all missed my knife? Good job TSA...I feel safer already...good thing I didn't leave that C-4 in my shoes.
Sounds to me like you got off lucky this time, in the "didn't know" category. But... they only give out one of those cards every now and then.
Just remember that "the man" is meanest to those that are the most innocent. You are so guilty till you can prove that... you don't own that knife, you have never touched that knife and you never will own a knife. Good luck convincing them of that.
In the know,
Mr. Orange
Posted by: Mr. Orange | 05/02/2005 at 01:46 PM
For the love of GOD delete this article now!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Mr. Oi | 05/01/2005 at 08:27 AM
After this is over, you'll all be wearing gold-plated diapers!
Posted by: cancer | 04/30/2005 at 04:21 PM
Thanks Noble...appreciate you looking out for me...but you know - I'm not the guy anyone needs to worry about... me and my website are more dangerous than me and that knife, and that's not very dangerous at all. One love!
Posted by: a.brain | 04/29/2005 at 09:43 PM
A.
Heard about a guy who did a similar thing... posted it on his web. GOT ARRESTED! Be careful... I need ya around the next couple of years to help the dreams become reality!
Posted by: Noble | 04/29/2005 at 07:12 PM
Thanks Yuske...appreciate the comments, it helps pass my days at work too!!!
Posted by: a.brain | 04/29/2005 at 05:32 PM
Thanks for the clairification, I once had the "nail file" portion of my finger nail clippers snapped off by a female TSA security gaurd whilest trying to get through security. I would think one could do more damage with the clippers then with the blunt nail file..=/
BTW love the website, lots of interesting info here, helps me pass away my boring days at work.
Posted by: Yuske | 04/29/2005 at 05:01 PM
That's a software problem...it's supposed to say "journals...breath strips" I don't know why it won't post that right. It's the first time I've had a problem with Typepad not accepting my post as it is written.
Posted by: a.brain | 04/29/2005 at 04:53 PM
Just one question...What are jo strips??
Posted by: Yuske | 04/29/2005 at 04:09 PM
I'm not carrying anything other than a nerf ball when I fly...but then again - I don't like to make waves.
Posted by: tom delong | 04/29/2005 at 04:05 PM
I was carrying a lighter last time I flew and had to have my bag searched as a result. I'm therefore going to opt for the "ninja" explanation.
I've always felt like many of the security measures we use only serve to deter the average person. For the person who will go to any lengths to commit a crime, there is very little a society can do to stop them. In the end, I don't feel safe flying because of the TSA's regulations, but because I've faced death and decided not to fear it. Plus, I think life insurance might actually pay more if I go down in a plane...
Posted by: cancer | 04/29/2005 at 03:09 PM