Laws Regarding Carrying A Knife (as a tool or for defense)

Nick-H

Really? Do you have any backup for this rather alarmist statement?

__________________
.


Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Sadanand Kamath

I would suggest that as a matter of prudence, any type of utility knife or scissor, at best, be put in check-in baggage (instead of carrying in cabin baggage). There is a tendency on part of Security staff of the Security Check counters at airports - both in India and abroad - to interpret the security concerns in their own way.

Sadanand

capt_mahajan

Generally speaking, carrying a knife for self defence has no value unless you are mentally prepared to stick it into somebody.

Corrobarative short story. A Norwegian colleague and I get waylaid at 3am in Indonesia by four youngsters, who politely tell us that they will shoot us if we don't give them our money. (No gun is visible or ever seen, btw)

So my Norwegian friend literally unbuttons his shirt and bares his inebriated chest at them, and says, "Kill".
They walk away.

At my alarm at his behaviour (what if they really had a gun? Maybe they did), he had this to say.. "It's not so easy to kill somebody"

trekkinmama

In the US, you can't even bring a nail clipper into the cabin. They don't even give us plastic knives to eat with anymore. I wouldn't dream of having my stuff in my carry-on. We can't even bring more than 3 ounces of shampoo!!!!

trekkinmama

"

Captain, it is not so easy for most of US to kill somebody. I'm sure you know that there are folks out there for whom it is not so difficult.
That being said, one should always be prepared to do what is necessary for self-preservation. I believe that peaceful coexistence is best, but also prefer my continued existence, period.

Nick-H

It is more than interpretation: nothing like that is allowed to be carried in the cabin --- on international flights, at least. I don't know how Indian domestic flights are?

Sadanand Kamath

I have carried swiss knife in my check-in baggage - both in internation flights and domestic flights on few occasions . May be ignorance is bliss.
I will have to drop this idea in future.

Sadanand

Brisso

I've always carried a folding knife in India (not in my pocket mind!)

No-one gives a rats if you don't wave it around.

As for the notion of being invoved in a riot/ life threatening situation is is probably far more likely at home.

I have never known an traveller in India who was threatened with violence. This is surprising given the uncouth, insulting, aggressive and stupid behaviour of some arrogant, defensive backpackers.

In a dispute with a local (mostly cultural misunderstandings, usually backpackers giving a trader a hard time over prices), a humble and conciliatory manner goes a long way.

Don't arc up. If it looks inflammatory, use your discretion and walk away.

Nick-H

Isn't it amazing what they miss! It often seems to be crazy hype, this airline 'security'.

guidedeba

You are attempting to kill someone. But, it is strictly illegal to carry it inside any National Park & inside Monuments & inside aircrafts.

all my Guests and my self too carry it. And our guidelines from Ministry of Tourism is "No Problem with the Toolkit like Victrinox / Leatherman" It is taken as a pencil knife category. You are not allowed if the length exceeds more than 9"inch in legth and more than 1" width.
Never try to scare local people.
If any problem with them. just pose not understanding the language. (Even English).

federica

In your check in baggage or in your cabin baggage? As long as you have it in your check in baggage, it shouldn't be a problem. but forget about the cabin!

I had an foldable Opinel-knife with me, it is bigger that a swiss army knife. For trekking purpose it is fine to have a knife, but forget about this defense thing. Shouting very loudly at somebody is probably the better and less dangerous defence for yourself (what would happen if the attacking person gets your knife?)

Physical violence for a traveller is quite unlikely... and if it happens, mostly a knife would not help you out anymore.

I am surprised that in some states of the US carrying knifes is not allowed, but carrying more dangerous weapons (pistols and guns)seems to be...

trekkinmama

Actually in many states carrying pistols or knives is prohibited unless one has a concealed carry permit. And in many states obtaining a concealed carry permit is nearly impossible unless one is famous.
Regarding bringing a knife in luggage on an air trip: checked luggage is fine, but not carry-on luggage. My statement was regarding only carry-on rules.

PortieOwner

About the only time I would feel like pulling a knife to defend myself is if four guys were shouting "Allah Ackbar" as they tried to stick my head in a bag and kidnap me. Only in a case where your death is about certain would I use one. I'm not sure how much use a Swiss Army or Leatherman tool would be in such a case.

BTW there are Indians around who carry concealed weapons (guns). They tend to be either politicians or military officers or off-duty police (and their families).

T.I.P

You want to know what happened to Sanjay Dutt?

__________________
http://www.TheIndianPhotographer.blog spot.com
http://www.TheIndianPhotographer.Free Forums.org

trekkinmama

Yes. I most certainly do. Can you elaborate?



.