If you travel a lot by air, bringing your pocket knife is usually more trouble than it's worth.
But there is a fantastic solution that will allow you to have an inexpensive, solid knife available at almost any destination in the USA.
You won't have to travel with your knife and you won't have to spend a lot of money.
The Problem
When traveling by air, you either have to leave your knife at home or put it into your check-in bag.
Checking in a bag costs extra money and it's a lot to pay just to take your knife.
Most airlines currently charge $35 or more for your first checked bag.
Even if you have a fairly expensive knife like a Benchmade 940 Osborne, it doesn't take many trips for you to get to the point where you're paying more for checked bag fees than your knife is worth.
Luckily there is a fantastic solution.
The Solution
The best way that I have found to solve this problem is to buy an orange “Walmart Special” knife after I land at my destination.
I wish that it had a more creative name because it's a fantastic knife, but it's officially called the “Ozark Trail 7.5 inch Slide Lock Folder Folding Knife with Ball Bearing 3.3 inch D2 Blade Belt Clip”.
At first, this may seem like a terrible idea because quite frankly, it's a knife made by Walmart. If you know your knives, you'll also see that this is clearly a Benchmade Bugout knockoff.
But hear me out, you might be surprised.
This knife punches way above it's price point and here's why.
First, let's get the price out of the way, it only costs $9.97 as this article is being written.
The blade is made out of D2 steel. I'm not totally convinced that it really is D2 steel, but the quality does seem to be quite good.
I accidentally cut my finger once and I can tell you from personal experience that the blade is very sharp.
Next, it has a cross bar locking system like many Benchmade knives. Pair this with bearings on the blade pivot and this folding knife is super easy to open and close with the flick of my wrist.
Finally, the icing on the cake is that it has a full metal liner and a reversible pocket clip.
So as you can see, paying $10 for this knife every time you travel allows you to have a great temporary knife and not stress about forgetting your knife in your carry-on bag and getting it taken away.
Paying only $10 per trip saves you at least $25 off the checked bag fee. That savings adds up and can eventually buy you another nice knife to keep at home.
Plus waiting for a checked bag is a pain. Not to mention that it might get lost.
Final Tips
Using this solution will ensure that you always have a reliable pocket knife when traveling by air in the USA.
This knife is inexpensive, high quality and will allow you to relax whenever you fly.
Once you have to return, you can mail your knife home before your flight. Mailing your knife is cheaper than paying for an extra bag and a lot less hassle.
You could also donate it to a thrift store or give it away to a friend. Heck you could even give it to a stranger who needs a new tool.
If you're visiting friends or family, you can leave it with them so you can use it whenever you visit.
I currently own 3 of these knives. They are also great for keeping as backups in my toolbox and emergency bags.
Sound good? Check out the knife here.
