Solution for Lost Pocket Knives

[Garcky]

Since I was in high school, I have had an Old Timer 80T Stockman knife in my right pants pocket. At least I have had one until the one I had got lost. What that means is that I have bought quite a few of the damned things, since I'm now just shy of being 78 years old. I didn't think there was a solution for this problem of losing $25 pocket knives. Turns out that there is, though. The last time I needed a replacement, I turned to eBay, and bought four used ones for about the cost of one new one. It was a good deal, since all of them were in really good condition and I won the auction without spending too much.

But, once I got them in the usual flat rate USPS Priority Mail box, I picked one to carry, and put the other three on a shelf in my basement. About a week later, I found the one I had lost that sent me to eBay. So, I put that one in with the other three spare ones. So, now I had five Schrade Old Timer 80Ts on hand. It wasn't more than a couple months when we decided to buy a different house, so I was cleaning things up and throwing things away, like you do when you're moving. In that process, I found two more 80Ts that I had lost at even earlier times. I added those to my spares, as well. While unpacking after the move, I found another one, that had somehow slipped through a hole in the pocket of a pair of lined jeans and fallen down between the two layers of fabric and lodged near the hem of the jeans. Now, I have 8 80Ts in total, including the one in my right pocket.

What this proves, I'm sure, is that if you put two Schrade Old Timer 80t Stockman knives together in a safe place, they breed and make other ones. I'm certain that's what it is. Now, if I can get 10mm sockets and combo wrenches to breed like that, I can increase my income in retirement by selling those to other people.

 

[Shiftless]

Thanks for your latest deep thoughts Garcky. At 78 y.o. (almost) you have by now more than earned the right to EDC an “old timer” knife.

 

[gtae07]

About a week later, I found the one I had lost that sent me to eBay

I've always said that the fastest way to find a thing you lost is to buy its replacement...

 

[tool_scrounge]

10% of my pocket knives I have lost myself. The other 90% have been with TSA’s help over the years. Fortunately a long time ago I was on a work trip to Switzerland and I pick up a large number of Victorinox Swiss Army knives for like $7 each. Not too fancy but had the most needed features (blade, tweezer, tooth pick, can opener/screwdriver and corkscrew). So if I loose one to TSA I do not cry too much.

 

[DAustin]

At 73 I've never lost a pocketknife, I've broken a few doing things with them I shouldn't have. But that doesn't stop me from buying them. I'll carry one for a long time then I'll see one on sale I can't do without and carry it until the next "My Percious" knife catches my eye. My Grandfather started me on carrying knifes and bought me my first so we could set and whittle together. Then Cub Scout and Boy Scout knifes. I can't think of a time I haven't had one in my pocket.

 

[gleman]

Case Knives and Zippo lighters were my always lost things I rebought.

My solution to the Zippo problem was to quit smoking.

The Case knives solution was to buy 3 Opinel no. 6 knives. Really cheap but a nice pocket knife for me. I couldn't care less if I lost one so it's never happened.

Several years ago I made a deal with myself, to be a better version of me. This included religious cleaning and organizing. It's a slow and continuous thing but I see results.

I've found most of the Zippos and Cases too so that's a plus.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have had this multi-tool knife for many decades. I have not been able to lose it, because I left it in a drawer and the knife worked its way to the back of the drawer. I can't lose it if I don't use it.

 

[Copymutt]

My memory could be wrong but from my youth in the 60’s I think Schroeder Old Timers we’re guaranteed against loss.

 

[CGarage]

You mean y’all haven’t 3D printed a belt holster for your Victorinox Swiss Army knife yet???

 

[f121]

Classic, I can see myself doing that. 8 spare pocket knifes is true GJ redundancy!

I think the only thing I've ever bought multiple of because I expect my future self to lose one is my Snap On #2 Philips Instinct handle screwdriver. I was so lost when I left my original in a junk yard, I bought two to replace it. I still have both of those. I think I've acquired another now as I'm sure there's three in the drawer...

 

[2mJps]

My memory could be wrong but from my youth in the 60’s I think Schroeder Old Timers we’re guaranteed against loss.

I remember something about that but i dont know how it worked.

 

[ItsNemo]

I just don't lose them in the first place, or other things for that matter...like I have all my 10mm sockets still lol

 

[Packard V8]

Old timers just like to buy tools. At an estate sale of a farmer, there were multiples of everything; many of them new. His wife told me, "In the offseason, he'd drive into town, have coffee and donuts with the other old guys and then walk through the tractor dealership and the hardware store; he never came home without some new tools."

jack vines

 

[Garcky]

10% of my pocket knives I have lost myself. The other 90% have been with TSA’s help over the years. Fortunately a long time ago I was on a work trip to Switzerland and I pick up a large number of Victorinox Swiss Army knives for like $7 each. Not too fancy but had the most needed features (blade, tweezer, tooth pick, can opener/screwdriver and corkscrew). So if I loose one to TSA I do not cry too much.

That's why I check a bag. Knife goes in the bag.

 

[CGarage]

That's why I check a bag. Knife goes in the bag.

You need to be very careful with this particularly if traveling internationally.

Also, different states, cities and counties have differing legal requirements for knife carry.

 

[Packard V8]

Since I was five years old, if I've got my pants on, there's a knife in the right front pocket. I literally feel naked without it. Back in a former life, when I was getting to airport security at 0500, I'd tell myself, "Remember to put the knife in the checked bag!" I retired without dependably remembering to do that, but along the way, the occasional nylon handled Gerber was confiscated.

I was going to get smart and buy one with a ceramic blade. Sure enough, that little jewel made it through several national and international magnetic checks. However, in a Swiss airport, a roving guard with a hand scanner must have seen a droop in my pocket and ran a hand scanner over me and found it; $50 gone. Now, TSA has upped their game and the scanners will find a plastic chapstick; knives aren't getting by any way I know how.

jack vines

 

[redwrench60]

Dad taught me to never lay down a pocket knife. Always cut, close and right back in your britches.

It’s also much easier with one hand open/close knives with pocket clips to follow his advice. I also don’t miss a Case Trapper laying horizontal like a damn Lincoln Log wearing a hole in my pocket.

 

[tool_scrounge]

You need to be very careful with this particularly if traveling internationally.

Also, different states, cities and counties have differing legal requirements for knife carry.

That is true - especially in the UK.

 

[nadogail]

For a while I carried a Buck Folding Hunter, I could reach into my pocket and flip it open in one operation with the same hand. When my Mother saw me do it she demanded to know why and when I started carrying a "Switch Blade".

The folding hunter is not a "Switch Blade" a large blade and a heavy case made it possible to easily remove from your pocket and open a well lubricated knife with only one hand.

 

[KnurledNut]

At 73 I've never lost a pocketknife, I've broken a few doing things with them I shouldn't have. But that doesn't stop me from buying them. I'll carry one for a long time then I'll see one on sale I can't do without and carry it until the next "My Percious" knife catches my eye. My Grandfather started me on carrying knifes and bought me my first so we could set and whittle together. Then Cub Scout and Boy Scout knifes. I can't think of a time I haven't had one in my pocket.

Wait, you're 73?! I was guessing 30 based on maturity of your posts...

 

[redwrench60]

I have a soft spot for Buck 110 folding hunters. I carried one for a long time as well. Every time I see someone out and about with the familiar leather pouch on their belt I want to high five them.

 

[CGarage]

That is true - especially in the UK.

Every *country* has different rules and regulations regarding this.

 

[DAustin]

Wait, you're 73?! I was guessing 30 based on maturity of your posts...

Growing old is mandatory but growing up is optional.

 

[f121]

You need to be very careful with this particularly if traveling internationally.

Also, different states, cities and counties have differing legal requirements for knife carry.

While true that different countries have different knife laws, TSA are responsible for the safety of your flight not enforcing knife laws in your destination, so why would you have issues with a knife in checked baggage?

Or did you mean you need to be really careful to make sure your knife is legal in your destination?

 

[CGarage]

While true that different countries have different knife laws, TSA are responsible for the safety of your flight not enforcing knife laws in your destination, so why would you have issues with a knife in checked baggage?

Or did you mean you need to be really careful to make sure your knife is legal in your destination?

Both.

The rules abroad vary greatly.

Example: I have had surgical scissors and tweezers confiscated from my medical kit that I always travel with when abroad.

Every country and every security administrator has a different idea on what is permissible.

 

[f121]

Example: I have had surgical scissors and tweezers confiscated from my medical kit that I always travel with when abroad.

From checked baggage?

In my experience, all TSA care about with checked baggage is that there's nothing there that could cause an issue for the plane, like lithium batteries, gas struts, etc. Because you can't access your checked bag, they don't care about the risk of you running around removing splinters and doing some eyebrow shaping during the flight

 

[woody 73]

With me instead of lost pocketknives it's lost tape rulers, I lose one and off to the store for another one, then 6 months later I either find it or another trip to the store, I swear I must own enough to measure to the moon and back.

Now get this whenever I see them at garage sales, I pick them up and it starts all over again I lose them.

It's madness I put those buggers down for one second and bam they are gone, I bet when I pass on my kids are going to find bags of them all over the place,

 

[Shiftless]

I have a soft spot for Buck 110 folding hunters. I carried one for a long time as well. Every time I see someone out and about with the familiar leather pouch on their belt I want to high five them.

I used to have 3 of them. I gave one to my son when he bought his first place and decided to sell this one still leaving me with one 110. I like in the pocket better than a sheath so my EDC is a slightly smaller 112.

 

[Dave455]

You need to be very careful with this particularly if traveling internationally.

Also, different states, cities and counties have differing legal requirements for knife carry.

I regularly travel internationally, and have no issues whatsoever travelling with the pocket knife of my choice. But, you must pack it in the bag you check in to the hold.

I don’t really understand these posts from folks saying that they have lost a dozen knives to TSA. The rules against carrying knives on your person or in hand baggage have been in force for over 20 years, so unless you’ve been living under a rock for that period, you’ve got to know.

As for legal requirements at your destination, it takes about a minute to look them up online before you depart. Generally speaking, you will have no problems travelling to the majority of countries (certainly all the ones I visit) with a regular sub 3 inch bladed pocket knife (non locking, non thumb stud).

Personally, I wouldn’t travel without one. Too useful when things go right. Absolutely essential when things go wrong..!

Generally speaking - go with the following :-

On your person - have everything you need to evacuate the the aircraft. Include your keys, wallet, passport, travel documents and things like a pen and flashlight. I generally have some sort of jacket - if there’s an incident, wear the jacket. You can then put some of your stuff in the jacket and it gives you extra protection.

In your hand baggage - have everything you need on the flight, anything you need for an overnight stay, and anything of value e.g. camera‘s, binoculars etc.

Everything else goes in your hold bag. Include nothing here that you can’t replace. I have a run of the mill Victorinox Swiss Army Knife that does most of what I need. Yes, sometimes I’d like more, but that goes for pretty much everything in my case, and travel always comes down to compromises.

 

[DAustin]

Back in the early 80s I went to the UK. I had my Schrade Bear Baw sheath knife in my check on luggage. Not having a clue when I got there, I put it on my belt. I got on the train to go to Salisbury a guy next to me looked at it and said, "you're an American, aren't you?" he then told me I could get arrested for that in the UK. Put the Schrade in my backpack for the rest of the trip and just carried my SAK in my pocket.

 

[Shiftless]

Back in the early 80s I went to the UK. I had my Schrade Bear Baw sheath knife in my check on luggage. Not having a clue when I got there, I put it on my belt. I got on the train to go to Salisbury a guy next to me looked at it and said, "you're an American, aren't you?" he then told me I could get arrested for that in the UK. Put the Schrade in my backpack for the rest of the trip and just carried my SAK in my pocket.

Is that because it it a locking folder or something else?

OK, I looked it up… blade has to be under 3 inches and it can’t lock. So my Buck 112 would be illegal because even though it’s under 3 inches, it locks when open So the Brits don’t consider that a “folder”.

Thanks for pointing that out with your story. I’m glad you didn’t get “pinched” as they say sometimes over on their side of the pond.

 

[f121]

Is that because it it a locking folder or something else?

Fixed blades, locking folders and auto opening knives aren't legal to carry in the UK. Auto knives are illegal to own.

 

[aggiegrads]

I keep a flat rate envelope addressed to myself in my briefcase. If I ever forget to take a knife out of a bag or my pocket, I will just use that. The guy that taught me that trick said that TSA will even drop it in the post for you.
Like the OP, a little bit if insurance makes sure you never need it.

 

[Shiftless]

Even though California has a lot of ridiculous laws, they still let you carry an automatic knife “switchblade” if it has a blade of under 2 inches. There are tight restrictions in some public buildings regarding knives in general.

A few years ago, I had an appointment to see an elected State Representative and arrived at the office building in Oakland with a small group of people. We had to go through metal detectors and they made me leave my Leatherman Micra keychain tool at their inspection station. I got it back later on my way out. If you aren't familiar with that model multi tool, it includes a non locking knife blade one and a half inches long.

 

[rick carpenter]

I carry one of these on my keychain...

Milwaukee I SAFETY CUTTER

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imsbolt.com

I forgot I had it once going to NYC. The TSA didn't confiscate it but the Ed Sullivan Theater held it for me til we left.

 

[Garcky]

Is that because it it a locking folder or something else?

OK, I looked it up… blade has to be under 3 inches and it can’t lock. So my Buck 112 would be illegal because even though it’s under 3 inches, it locks when open So the Brits don’t consider that a “folder”.

Thanks for pointing that out with your story. I’m glad you didn’t get “pinched” as they say sometimes over on their side of the pond.

The main blade on the 80T Old Timer is 2 7/8" long. Deliberately, to be in keeping with blade length laws in some states and jurisdictions. That's one of the reasons I daily carry that particular knife. Knives in pockets aren't as common as they once were, but a lot of men carry one.

It's a rare day that I don't use it for something or another. Whether it's cleaning dirt from my fingernails, opening one of the frequent Amazon boxes everyone seems to get, or for some other need, it's a very handy tool. Each of the three blades has it's own uses. People are sometime surprised when I take it out to help them with something. "You carry a knife?" I always answer with, "I don't know why everyone doesn't."

 

[Dave455]

Is that because it it a locking folder or something else?

OK, I looked it up… blade has to be under 3 inches and it can’t lock. So my Buck 112 would be illegal because even though it’s under 3 inches, it locks when open So the Brits don’t consider that a “folder”.

Thanks for pointing that out with your story. I’m glad you didn’t get “pinched” as they say sometimes over on their side of the pond.

The law in the U.K. is often misunderstood.

You can basically carry any common type of knife (but see below) anywhere you like, provided you have “good reason” to do so. A fixed blade knife while camping would be an example.

You do not need to have “good reason” to carry a “readily folding” knife with a cutting edge of less than 3 inches, so most folks carry one of these. Lock knives are not considered to be “readily folding” so are treated the same as a fixed blade.

This was all was a provision of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, so for most of the 1980’s did not apply, but someone wearing a fixed blade knife in a public place COULD have been deemed to be carrying an offensive weapon, so it was not generally done in urban areas, but was (and still is) common in rural ones.

Some types of knives are deemed “especially dangerous”. These include flick knives / automatic knives. It has been an offence to import or sell these since the 1950’s, but only recently has possession become an offence. Other types of knife have been added to the list, but most of these are things that are not commonly found here anyway.

 

[Packard V8]

Knives in pockets aren't as common as they once were, but a lot of men carry one.

It's a rare day that I don't use it for something or another. Whether it's cleaning dirt from my fingernails, opening one of the frequent Amazon boxes everyone seems to get, or for some other need, it's a very handy tool. Each of the three blades has it's own uses. People are sometime surprised when I take it out to help them with something. "You carry a knife?" I always answer with, "I don't know why everyone doesn't."

Back in a former life, around the office I was considered a dangerous man, "He carries a knife, you know." There were a dozen guys, ages 30 - 55 and not one of them had any sort of pocket knife. Of course, when something needed cut, I had the technology.

jack vines, who has an original Buck Folding Hunter, from back when the blade was made so hard it's a bitche to sharpen, but only needs a touch-up every five years or so. I gave my son a recent production model and it's noticeably easier to sharpen.

 

[Garcky]

Back in a former life, around the office I was considered a dangerous man, "He carries a knife, you know." There were a dozen guys, ages 30 - 55 and not one of them had any sort of pocket knife. Of course, when something needed cut, I had the technology.

jack vines, who has an original Buck Folding Hunter, from back when the blade was made so hard it's a bitche to sharpen, but only needs a touch-up every five years or so. I gave my son a recent production model and it's noticeably easier to sharpen.

Funny, isn't it? On blades, the older Schrade Old Timers had carbon steel blades. They were easy to sharpen to razor sharpness, but you had to do it pretty often. Later, they changed to high-carbon stainless. Those held their edge better, but it was harder to put a perfect edge on them. I preferred the old blades, but they're no longer available. The new ones are good enough, though.

 

[AreBeeBee]

This may sound nutso, but knife people will understand —

When traveling on business I always used carry-on luggage. But being addicted to having at least one knife on me, I'd mail a Vic Classic (your basic minimum knife) to my hotel a couple days before leaving home. It would be there when I arrived. And here's the clever part: I'd bring with me in the luggage a second mailer addressed to home with the right postage.

As I checked out to head home, I'd slip the Classic into the self-addressed mailer, give it to the desk staff, and ask them to put it in the outgoing mail. Three days later (usually) it would arrive at home, and all would be right with the world again.

Edit: now retired, I still carry a Classic (right front pocket) and a Camillus WW2 Army engineer's knife (right rear). The latter has the typical "camper" assortment of blades/tools: can opener, awl, bottle opener/screwdriver, and cutting blade. As Camillus made these in 1942 to 1944, at the youngest, it's nearly 80 years old and still works as well as new.