Canadian Customs Purgatory

[gbaglo]

And, then there are these:

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Eggscape

A normal pocket knife that takes two hands to open or a non folding knife “should” be no problem as long as it is not on your belt while crossing. Just put it in the tool box or somewhere not easy to assess from the drivers seat.

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

Good advice is for that short crossing time put your knife in the toolbox, fishing tackle bag, or other not easily accessible space.

I think this is a good point: there are lots of things which can be a tool or a weapon, depending on how they are used. If you're trimming brush around your property, you can walk along sidewalk with a machete - no problem. Take the same machete into a bar, and there will be concerns. It's the intent to use it that can make it a weapon for legal purposes. The knife belongs in a suitable location, and while you're driving across a border, that's probably not on your belt or in the console beside the driver.

[Eggscape]

As Brian said...the thumb stud should be allowed...but good luck telling the officer that if they don’t know and don’t want to let on they don’t know or think other wise. That is where the “P” contest begins...good luck with that.

[dfandrews]

At Oroville/Ossoyos last year, responding to the Canadian Customs officer's question: As soon as I said "knives in the fishing tackle box", he interrupted with "Those are tools, sir."

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

The term for the “button” that I usually hear is a “thumb stud”.

Is that what you call it? I'd call it a sissy stud. With enough use and practice it's not needed.
Iowa Dave

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

The knife belongs in a suitable location, and while you're driving across a border, that's probably not on your belt or in the console beside the driver.

No argument about doing prudent actions to reduce chances of a mis-understanding. However I've walked into all the customs offices, Canadian, US and Mexican wearing my Leatherman and it's never been a source of concern. OK, I admit it, I'm a Leatherman addict. I feel undressed without it. When I travel by air I don't risk putting it in my checked luggage because it's a pricey one. But I make do on holiday with a cheap imitation. Can't help myself, it's just so handy to have.

Ron

[cpaharley2008]

Ron's new nickname-Leatherman

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Ron's new nickname-Leatherman

He just knows a valuable tool to carry. I am lost when I don't have mine on me.

[Eggscape]

Leatherman “Tool” should the question be asked...

[Iowa Dave]

Ron
One of my park foremen always had his leatherman, a Swiss Army Knife, a continuit tester, and a can of Skoal in his pockets or on his belt. He could either fix or tell you the parts needed to fix about anything. I’ve got a couple multi tools but usually only carry a knife. I skin more than I fix.
Dave

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

No argument about doing prudent actions to reduce chances of a mis-understanding. However I've walked into all the customs offices, Canadian, US and Mexican wearing my Leatherman and it's never been a source of concern.

Good observation, but the blade in a Leatherman is just one of the tools, and not the major one. I doubt many people would expect anyone to start a knife fight or hold someone up with a multi-tool.

[wetzk]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Good observation, but the blade in a Leatherman is just one of the tools, and not the major one. I doubt many people would expect anyone to start a knife fight or hold someone up with a multi-tool.

True but it would work just as well as a roll of pennies in a fist fight.

[cpaharley2008]

Reminds me of that scene in Crocodile Dundee where the guy tries to rob them with a knife and Mick said, that ain't no knife....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWl8EbNN8NM

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Brian B-P

Good observation, but the blade in a Leatherman is just one of the tools, and not the major one. I doubt many people would expect anyone to start a knife fight or hold someone up with a multi-tool.

Actually, I'm not sure which is the major tool, the pointy knife blade, as opposed to the serrated one, or the pliers. Some days the pliers get a lot of use and other days the knife blade would win out. Any way you slice it, it's my handiest tool since it's always with me.

Ron

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Actually, I'm not sure which is the major tool, the pointy knife blade, as opposed to the serrated one, or the pliers. Some days the pliers get a lot of use and other days the knife blade would win out. Any way you slice it, it's my handiest tool since it's always with me.

Ron

For me, the pliers win out. They give added grip to many things, as well as do a decent job cutting tie wraps, wire, and the such.

I think you have told me before, but what model do you carry? For me, it is mostly the Wave.

[gbaglo]

My Leatherman Wave is handy; always on my belt. But, it's always more difficult to use than the proper tool ( IE. a real screwdriver fits the hand and is less cumbersome to use ).
But then, I can't carry a selection of screwdrivers on my belt without looking like a real tool.

[Donna D.]

Hummm, I live about 5 miles from the home of Leatherman tool... as the crow flies. Jealous? I've carried a Leatherman mini for years. The only thing on the ring is a bottle opener....

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My Leatherman Wave is handy; always on my belt. But, it's always more difficult to use than the proper tool ( IE. a real screwdriver fits the hand and is less cumbersome to use ).
But then, I can't carry a selection of screwdrivers on my belt without looking like a real tool.

I agree, but the stock Phillips is a great screwdriver head. I also carry extra bits in my Wave case, some of which have come in very handy. I have paired down the amount I carry to what I find I use most.

https://www.leatherman.ca/en_CA/bit-kit-127.html

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Jim Bennett

I think you have told me before, but what model do you carry? For me, it is mostly the Wave.

I have nice friends. One gave me a titanium Charge.
I'm chea er frugal, if I'd have bought it for myself I might not have sprung for the most expensive one.

Originally Posted by gbaglo

My Leatherman Wave is handy; always on my belt.

I can't count the number of times I've been in a situation,
thought I was stuck for lack of a certain tool and the leatherman saved the situation.

This year I bought the leather holster for it. I was tired of replacing the cheap fabric one that they come with. The velcro stops sticking and the hole in the bottom becomes big enough for it to drop out. Glad I didn't loose it. The new holster also can be worn vertically or horizontally.

[gbaglo]

I wore out a leather case. The bottom disintegrated. Replaced it with the woven one which has a pocket for extra driver bits.
Any place for bits on the leather case?

[Jim Bennett]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

I have nice friends. One gave me a titanium Charge.

I have never even handled that one. How does it differ from the Wave, other than having a titanium handle? Looking on the Leatherman site, it seems very similar.