I dont check my bags - how to get knife there?

[HowardE]

Heck, they confiscated my finger nail clippers, 3 years ago, just because they had an 1 1/2" nail file I overlooked. Lost my good Swiss army knife last year too, because I forgot it was in my camera bag, from local dive trip, and no way did I want to shuttle all the way back to parking, and chance missing the flight to Bonaire. Even for that nice old knife.

Actually... THIS is mine.

 

[redacted]

Heck, they confiscated my finger nail clippers, 3 years ago, just because they had an 1 1/2" nail file I overlooked. Lost my good Swiss army knife last year too, because I forgot it was in my camera bag, from local dive trip, and no way did I want to shuttle all the way back to parking, and chance missing the flight to Bonaire. Even for that nice old knife.

Take a piece of gum and stick it under a chair. They only clean them every leap year.

 

[gypsyjim]

Actually... THIS is mine.

Seen it's share of years, and dives, it looks like.

Mine, I gave away when I thought I had quit diving, and it was lost in a fire, or I'd have gotten it back a few years later, when I realized my giving up diving was VERY temporary.

It was a cool dam knife, and I did use it a lot (except seldom uw). These days I have smaller, and cheaper knives that don't look quite so cool, but are less prone to snag on things than that foot long leg sword was. Still, if I had it, I'd use it from time to time, just because I could.

 

[irishsquid]

Use Jim's idea, but when you get to the hotel, order a steak dinner in your room in celebration of the cost savings when you fail to return their steak knife.

 

[farsidefan1]

Let me make sure I understand. You don't want to check luggage which means you will never be taking your own regulator, or bc/backplate(whichever)/ You would rather rent these life critical devices because you won't be able to fit them in your carryon? Have I got that right? Ok, I'm making some assumptions here, such as you want to take something besides you bc, regulator, computer, fins and mask (I can see renting a wetsuit), like clothing and a toothbrush, perhaps a laptop. Nevermind, I can clearly see that I won't understand. Just a helpful thought, you can wear your bc on the plane. That will save you some weight and space. Hope it is a short flight though cuz they are NOT usually comfortable for a long haul.
For me the inconvenience and risk of checked baggage is far less risky that renting life vital gear which may or may not have been properly maintained and or which may or may not fit like a glove. I have used a rented bc and reg twice. Once when I certified (I immediately went out and got everything) and once in Hawaii when I did not want to haul my 50 lb dive bag for one dive. I took my own reg, and mask. The bc was not a good experience. I know where the dump valves are on mine, I can open pockets and get stuff out without even looking and close them again, I can take it off and put it back on blindfolded, I know exactly which pockets into which to insert the different amounts of weight, on and on. You would rather trust your life to rental stuff to avoid checking baggage. Good luck I truly think you might need it in the not so distant future. May good fortune always smile upon you. I mean it. You might be a very efficient packer and get everything you need in carryon luggage. I can't. If you get on a puddle jumper be aware that sometimes your carryon is limited to 7 kilos. Yes, about 17-18 lbs. To pull this one off you will have to be a world class efficient packer.

 

[aquaregia]

+1 EMT shears from the local drug store.

I've also done the intact-steakknife thing. I broke off my knives with a vise and ball-peen, and I'm not sure you'll have either of those at your destination either. You can blunt the end on concrete slightly.

I'm not yet certified to do any dives that require my gear to be life-vital.

 

[Jorgy]

To the OP....I would just check a small bag with the knife and other "extra" stuff, such as an extra mask, tools, extra reg, second sunglasses, shoes and clothes.....

That way if the bag is lost or delayed it is not a deal breaker, you still have all your critical stuff with you.....

For me.....I guess that not waiting in the airport for a bag, but then trying to buy stuff on location seems like a bad tradeoff to me. I didn't go on vacation to shop for dive gear.....not to mention the resort gear prices are crazy expensive.....

When we travel we do carry one reasonably sized bag each: mask, camera/strobes/housing, computers, regs, booties and some clothes.....the rest: BCs, wetsuits, fins, knives, shears are checked in big rolling duffles...

M

 

[farsidefan1]

+1 EMT shears from the local drug store.

I've also done the intact-steakknife thing. I broke off my knives with a vise and ball-peen, and I'm not sure you'll have either of those at your destination either. You can blunt the end on concrete slightly.

I'm not yet certified to do any dives that require my gear to be life-vital.

Then I'd suggest you dive no deeper than you can CESA

 

[CT Sean]

Then I'd suggest you dive no deeper than you can CESA

I think he was implying that the failure of a regulator or a BC will more than likely not result in sudden death. Sure it may ruin your diving day but unlikely it will kill you. It's possible rental gear may have a higher chance of failure than personal equipment, assuming you have it serviced when appropriate AND you test it after servicing, but that's hardly a reason to play the "YOU'LL DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" card

 

[farsidefan1]

I knew what he was saying just llike he knew what I was saying. I just figured one snarky remark deserved another. The all cap YOU"LL DIE !!!!!!!!!!!!! is even more funny. Thanks for he laughs