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Make sure you put it in checked luggage. If it has sentimental value remember you may run the risk of losing it. I brought a swiss army one but not my old favourite.I just finished reading a blog that had the line, "Make sure you bring a good knife."
What constitutes good in this particular instance?
I was planning on bringing my old Swiss Army Classic. It has a 1.25" blade and a pair of scissors for cutting Compeeds or something. Is this entirely inadequate or is the advice really just "bring a knife"?
I just finished reading a blog that had the line, "Make sure you bring a good knife."
What constitutes good in this particular instance?
I was planning on bringing my old Swiss Army Classic. It has a 1.25" blade and a pair of scissors for cutting Compeeds or something. Is this entirely inadequate or is the advice really just "bring a knife"?
My preference would be for something bigger. I have an older version of the Victronix Pioneer that has served me well for years.
It was entirely adequate for our needs: cutting cheese for lunch
I think something simple like a Wenger Diplomat would suffice.
I wait until I get to Spain and buy a knife there each year...you don't have to mess with checking your bags
usually weighs a pound
It is pretty good, but it is not as good as most of the bottled wines! Take a corkscrew if you plan to buy wine.The boxed wine is as good as any you get in bottles.
I'm not. Same thing happened to me even with the knife (a faux Opinel) in my luggage. I was then grilled over why I was in possession of a lock-knife and whether to call the police. I was told that this was because I had access to my luggage in the train carriage. It is in the fine print on the Eurostar website, not that that helps when one cannot get to the internet regularly.Gerard, I'm amazed that you lost your knife that way. I've never had any problem taking a Opinel 6 through, provided its in luggage not pockets. As for posting it (rude word), on the one occasion security got over excited about a walking staff I surrendered it to the guard who cheerfully gave it back to me about 10 minutes out of St Pancras - didn't want it cluttering up his little cabin.
I guess it's all down to luck
And my favorite knive is the Victorinox Picknicker.My preference would be for something bigger. I have an older version of the Victronix Pioneer that has served me well for years. I find it about right for fruit, bread and salami. My other choice would be to buy something like an Opinel (I have an 11cm long version, cannot remember the model number) and be prepared to post it back or leave it behind. That said, the key issue is to make sure it is sharp. A small sharp blade is going to beat a longer blunt one everyday when it comes to slicing off that next piece of chorizo.
Regards,
They took my Opinel No 6. off me when boarding the channel tunnel train in London. You can't check your luggage like on a plane but the same restrictions apply. They did offer to post it on to Paris where I could collect it - for an 18 Euro fee.
Regds
Gerard
You can do that?Remove the locking collar on the Opinel and it won't be a locking knife.
But that won't help when you get some officious security person who wants to lord it over you - I lost an equivalent leatherman that was less than 60-65 mm folded - so the max length of the blade was only 50 mm. (Tinca - I think you need to check your conversions - 75 cms is about 30 inches!!). But thanks for the notes about the Eurostar and luggage - my backpack goes inside one of those luggage protectors (lockable) and that' s were I'd be putting any knife. CheersDecided to check out Eurostars website. The provision is in their standard terms and conditions of carriage appendix 1. Under prohibited items it states, after the prohibition of flick knives, lock knives etc that "standard folding knives with a blade length no greater than 3 inches / 75cms ?? are permitted to be carried". Time to get the tape measure out I guess.
You can do that?
I must investigate.
Tks & Regds
Gerard
Doug - I also own a Victorinox Climber (http://www.swissarmy.com/us/app/product/Swiss-Army-Knives/Category/Outdoor/Climber/53381) but that seemed like possible overkill.
My query was re the difference between a Swiss army knife and my Opinel. It was the locking device on the Opinel that was objectionable.Decided to check out Eurostars website. The provision is in their standard terms and conditions of carriage appendix 1. Under prohibited items it states, after the prohibition of flick knives, lock knives etc that "standard folding knives with a blade length no greater than 3 inches / 75cms are permitted to be carried". Time to get the tape measure out I guess.
I just finished reading a blog that had the line, "Make sure you bring a good knife."
What constitutes good in this particular instance?
I don't think that will be as simple as you make it sound here. If you have achieved this, perhaps you could share the details of your technique.Pop it off with a screwdriver and place it in another part of your bag and pop it back on when you get to Spain.
The TSA Prohibited Items page doesn't specifically list walking poles, but still shows ski poles as being banned as cabin baggage. When I looked it had been last updated on 15 Aug 2013.Tad -- more information please. You've said that TSA has categorically stated that hiking poles cannot be carried on. Can you elaborate? This must have been since June, 2013, because I have carried poles on for many Caminos.
Totally adequate.I just finished reading a blog that had the line, "Make sure you bring a good knife."
What constitutes good in this particular instance?
I was planning on bringing my old Swiss Army Classic. It has a 1.25" blade and a pair of scissors for cutting Compeeds or something. Is this entirely inadequate or is the advice really just "bring a knife"?
Tad -- more information please. You've said that TSA has categorically stated that hiking poles cannot be carried on. Can you elaborate? This must have been since June, 2013, because I have carried poles on for many Caminos.
Annie, the TSA and other national aviation safety authorities might rightly point out that you have justified their actions - it is a long time since a plane was successfully hijacked, although there still appear to be attempted hijacks. Wikipedia lists three in this decade, and I know there was a report of another earlier this year. The wikipededia text includesThe TSA is such a joke. I mean, really! When was the last time a plane REALLY was hijacked?
No mention of knitting needles!The hijackers used aluminium canes with sharpened tips to attack the members of the crew.
I don't think that will be as simple as you make it sound here. If you have achieved this, perhaps you could share the details of your technique.
Regards,
My query was re the difference between a Swiss army knife and my Opinel. It was the locking device on the Opinel that was objectionable.
[/quote]Opinel No. 6 is 2 14/16" long, just under the 3" limit to keep you out of trouble.
Right, but this isn't simply removal with a screwdriver, and neither is it possible to 'pop' it back on without a set of circlip pliers. From a pilgrim perspective, I would rate the suggestion as impractical.http://michel.montlahuc.free.fr/demontage.htm
It's in French, but this will give you an idea of how it's done.
You mean this one, don´t you?
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HpTICBI8zaA/UfF8RRWHMWI/AAAAAAAAC08/MsHNU2Dd0fk/s1600/No 10 Cork.jpg
Ondo Ibili !
It's unlikely I'll take the Eurostar chunnel train again, and, as I like to carve up an orange for lunch each day, next time I'm going to buy the Opinel No.10 with the corkscrew.
It's a bit big but I don't care. It looks cool and I want one.
So there.
I have used similar corkscrews before. If they are not well made, they are a disaster. The two issues are that when the screw coil is formed, it is not evenly spaced, or the screw has a slight bend along its long axis. Both these things result in the cork being torn apart when you insert the corkscrew, and the end of the cork still being left in the bottle. If you are reluctant to carry a waiter's friend, have you considered a cork puller. Mine weighs in at around 55gm.I'm bringing a very small, simple pocket knife but was considering this for a travel corkscrew. Only weighs 1 oz. Anyone try this? Any good?
so to recap.. I live In San Diego Ca (Lucky me) so I will likely have to change many a plane and go thru several TSA points, so check Pacers in a tube, carry them in a duffel bag whaaaaaaaaaaaaatttttttt? I think that it would be stressful to get to airport only to encounter cranky TSA's
Maybe you'd be interested in this: http://www.backwoods.com/gsi-bpa-free-wine-glass. Saw it at the local hiking store.Does it have a corkscrew? I would need a corkscrew.
The other issue is the number of coils; the travel corkscrew only has 3 while the Opinal and any decent corkscrew has 5. With three you don't get a good grip on the cork and are likely to just break off the end.The two issues are that when the screw coil is formed, it is not evenly spaced, or the screw has a slight bend along its long axis. Both these things result in the cork being torn apart when you insert the corkscrew, and the end of the cork still being left in the bottle.
The other issue is the number of coils; the travel corkscrew only has 3 while the Opinal and any decent corkscrew has 5. With three you don't get a good grip on the cork and are likely to just break off the end.
I'm lusting after the Opinal with a corkscrew - nice looking tool, weighs less than 3 oz. I need to go weigh my waiters friend and see how much more the Opinal weighs.
Karl
I'd like to get an Opinel after seeing them raved about on here. Anyone know if I can get one in SJPP?
You can buy them in SJPDP. Picked up a No 6 at a little gift/hardware shop there. Quite suitable but no corkscrew model available. The problem in small towns like St Jean is that the shops will not carry all of the now extensive range.I'd like to get an Opinel after seeing them raved about on here. Anyone know if I can get one in SJPP?
But that is heavy compared to an Opinel.
Ondo Ibili !
@Diogo92, I am afraid you underestimate the properties of stainless steel. It doesn't rust. You don't have to clean it, can leave it in water and don't have to oil it. I have used and abused stainless steel knives and cookware in my kitchen for decades without one sign of rust. On the other hand, the carbon steel blade on my Opinel has to be carefully washed, dried and oiled to keep in good condition almost every time I use it, particularly if it is used to cut fruit of any kind.And stainless steel doesn’t mean that it won't get rust. If you use fire on the blade, if you pass it for a lot of water, if you don’t clean it after use it, pass a good oil and don’t have any cares with the blade, I’m sure that it will get rust.
@Diogo92, I am afraid you underestimate the properties of stainless steel. It doesn't rust. You don't have to clean it, can leave it in water and don't have to oil it. I have used and abused stainless steel knives and cookware in my kitchen for decades without one sign of rust. On the other hand, the carbon steel blade on my Opinel has to be carefully washed, dried and oiled to keep in good condition almost every time I use it, particularly if it is used to cut fruit of any kind.
Regards,
That is true, but it appears to be the convention to refer to blades from steel made without chrome and nickel as 'carbon steel' to distinguish them from stainless steel products.BTW, both kind of steel contains carbon. The difference is that the stainless steel contains a lot of Chrome and nickel...D
a swiss army knife is perfect.
Well, I guess Santa is a forum member; I got an Opinal, corkscrew model, for Christmas!The other issue is the number of coils; the travel corkscrew only has 3 while the Opinal and any decent corkscrew has 5. With three you don't get a good grip on the cork and are likely to just break off the end.
I'm lusting after the Opinal with a corkscrew - nice looking tool, weighs less than 3 oz. I need to go weigh my waiters friend and see how much more the Opinal weighs.
I always regularly get a full pat-down when going through airport controls!. Usual question to me: "Will you choose to have it done in public or prefer a private place?" – and I will always say "Go ahead – do it here". The reason is that I have a shoulder implant and will always 'beep' – so they may just think that I have a gun under my shoulder? Hmm… - elderly lady! So this is why I always put my Victorinox knife in my checked luggage …
annelise
- and I do actually worry a bit those times where they do not catch on to my implant – lax security … (sorry if I have gone off subject)
I'm flying Miami> Heathrow > Madrid and have an osprey kestrel, so I could potentially use my pack as carryon, but I'm concerned about the Swiss Army knife and the walking poles. Is there a possibility of sending these objects in advance to SJPP? If so where? To the passport office? Any ideas?
Well, I guess Santa is a forum member; I got an Opinal, corkscrew model, for Christmas!
For me, your old Swiss Army Classic is too heavy.I just finished reading a blog that had the line, "Make sure you bring a good knife."
What constitutes good in this particular instance?
I was planning on bringing my old Swiss Army Classic. It has a 1.25" blade and a pair of scissors for cutting Compeeds or something. Is this entirely inadequate or is the advice really just "bring a knife"?
I have the very same knife made by Victorinox, labelled 'Officier Suisse'. Although I think it's discontinued now and they use the name for a bigger model. It's done all my caminos, opened many bottles of wine and prepared numerous albergue meals for pilgrims. And the tweezers and toothpick are still intact. Top choice!It's a Wenger evolution 63: A knife, corkscrew, can opener etc, and only 34 gram! (Ok 36 on my kitchen scale)
How lucky are you?Well, I guess Santa is a forum member; I got an Opinal, corkscrew model, for Christmas!
The excitement factor. The cheese you can buy presliced in Spain, while not as bad as presliced American Cheese, is not very good. The local cheeses are much more exciting, and not very expensive. The ones I liked were either firm, sort of like Swiss cheese, or firmer, nearly as hard as Parmigiano-Reggiano. You might be able to hack away at the former with a Spork or similar plastic instrument, but not the latter. I regretted not having a knife.Spanish bread is either so hard as to be suitable only for carpentry or it is soft enough to tear into bite sized hunks. You can buy chorizo already sliced and in a convenient one meal quantity for a euro. Ditto for cheese. Usually wine is purchased and consumed with the menu peregrino. The bars and restaurants in Spain appear to be well equipped with cork screws; you don't need to bring your own.
So what might you be using your knife and corkscrew for? The machismo? The excitement factor?
I have the very same knife made by Victorinox, labelled 'Officier Suisse'. Although I think it's discontinued now and they use the name for a bigger model. It's done all my caminos, opened many bottles of wine and prepared numerous albergue meals for pilgrims. And the tweezers and toothpick are still intact. Top choice!
If my new Wenger knife is the same as yours, then they have updated the corkscrew. Its exactly the same corkscrew as on my Victorinox huntsman (same factory, I think?). I've opened quite a few bottles with that one over the years. Always went well.Nice knife; I had one and it was unbelievably sharp. The corkscrew only has 3 or 3.5 coils and may not work very well.
Karl
I'm flying Miami> Heathrow > Madrid and have an osprey kestrel, so I could potentially use my pack as carryon, but I'm concerned about the Swiss Army knife and the walking poles. Is there a possibility of sending these objects in advance to SJPP? If so where? To the passport office? Any ideas?
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