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I'm just curious if any of you have experience taking your razors across the border. I'm heading down to Michigan for a meet and I'm considering what razors to bring, or if I should bring any. I will have other members in the car, with their razors as well. If we are completely honest, and declare them all, do you think it will be an issue?
The several times I passed through, I just said nothing and did nothing. They just looked in my trunk and I think asked about medications. However, they have stepped up their border game wit passports and stuff. Might be different now and for a Canadian entering versus an American reentering.
Are you more so scared they will be taken away or being dinged on duty? When asked when is your reason for the trip, be honest. Let the border guards ask the questions and be honest in your answers. I seriously doubt the razors are in jeopardy of being confiscated. But be prepared just in case you are searched...... You never know what can happen at a border crossing. I'd more concerned about crossing back into Canada.... They love to try to see what they ding you on for duty....lol
:gl:
I flew in a small plane from VIctoria British Columbia to Seattle to go to a meet there last year. No one asked me anything boarding the plane and I had my razors (maybe 10) in a small box inside my bag. When I was security screened at the float plane airport in Seattle the officer asked me if I was carrying anything into the US and I told him I had straight razors I was bringing to a shaving meet. He was interested as heck and we had a great 4-5 minute yak about razors/shaving. He let me through no problem.
When I came back I was asked if I had anything to declare and as I did not I said no and they let me continue. I had taken a photograph of all the razors I had travelled with that I had taken at home before I left - showed me, razors, my home. So if the border folks had of asked if I bought them in the US I had some evidence that I had brought them over.
It was really a good experience all around. I think only in jet/large aircraft travel would you run into issues by bringing them on board. Otherwise, there is all sorts of scary stuff going back and forth that we probably can't even imagine!
My only experience has been on holidays and I only had two razors, and I said nothing and neither did anyone else. I never declare and of my other personal item either. I think if you are taking a lot it might be different, I would not take anything with ivory, other than that feel free to stroll through.
Some good info here. I like the idea of taking pics with some sort of a date for time reference. Ya, Ivory will stay at home for sure.
Why would it matter if you bring them across the border? Blades that short are not controlled weapons in either country. If they are not for commercial sale and are your personal property they are not any interest to a border guard. They may have questions, and you can easily give an answer by saying its your hobby and you're going to a meet-up.
My friend's dad once drove across the border with an old shotgun under his seat that he had forgot about. The border guys were cool about it and just let him turn back home. Not everyone in authority will act like a d*ck given the opportunity. Just don't be rude and obnoxious if they start to question you and you'll be fine.
If the border guards are searching your luggage and investigating your razors, you've done something else to tip them off. I would say, take pictures dated before you departed in the off chance you get searched to that degree, but really, people are just waved through...I can't imagine any border guard having an issue with a straight razor in luggage in a car. Flying, with the razor in a carry on, now that would be a VERY different story.
I've driven over the US/CA boarder a few times with razors. All I can remember being asked was "do you have anything to declare" or "are you bringing home anything you didn't take with you" or something like that. Never had any problem.
Be certain to leave ivory at home. Check into any sort of animal stuff, forbidden woods, etc.
An acquaintance told a story of an eagle feather in his hatband. Had lots of trouble, yet he found it on the ground~!
Things have to be tightening up, what with recent events.
I haven't got a clue since I've never crossed any borders, but assuming one of the group will have a 'smart' phone with tapatalk, you can show the guy the SRP website and the post about the meetup if they have any doubts. :gl:
Good call Jimmie!Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
Meh! A guy like Andrew is always getting pulled-over and harassed! It's how he rolls! A real outlaw! :D
Expect the worse, My Man! :roflmao
They give him a pass on the 20 + straight razors,,, then lock him up for smuggling a shave brush made of endangered Canadian High Mountain Badger. :rofl2:
Knowing my crap luck, they'll bust me for bringing unlicensed animal parts into the US..... parts I bought from the very place I'm going.
I am quite certain it could happen! ;)
Just leave your turban at home and don't wear a vest of any kind. Post your departing pick here and I will report for delete any post by Tom as you cross back :<0)
Deal Pups!!
If you toss a shave brush into the mix, I'll place a call to Customs as you start to cross & tell them your coming across a totally different check point. :shrug:
Forget it.... I'll just take a boat across Lake Huron.
Whenever you are carrying a significant amount of valuable items across the border, it pays to stop at the Canadian side of the border first, have them make out a (dangit, can't remember what it's called) note of ownership. This way, if you are questioned when you return to Canada, you can give them the note that states all the items that originated in Canada and thus is exempt from any tax/duty it might otherwise incur.
It can be hard to make the case that you were on a weekend trip to the US and that you took 30 razors and 20 hones with you for that weekend! The same thing goes for expensive jewellery, cameras, firearms (yes, I was hunting at the time and didn't want to leave my firearms in a chintzy motel room), ham radio gear and the list goes on. If you cannot prove that you had it with you when you left Canada, you could be charged taxes/duties as if you were importing them, when returning home.
Yes, a tourist would carry a camera... but not normally three $2000 cameras and 8 lenses. I've also have had issues with rather expensive ham radio gear, already mounted in the car, but the suspicion was that we drove to the US without the gear, purchased and installed it in the car while down South and then headed back north. Having that piece of paper filled out, can save you a bunch of headaches. When I have had them done, they want serial numbers if available and detailed descriptions so that if they check upon return, they can identify the items correctly. Going south with 1 old (junk) razor and returning with a $800 Custom is what they are trying to avoid.
It's not a requirement, but I have found it better to be safe than sorry.... There is nothing worse then having the officer ask if you have anything to declare, and when you say no, they tell you to pull into the garage for inspection anyway.... and when they find *1* item you can't PROVE you owned from before, they become obsessed with finding more.
Regards
Christian
Yes, it is a good idea to have that card filled out before crossing the border to the US. I have one for my camera gear. The fly in the ointment around here is that they usually will not fill out a card unless the item has a serial number on it.
In the last 10 years I have made my declaration at the border and been asked to pull the car over so they can search it at least 3 times. Twice coming back to Canada and once entering the US. It does happen. Crossing the border these days is definitely not like it used to be in the good old days.
Bob
If you get thrower in a cage, call me Andrew I,ll spring ya! Ain't done with you yet, might have to hide you out in my barn, plus as long as your there you can be making things to keep you busy, you know I,m just trying to gelp�� Tc
Sounds great TC. You better order this now then.
2000 Series Lathe
I'll take the 2436 model. :)
And start cutting some trees down!
If the serial number thing might be a problem you may want the pic thing and get it signed by a notary ? Do they have those in Canada ?
I , the party of the first part, (being HarryWalley from this point forward) do declare the razors brushes and all shaving related implement and appurtenance in the photo ( exhibit A ) belong to me and in no way does any representative from any country have the legal right to tax, inspect, or confiscate said items. Doing so will be considered an act of war against all wet shavers. This secret group is not to be messed with. The results woulds e devastating on a global level and may be down the economies of several large countries.
or just get a canoe and have your ride alongs earn their keep while you cross in the car :<0)
I hear Lake Huron is full of gators,,,:shrug:Quote:
Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY
Yup, Furry ones with tougues and mitts, EH. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Hirlau
Bob
Andrew I May as well spend another six grand, I've done spent my next bike money on the tractor,,, Well ok. Maybe not I am still getting another bike but all your getting in the barn is a cot and hay. Tc
I carry my razors across borders all the time. A few times my checked in luggage was open and inspected in the States (they leave a note), with several straights in my kit. Never had a problem yet.
If unsure, declare them as advised, when leaving Canada.
Once I wanted to declare my guitar, worth about $1000 US when leaving Serbia with it. The customs guy said I didn't even need to do that, but I insisted, just in case. When I was returning home, nobody asked me any questions. Still, doesn't hurt to do it.