Thread: Taking your collection across the border.

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

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.