So USPS wouldn't ship my Waki...

I had a bad feeling walking up to the window with the new woman who just had to ask "What's in there?" She asked for my "credentials."

What?!?!

I'm calling the supervisor after 2:00. I've shipped internationally with the word "knife" clearly printed on the customs form. I don't wanna go all the way to UPS from now on.

That blows, I'm sure the gal was "misinformed". Sometimes you get someone who doesn't know whats going on.

Oh and i'm not overseas anymore, so head back down and ship it to Oregon. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I hate when they give me issues at the post office.

They had me stand there at the counter for 5 minutes when I tried to ship my pikal to mpalmer, trying to make me look like a criminal and making it seem to the crowd like I had something that was going to blow or something. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />

My guys here are pretty good. I would hate to have to deal with that.

I consulted the domestic mailing manual. section 601, subsections 8.4 and 10.4 list restrictions, all of which are explosive or toxic. the only thing that even comes close is section 11.5.1, which limits automatic knives to addresses of manufacturers and government agencies. i probably won't even mention that part when i talk to them, as it may seem sufficiently similar to those sheep.

The post office is pretty much a heap of failure.

on the phone with them now. they're still not convinced.

tell them youve been shipping knives for years with them lol. theyll love that

now i am really pissed. the manager had no interest in anything i was saying.

i did. she said a sword was different. it's a weapon.

Ask for a supervisor if you cant get it through to them.

tell her its a machete?

wait how the the hell does eric ship them then?

Remember to be nice, I know it can be tough but always get more that way

Just go ups. I carried in a 33 inch long broadsword, handed it to the lady and said "I need to ship this". She didn't even look at me funny

i've shipped an AK47 there. no problem.

I have searched in the past, and from the best I can tell it is NOT illegal to ship knives "within the US". Yet, I have had Postal workers TELL me they can't ship knives. They are "Technically" wrong. But, I believe (pretty sure) most any postal worker can "DENY" shipping ANY package or item if they are suspicious of it or if they "FEEL" it might be dangerous. They "seem" to have a little latitude in making "subjective" decisions about the possible dangers of a package.

However, shipping internationally is different. Some countries do not allow knives to be shipped into their country. Or at the very least, some countries will search a package if the description of the item or box looks suspicious.

Unfortunately, "KNIFE" is just one of those terms that makes the Sheeple all shaky. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />


So, I NEVER mention words like:

knife,
blade,
cutlery,
sharp,
ANY word that implies "Cutting" or ability to cut,
terms like "Tactical",
or even sadly "Hunting" <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />
and ANY similar term that "might" be a "Red Flag" to USPS - or a red flag to customs in other countries.

*** Edit to add: "SWORD", or other LONG knife terms are commonly viewed as even MORE dangerous in the minds of Sheeple. So, any issue they have with the word "knife" is commonly multiplied with words like "sword".

USPS is generally pretty easy to work with (regarding getting the package to its destination anyway) "Until" they become nervous about something - OR when you need some sort of "customer service" about a problem. They don't like to deal with or handle "Problems". And I have to add: don't mess with their "breaks" or quitin' time. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" /> - Going to the service/shipping window at 5-10 minutes "prior" to quitin' time seems to make some of them pretty annoyed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif" alt="" />

From what I have seen, MOST of the government workers are "Sheeple". And they seem to be Trained/taught to be "suspicious" of packages.

Sadly, the recent MUK incident is just PROOF that they probably deserve to be "suspicious" of knives. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/doh.gif" alt="" />

While maybe not directly related to this thread (I am not implying Magnum22 did ANYTHING wrong related to packaging - just referring to the recent POORLY packaged MUK incident), it SHOULD be acknowledged that a POORLY packaged knife can be VERY dangerous and hazerdous! So, proper packaging along with proper blade/tip protection and IS important - THAT was PRIME example of a knife in a box being a "Dangerous" and "Hazerdous" package.

Sorry, but whoever shipped that MUK like that was an IDIOT!!!


The term "Dangerous" and "Hazerdous" are gray area terms that the USPS seems to give latitude to their employees to make judgement calls on.

In other countries, there are certain types of knives that are illegal. Heck even in California and other such "SHEEPLE" driven states many types of knives are illegal.

So, for USPS workers, "knife" could just be "EASY" to extend into simple "backwards" logic:

"Some knives are illegal" / "This is a knife" / "It doesn't say what type of knife, USPS doesn't know what type of knife and further, a typical USPS employee probably doesn't know ALL of the various knife laws in different states and countries - just that they vary a lot" : Therefore, (from USPS employee perspective): any given "KNIFE" might be an "Illegal" knife. So, better to say can't ship it.

I am not in any way saying you should ship "Dangerous" or Hazerdous items or "falsify" info. But, consider using terms that are less prone to strike fear into the Sheeple - while still being descriptive "enough".



If filling out a Customs Form, I always use words / terms like:

"Camping Tool" - is what I typically call most knives on customs forms.

You could call it: "Camping Gear", "Hiking equipment", "Custom Hand Tool", "kitchen tool", or many similar terms that are at least semi-accurate, but don't raise red flags.


For the Waki, I would call it a "Garden Tool" or "Lawn equipment". Garden and Lawn are nice "peaceful" sounding words. Keeps the Sheeple's nerves soothed. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

If the Postal workers press on better description, for "Garden Tool" or "Lawn Equipment, you could add "Pruning Tool" if needed, but I have generally not been bothered by the postal workers when the see my semi-generic terms.
Although, "too" generic could likely raise flags.

My terms may not be very "specific", but at least the terms don't typically raise red flags and they can be accurate enough.

I don't think you can get very far trying to bang heads or "Prove" your point with USPS and many government workers for that matter. They are going to do what they do and don't tend to be very apologetic about it even if wrong.

From what I have seen, they generally have to be given pretty decent credit for getting tons of mail delivered reasonably fast. But, they don't seem to care too much about complaints.
Some USPS employees seem pretty decent. Others: If they were serving food and I just complained about something - even if a ligitimate complaint, I would be suspicious about what they did to my food as they were bringing it to me.

With USPS employees and most government employees, it seems better to just "work with" they system, try to not come off as suspicious or upset them, get your package shipped, and move on.

Pretend you are getting soup from the Soup Nazi.

I have always valued customer service and what is right. But, that doesn't seem to be the USPS mentallity. In the end, they have the upper hand in their world. You either work with them or find plan B. Personally, I have not had such great luck with UPS. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbdn.gif" alt="" />
Personally, I have probably shipped and received about 20 times more packages via USPS Priority over the last 10 years or so and the only issues I have had were due to one VERY poorly packaged knife - similar to the MUK incident. Which I felt was more the fault of the shipper and poor packaging than USPS. Every other package has been fine.
UPS has probably damaged 6-8 packages in the last 10 years, lost one and all this with only a FRACTION of the numbers of Priority packages. But, that is just my experience.

Personally, when shipping CONUS, I have become pretty fond of using the "automated" Priority postal systems available at post offices in my area.

Although, I don't know if you can use that if shipping internationally.


Just my two (or three) cents. Hope that is helpful.

.

The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. - Albert Einstein

I could be wrong, but I think USPS "USED" to be a lot more lenient about shipping.

But, I think they got VERY paranoid when they had the anthrax being shipped in envelopes a few years ago - 2001 - same year as 9-1-1.

They seem to have become pretty non-tolerant since then.

And I am now sad because it's being shipped to me. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

don't worry, you'll get it. after all, if you don't get that, then i can't get this:

It's okay buddy I don't blame you. I've had my own run ins with the post office and fedex and UPS.

A year or two ago I sent a very nice paul chen katana to a guy via UPS, and they were so rough with the package they broke the sheath it was in. Thank goodness, they didn't damage the blade, but obviously the customer was a little perturbed.

I had insurance and it took me SIX MONTHS to get the money back on the thing. I just refunded him out of my pocket (actually, I covered the cost of a new sheath for it) and prayed I would get a check from UPS. Eventually I did but it took FOREVER.

The inefficiency is amazing.

I shipped an S5 to poland last saturday express int.and put camp knife on the customs form.No word from poland yet,so checked tracking.made it to san fran sunday,and thats all the info on it they have.
His knife made it to me in 5 days.
I'd try back another day or go to ups Mag.

that is one sexy guitar

[censored] right it is.

just printed a label with UPS. few more dollars, but it's outa my hair. pickup's on monday.

Yeah, sounds like some of the post office run-ins I have had too. Glad you got it figured out.

Package Contents: Factory sample of steel components.



I would rather slam my fingers repeatedly in a car door than go to the PO.

I have no idea why they force everything to be so difficult.

My latest run in with the post office has been my mail carrier. TWICE now he has wedged a package between my front door and my glass storm door...and twice now said door has been caught by the wind and broken, ripping the hydraulics off the frame (breaking them both times) and bending my hinges.

The second time they broke I was in the MIDDLE OF FIXING IT FROM THE FIRST TIME. I've reported it several times and talked to the manager there and they don't seem to give a dang.

Ice your sidewalk.

ditto.

I always ship knives marked as "steel tool sample."

Out of respect for the family forum here, i will not express my feelings about the scum that work at the post office.

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/banghead.gif" alt="" />

Hell yeah Trip,I am still laughing. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

LOL i like that idea!

<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

omg that was hilarious...still laighing

At the same time as I'd NEVER do that, part of me gets a little chuckle out of it...

Both knives I bought directly from the yard came via US post/Canada post and both were marked knives.
When I sent a knife down to Bark River for some work it was shipped there and back to me via regular post and marked knife.
Strange how someones personal agenda at a government office can have such effect on us

Unless things have changed recently, I can ship knives and swords from my PO. But then, it's a satellite office and can't do international shipping. The lady there is a knife lover. She sometimes even wraps them for me. I think some government types are getting a little paranoid about weapons lately. Just blame it on us old tea party folks hoarding ammo, drinking Ensure, and hiding out in our mountain or swampy hidaways. Good old UPS can handle it.

There ya' go Vic! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> But drinking Ensure?!!? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Iced tea for me Brother! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Actually, we drink beer. I was just trying to maintain the stereotype. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Speaking of Wakis, I still need to get a sheath for mine.

I'm still pleased with the sheath I made for my Waki! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbup.gif" alt="" />

I ship knives through my local PO no problem all the time. All they care about is that they are packed correctly (cardboard sheath) so the blade doesn't poke through. Never had a problem sending or receiving.