3 Ways To Pack Knives For Moving

According to the TSA, movers should wrap sharp objects appropriately so baggage inspectors aren’t injured. If you don’t, you could get sued.

Whether you’re moving with your truck, with movers, or shipping your belongings, packing kitchenware is tricky (knives are perhaps the trickiest). Breakables need to be handled with the utmost care, but knives can cause injury to you or movers when mishandled.

Learn how to pack knives for moving.

See also: 5 Ways to Pack Silverware for Moving

How to Pack Knives for Moving

While it’s bad enough to deal with shards of wine bottles and frames, it’s worse to treat injuries the instant you’re in your new home.

First, note the number of knives you’ll be carrying; second, sort them into types (steak and bread knives, vegetable, table knives, chef knives, carving knives, etc.) and sizes; finally, pack the knives.

Packing Materials:

■Cardboard box

■Knife block

■Checked bag

■Packing paper

■Bubble wrap

■Scotch tape

■Marker

■String or twine

■Socks and small pieces of clothing

We’ve compiled three simple ways to pack knives.

Pack Knives in a Cardboard Box

Fill the box’s bottom with crumpled packing paper and line the box’s insides with bubble wrap. This way, the knives won’t pierce the cardboard box.

Follow the steps below:

1. Place a sheet of packing paper on a flat surface.
2. Lay the knife near the edge of the packing paper.
3. Wrap the packing paper around the knife 3-4 times until you cover the blade and handle in the paper.
4. Lay another knife beside the wrapped knife and repeat the process.
5. Wrap knives till you’re out of paper.
6. Wrap the loose part in the packing paper around the wrapped bundle of knives.
7. Check if the bundle is compact.
8. Secure the bundle with enough scotch tape so it won’t unwrap in transit.
9. Place the bundle of knives in the afore-prepared cardboard box.
10. Fill up extra space on the top of the box with crumpled paper.
11. Use a marker to write “KNIVES,” “HANDLE WITH CARE,” or “CAN CAUSE INJURY” on the box.
12. Finally, seal the box’s flaps with tape so it won’t cave in or spill its contents.

Note: The finished work looks like a roll of knives packed individually but wrapped in at least 20 sheets.

See also: How to Pack Kitchen for Moving

Pack Knives in a Knife Block

Kitchen knives usually come in a knife block. Packing is easier if you have a knife block; you can use the first or third packing method if you don’t have one.

Follow the steps to pack your knives in a knife block:

1. Tape the edges and holes of the knife block, including the knife handle, together in one single drag. 
2. Place a sheet of packing paper on a flat surface.
3. Wrap 2-3 sheets of paper around the knife block like you would wrap a present.
4. Wrap two sheets of bubble wrap around the wrapped block for extra protection.

You can now pack your knives in the box for moving.

Pack Knives for Moving in a Checked Bag

“I can’t wait to go backpacking this summer!

How do I safely pack a few knives into my checked bag—without getting embarrassed, confiscated, or tossed around?”

Let’s teach you how to keep your pack knives, keep them safe, and avoid any hassle from airline officials.

First, prepare your bag by lining the edges with shoes to cushion impact. You can also use a hard case bag for extra protection.

Method 1:

Sheath your knives with their sheaths or a blade protector. If you don’t have a sheath, you can make one yourself.

Here’s how to DIY:

1. Cut two pieces of cardboard with a few extra centimeters to cover both sides.
2. Place the pieces on the knife and secure them with scotch tape.
3. Wrap the knives in packing paper and tape them together.

Method 2:

For knives with lanyard holes:

1. String the knives together and through the frame of the suitcase.
2. Wrap the bundle in packing paper and secure it with enough tape.

Method 3:

1. Smear peanut butter on old underwear.
2. Wrap the knife with the underwear.
3. Cover up the knife in a plastic bag.
4. Place the item(s) in your checked bag.

Method 4:

1. Wrap your knife in a .3-inch layer of paper towels.
2. Place your knife in a pull-string pouch.
3. Place the wrapped knife in a tin.
4. Put balled-up tissues in the tin so the lot doesn’t jingle when moved. You want a compact unit.
5. If you don’t have a tin, you can put it in a case.
6. Place the item(s) in your checked bag.

Without boring you with rules and regulations and exceptions. Here are the basics for moving interstate with knives:

Carry-on bags or personal luggage: Plastic or round-bladed butter knives.

Checked Bags: Pocket knives (Swiss Army), kitchen knives or chef knives, antique knives and decorative knives, short blades, fake/plastic/toy knives, swords, etc.

You can also check TSA regulations for information on illegal knives.

See also: How to Pack Pots and Pans for Moving

Tips for Packing Knives for Moving

1. Cover the blades of larger knives with pieces of bubble wrap.
2. Never touch the tip of the blade while wrapping knives.
3. Wrap knives in bubble wrap and pack them in thick old clothing.
4. Wrap your knives in socks or underwear and stuff them in your shoes.
5. If the knife is sentimental or might be illegal, ship ahead via USPS, UPS, or FedEx.