Favorite pocket knife for European travel?
 

I lost my little Sypderco knife that I traveled with the past several years and I need to replace it. Before I start researching - any suggestions? I like it to be a combination serrated/smooth blade - works so well cutting fresh bread, cheese, fruit, etc. And it needs to be pretty small.

Somehow I actually got through security with my little knife in a side pocket of my carry on messenger bag. I forgot that it was in there and was really surprised when I pulled it out to use it for the first time and realized that I had carried it on with me.

sorry...make that "spyderco"!

Where are you going? You could wait and buy a Swiss Army Knife in Switzerland.

The wonderful OPINEL, it folds, has a sharp edge, inexpensive, you can buy it in stainless steel or carbon

Don't buy a knife with a carbon blade. It's easier to sharpen, but imparts a taste to the fruit it cuts. Laguiole is another, if somewhat pricey option; but no serrated blade.

Just realized I had my little Swiss pocketknife in my backpack on my Seattle - Amsterdam - Zürich flight. None of the security inspections noticed.

So I've got to ask: you can carry on small pocket knives now? (I'm not talking about the forgotten, hidden pocket knives mentioned.)

It depends on how the Discriminator is set: I went thru Newark's security with a very small Swiss Army-type knife in my pocket several times.
The same knife was confiscated by TSA screening in San Diego. It was in my carry-on

I like to be prepared for any contingency, so I never leave home without this: http://www.hammacher.com/publish/74670.asp#

HI C,

A Swiss Army knife.

I don't leave home without it.

((I))

Well, my first reply when reading this was going to be "Be sure to put it in checked baggage". I think DH has had at least 5 tiny Swiss army knives taken, and I lost mine with the cork screw and other blades.
I like the opinels. Or a folding Laguiole. I use ours for a tailgating knife.
Buy a Swiss aremy knife on Amazon and save money.

I got a dozen Taiwan Army Knives from Hammacher-Schlemmer for $5 apiece many years ago.

If I lost a Victorinox, there would be sadness for days, but these babies are expendible.

Thanks all - helpful info as usual.

Ira: How do you carry your knife? I am always cautious about the rules governing carry on luggage and put nothing in checked baggage that would tempt the lite fingered.

RJD,

to discourage opportunistic thieves, use the small plastic ties for holding electric wires together. But carry small nail clippers to cut them at your arrival point.

I hardly think a simple Swiss Army knife is going to have the "luggage thieves" all excited about their find!