Importing a knife doubts

madcow · Post by **madcow** » Mon May 24, 2004 4:25 pm

Hi:

I'm new here and I have a doubt. From your experience (which may vary according to your nationality) have you ever had any problems with Customs regarding buying a knife / sword abroad?

I want to buy a SOG Seal knife 2000, but I'm not sure whether it's legal in Portugal to import it or not. There are several stores that sell knives and swords here and I can easily purchase one there (at 2 times the cost), which makes me think it's okay to buy one over the internet.

I tried to contact the Customs Dept. by phone but no luck.

I would like you to talk about your experience.

Thanks In Advance,
Ricardo

Mr_Guano · Post by **Mr_Guano** » Mon May 24, 2004 5:00 pm

Hi!
Welcome to the forum!

I cannot say anything about legality in Portugal, unfortunately.
Even though the swords and knives you want are legal in Portugal,
it doesn't mean that you'll be able to import them...
(before you start asking really "difficult questions" on importing, please read posting suggestions on top of the page).

But I speak of experience when I say that ordering a knife from abroad
can be more expensive than you think.
First there's the cost of the knife or sword.
Then there's shipping (quite a lot for swords, I suspect).
Then (depending on country) there's taxes AND import fees.

I always calculate with a total amount of just under double the price of a knife when I order from another country (esp. the US of A) with all the extra costs in the equation.

I've had packages that cost $60 for ONE folding knife to ship,
then I had to pay the taxes and fees (yes, plural in Norway) on top of that.
Total "extra costs" ended up around $100 even though the knife was valued at $70.

I'd thoroughly research the TOTAL cost of importing before you order from abroad, not only the cost of the knife or sword itself.

Happy hunting, madcow!
Mr_G

Edited to rephrase something.

Blood_drinker · Post by **Blood_drinker** » Mon May 24, 2004 6:16 pm

madcow -

If in doubt, get your SOG SEAL 2000 from Mike @ BestKnives -

http://www.BestKnives.com

Only $99.95. And Mike'll ship overseas at your request.

info@bestknives.com

Here's a currency converter -

http://www.xe.com/ucc

Tell Mike Al Treat sent ya'!

Blood_drinker

(Edited by Teddy... please see "posting suggestions".)

madcow · Post by **madcow** » Mon May 24, 2004 6:43 pm

Thanks for the tip Al.

I found and downloaded the Portuguese legislation regarding arms (whether they are firearms or bladed arms) and it's something like this.

A knife is only considered a weapon if the blade is longer than 15cm (approx. 5.9 in). In this case almost all combat knives are considered weapons. The SOG SEAL 2000 blade is 7'' long.

However, one can possess a weapon (firarm or knife) if it's considered a tool, a sports tool (as in hunting or fishing) or an ornamental object. You can also use it freely in the use it was built for. This means I can go an take a knife to fishing (legal use of a weapon) but I can't walk around in the street with it (illegal).

As for taxes and import permits, it's a little confusing and I'll have to read it again and again and again to see if I understand it.

(Edited by Teddy.... please see "posting suggestions" )

Teddy · Post by **Teddy** » Mon May 24, 2004 6:47 pm

Gentlemen,

Please do not discuss customs issues.

Best wishes
Teddy

madcow · Post by **madcow** » Mon May 24, 2004 7:00 pm

ops, sorry...

BTW, the price of the SOG SEAL 2000 here is 259€...

ktonix · Post by **ktonix** » Mon May 24, 2004 8:58 pm

the sog seal is a fixed blade knife , and really I high doubt you would have problems, most countrys only disallow import of concealable weapons. and chances are if local shops ( not underground but main knife shops are selling them , then your able to import one.

madcow · Post by **madcow** » Mon May 24, 2004 9:03 pm

that's what I think, ktonix

Blood_drinker · Post by **Blood_drinker** » Wed May 26, 2004 5:46 am

madcow -

Just keep in mind - as long as the item is not contraband
( meaning pure ownership is "illegal" ) then I don't see importation as
a problem.

Blood_drinker

coy277 · Post by **coy277** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 10:08 pm

if i wanted to buy a stiletto from europe and im in the u.s., what are the chances of it passing through customs and actually reaching me?

Blood_drinker · Post by **Blood_drinker** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 10:31 pm

coy277 -

It would depend on who(m) you bought it from.
Try this -

http://www.Bladeplay.com

Let someone else do the work for ya'!

BD

Teddy · Post by **Teddy** » Thu Dec 16, 2004 10:52 pm

Gents...

Please do not discuss customs or shipping issues... at all!!

All the best
Teddy

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