Packaging Knives for Shipping

Shipping knives (kitchen blades, pocketknives, hunting knives, sheathed or bare) is common, but it needs care. The two priorities are (1) safety for postal workers and recipients, and (2) compliance with your carrier's rules and local/international laws.

⚠️ Important Checklist Before Shipping

Check carrier rules and laws in your country before packaging. Postal services publish specific guidelines for shipping sharp objects
Know destination restrictions. Some countries limit or prohibit certain knife types (automatic blades, tactical knives, etc.)
Never hide or misrepresent contents to bypass restrictions — this is illegal and dangerous

📦 Materials You'll Need

Hard blade sheath or blade protector (plastic sheath, leather scabbard, or specialized guards)
Heavy cardboard or folded corrugated cardboard for edge protection
Bubble wrap, foam sheets, or polyurethane foam pieces
Small rigid inner container (small sturdy box or "box-within-a-box")
Void fill material (packing peanuts, crumpled paper)
Sturdy outer cardboard box (single wall for small blades; double wall for heavier knives)
Packing tape (minimum 38mm / 1½"), scissors, permanent marker

📋 Step-by-Step Packaging Instructions

Step 1: Clean and Dry the Knife

Remove moisture or food residue to prevent corrosion or odors during shipping.

Step 2: Apply Secure Blade Protection

If your knife has appropriate scabbards, use them. If not, use plastic protection or make sheaths from folded heavy cardboard. The blade edge and tip must be covered so they cannot cut through packaging.

Step 3: Wrap the Blade

Wrap the protected blade in at least two layers of bubble wrap or foam. For very sharp tips, insert cork or foam over the tip before wrapping.

Step 4: Create a Rigid Inner Barrier

Place the wrapped knife in a small rigid box or create a sealed inner compartment (inner box that slides into outer box is ideal). This reduces the likelihood of the blade puncturing the outer box.

Step 5: Stabilize the Item

Fill gaps with void fill material so the knife cannot move. Movement increases the risk of puncture or damage.

Step 6: Use a Sturdy Outer Box

Choose a sturdy outer box (double wall for heavier knives). Seal seams with packing tape — tape the length of flaps and ends. Do not use staples.

Step 7: Label Properly

Some carriers require packages to be marked as containing sharp items or packaged so they don't pose a risk to employees. Follow carrier labeling guidelines.

🌍 Additional Tips for Domestic and International Shipments

Choose tracked service and add insurance if the knife is valuable. Tracking reduces risk of loss and provides delivery confirmation
Accurately complete customs forms for international mail (description, value, commodity code if required)
Age restrictions: In some countries, shipping certain knives commercially requires age verification services or special handling

❌ What NOT to Do

Do not ship open blades without sheath or rigid container
Do not hide or disguise prohibited items to avoid inspections
Do not use thin envelopes or weak packaging that can be punctured

How to Package Knives for Shipping