Canada's knife laws just cost me almost $400.

[TheGiant80]

I ordered a DLC M4 micarta Shaman from BladeHQ when they first came out, and I just got an email from USPS stating Canadian Customs has seized it. I've never had this happen before, and I've ordered plenty of knives from the US (including a few Shamans).

I emailed BladeHQ asking about what happens next. If the knife gets shipped back to the dealer. If there's a chance they could forward it to me at a later date. If the knife will be destroyed. In true BladeHQ fashion they didn't answer the questions I sent, they just told me they couldn't send me another one or refund my money.

I just needed a place to vent. I'm not made of money and losing almost $400 CAD has ruined my week and it's only Tuesday. Lame.

[ChrisinHove]

Bad luck. I guess it’s not just the U.K…..

Just console yourself that this has now made the world a safer place

[JRinFL]

I'm sorry to hear about this happening to you. Hopefully it works out in your favor.

[Fly Fishing Rick]

That's not cool... I hope you're able to get some kind of explanation so it's sure not to happen again in the future. I hope it all works out for you.

[Rinzler]

Add another reason to avoid BHQ.

[huyfishin]

**** Im sorry to hear about your experience with CBSA.

This is the main reason why I only buy spydercos from my local dealers here like House of Knives and Warriors and wonders. Its already across the border and I don't have to worry about Canadian Border service agents.

I have wondered how The major knife retailers in Canada are able to bring so many knives over with no issue. But an individual like yourself can't.

[JRinFL]

**** Im sorry to hear about your experience with CBSA.

This is the main reason why I only buy spydercos from my local dealers here like House of Knives and Warriors and wonders. Its already across the border and I don't have to worry about Canadian Border service agents.

I have wondered how The major knife retailers in Canada are able to bring so many knives over with no issue. But an individual like yourself can't.

Undeclared trade war? I'm joking, but one begins to wonder...

[Tucson Tom]

Add another reason to avoid BHQ.

I don't see how BHQ has done any wrong here, though I suppose they could commiserate.

It certainly sucks. Lucky for me here in Arizona there are virtually no knife laws.

[MFlovejp]

Is the knife illegal to own or purchase where you live?

[huyfishin]

definitely not BHQ's fault. Anytime you purchase an item and it has to cross the border. Every officer will use his own discretion to decide whether if its legal or not. You're just got unlucky this one officer decided the shaman was illegal.

If I owned bladeHQ I wouldn't offer a refund or send you another knife because because you decided to test Canadian Border services flex. You assume the risk when purchasing so its all on the buyer. If everyone asked them for money back or a new knife to be sent then they may as well only sell locally and not ship into Canada. Avoid any bad reviews and online backlash.

[huyfishin]

Is the knife illegal to own or purchase where you live?

The laws are odd.

Could be considered illegal when crossing the border.

Legal once passed the border haha

[SpyderNut]

Is the knife illegal to own or purchase where you live?

The laws are odd.

Could be considered illegal when crossing the border.

Legal once passed the border haha

That is what I was wondering too. Not to derail the thread, but the family and I are planning on going up into Canada soon for vacation. I usually bring a small case of knives wherever I go, but I don’t want the Mounties coming after me either, lol. Any blade length or locking mechanism restrictions I should worry about? (I.e. Are OTF and other autos legal?)

Condolences to the OP. I’d be fairly bummed if this happened to me.

[Rinzler]

Add another reason to avoid BHQ.

I don't see how BHQ has done any wrong here, though I suppose they could commiserate.

It certainly sucks. Lucky for me here in Arizona there are virtually no knife laws.

Agreed, bhq is technically free and clear. But their response, assuming OP is being fully forthcoming, leaves a lot to be desired - just like typical bhq service, a lot left to be desired.

Just another notch on the stick confirming there’s better retailers out there with which to spend your money.

[Ranger_Ike]

Ouch. Hate that for you. Hope it somehow gets resolved.

[sal]

Sorry for your loss. Why would they destroy it or send it back when they can own it?

How do you spell; "Corruptician"?

sal

[z1r]

Sorry for your loss. Why would they destroy it or send it back when they can own it?

How do you spell; "Corruptician"?

sal

Ayyup!

[huyfishin]

Sorry for your loss. Why would they destroy it or send it back when they can own it?

How do you spell; "Corruptician"?

sal

Yup I would pocket that piece haha

[TheGiant80]

**** Im sorry to hear about your experience with CBSA.

This is the main reason why I only buy spydercos from my local dealers here like House of Knives and Warriors and wonders. Its already across the border and I don't have to worry about Canadian Border service agents.

I have wondered how The major knife retailers in Canada are able to bring so many knives over with no issue. But an individual like yourself can't.

I buy 99% of my gear from Warriors and Wonders. I really wanted the BHQ exclusive though, and since I’ve never had an issue getting a Shaman over the border in the past I thought I’d take a shot..

[TheGiant80]

Is the knife illegal to own or purchase where you live?

The comp lock allowing one handed opening and closing is a bit of a grey area. Like another user said, it was up to the discretion of the customs agent.

[bgcameron]

I have wondered how The major knife retailers in Canada are able to bring so many knives over with no issue. But an individual like yourself can't.

As explained to me recently- a holder of a business firearms licence can import what may be considered "prohibited weapons" by CBSA.

My 2 BHQ Native 5 LW's got seized because someone determined they were "centrifugal knives", and therefor prohibited.