Can I carry machete into India without permit.

[Sharpe]

hi,

I am new to this forum, though I had been following thin on and off due to my interest in guns an knives. But since the rules in India are so lousy, that all interest only developed to trivia and never a hobby. I need some urgent help and hence the post.

I am in US and want to buy a Gerber Jr. machete, as well as the machete. I know as per dimensions it falls under arms category (thanks to g4i for the knowledge), but can I get away with it as machetes are meant for cutting shrubs. And hence can be considered agricultural and or domestic. This the 14th time I amm in US and every single time I have wanted to buy this, but decided otherwise.

The other part of the query is if it is in fact illegal and I do carry it in my checked luggage, what would happen if I am stopped by customs. Will I have to just surrender it and plead ignorance and let them confiscate it. Or will I be charged with a crime and what's the max penalty. I'm trying to figure out is it worth the risk given that the actual cost of the machete is only about $ 24 .

Need help urgently, have been fascinated by this machete for two years now.

Cheers

[aadhaulya]

I do not know the legal status, but I have bought knives big and small in my checked in baggage and have never been questioned. The worst I feel that can happen is that it can get confiscated by customs. This is my opinion and I plan to continue doing it in the future as well, since I do not buy very expensive knives, and can afford to let it confiscated.

Atul

[kshitij]

That blades in question costs about 50usd here in india. Is an additional 25$ worth all the hassles?
https://www.cart2india.com/gardening-to ... 4302690358

[estousandy]

All these machetes were easily available in India not too long ago, all dried up now. About legality at customs, since these are not knives technically there shouldn't be a problem but it's India. This gator you've chosen is only half tang so i suggest you get something better since you're already in the free country. Preferably a Tramontina if you want it to work, or an Ontario. Gerbers are only 1050 steel, 1070-95 is more suitable for a machete. If you insist on Gerber, get the bolo. It's just too strong & swingable.

[Sharpe]

Thanks for the inputs guys.

Aadhaulya, even I had carried knives before, but they were kitchen knives, nothing that has a semblance of a weapon.

Estuusandy - yeah I know it was half tang, but had made my peace with the fact, cause the alternatives weren't "cool" enough. Now that you have dropped a few names, I will check them out.

Cheers

[aadhaulya]

Aadhaulya, even I had carried knives before, but they were kitchen knives, nothing that has a semblance of a weapon.

Sharpe, the knives I get are weapon type and nothing like kitchen knives.

Regards

Atul

[harshit89]

I don't think that machete are legal in India without permission as when the law don't allow the blades more than 6 inches, then how can it allow a machete which has a huge knife blade.

[nagarifle]

I don't think that machete are legal in India without permission as when the law don't allow the blades more than 6 inches, then how can it allow a machete which has a huge knife blade.

please check out the arms act, before saying such things, machete are a agriculture tools thus they are not considered under the 9x2 inches rule, lots of farmers/gardeners have tools that are over 9inches.