I carry at least one knife in my pocket 24/7 (unless I'm traveling The Friendly Skies, that is). Several weeks ago, I realized I still had one in my pocket after checking my luggage. The checked luggage could not be brought back (I asked).
This was a boxcutter type knife that I use at work every day. I reluctantly threw '"Ol' Faithful" into a trash can.
With this type of knife, the cutting edge is easily removed. I could have disposed of the blade and kept the handle.
Could a knife handle with no blade be included in my carry-on luggage? (It would fit well within the 6" tool limit)
If I were a TSO I would not allow it. My thought process would be you may have an accomplice that is sneaking the blade.
As a non TSO I know that a box cutter is not dangerous and can easily be defeated by a plane full of passengers.