A Google search won't always tell you what's allowed or prohibited from flying to the US from another country. I am a needlepointer, and have randomly had rounded-tip scissors, tapestry needles, and thread cutters all taken away at different checkpoint, even though all of those are allowed in carry-on by TSA in the US. It's just a crapshoot to guess what will be allowed, so I've given up stitching on foreign flights returning home, and just pack the stuff in checked luggage now. (I feel your wife's indignation!)