Ewan, I agree with you that items that are on the list should NOT be carried on. I am very sensitive to the idea that prohibited items should not be carried on, as much for the fear that they cause as any danger they may represent. I also realize that they can't write a list that would include all intrinsically dangerous items and exclude safe ones ... which is why pliers are generally banned. I just didn't realize it, though in retrospect I should have. Fortunately, it was easily resolved (one of the benefits of flying from a small, user-friendly airport.)

It should be noted, however, that round-tipped and plastic scissors are specifically allowed.

The thread-cutter pendant, on the other hand, is NOT scissors, and women who have given up needlework on planes should really check it out - it's amazingly clever, 100 percent safe, and pretty enough to wear as a decorative piece.