Hi, Scigirl,

First of all, why would anyone voluntarily move from HI to TX??? (I know, flame away!) Military family, perhaps?? (I'm retired USAF myself.)

There's no way the TSA defenders of freedom will let you carry on anything that, in their opinion, is a "pointy object." Remember that it it their opinion, however bizarre it might be during the security screening. You're right -- if you put it in your checked bag, you can bet it will be stolen, either by an airline employee or (horrors!) by a TSA employee.

I would seriously consider commercially shipping all of your silverware, fully recognizing how heavy it is. If this is a business-related move, you might encourage your employer to pay for it. The TSA leaves us no other choice. Carrying it with you is just too risky these days -- from theft.

Hope you have a good move.

I remember some advice decades ago from a retired USAF member -- "Three moves equals one fire."