Originally Posted by
AlwaysAisle
Both Japan Post and US Postal Service do not list knives, swords, and such items as prohibited items to ship internationally. Also, U.S. Customs does not list knives, swords, and such items as prohibited or restricted items, given that they do not consider cooking knives as firearms.
As above poster said I often see Japanese cooking knives at specialty stores in the U.S., which I will assume there is no restriction regarding importing cooking knives to the U.S.
As far as customs declaration is concerned, it is total amount you purchased so if you are going to buy very expensive knives then will likely exceed duty free allowance and need to declare, also have to declare that you have items shipped separately not traveling with you.
OP here:Apparently I wasn't clear. Was hoping for some insight as to the actual mechanics of arranging/doing a shipment to the US in order to avoid checking bags thru. Does anyone know of or has arranged with a shipper or store who might pack & do this. No problem as far as Customs declaration, etc ... we've brought back knives from Japan on several previous trips, but the complexity of the present itinerary makes it desirable to do carry-ons.