Originally Posted by RichardInSF
Incidentally, you know those ineffectual policeman who you encounter when entering Narita airport? If they figure out you have some decently sized knives with you, there is a good chance they won't let you onto the airport premisses. However, they rarely open any bags, so just make sure they are neatly packed inside checked baggage and not in a separate box or anything like that. Or mail/fedex them home.
This reminds me of something...
Back in the 1989 or 1990, I was flying Aeroflot from NRT to LHR (via Moscow). Shortly after take-off, the Aeroflot FA handed my neighbour a couple of
huge Japanese kitchen knives. I was somewhat concerned to be sitting next to an armed stranger for the next 9 hours, so I made friendly conversation...
He explained to me that he was a keen amateur cook and admirer of Japanese knives. Apparently, the policemen had confiscated them from him at the entrance to Narita airport, and they told him that the airline would return the knives to him after arrival in Moscow.... I was struck by the efficiency of the Narita police in delivering the knives to the airline... and the sloppiness of Aeroflot who didn't have any interest in knives.
I doubt that this could happen today.