I posted the question because as has been pointed out, the TSA does not follow its rules consistenly (sometimes even within a single airport -- I read recently with interest about shoe removal at EWR because this is one of the airports where the screeners consistently tell me I can leave my shoes on when I wear flats). I wanted to see if anybody has had any experience with doing this, as I cannot imagine that I am the only one.

I had no problem getting my silver through security at MSP at the entrance by the light rail. Before putting it on the belt, I informed the officers as to what I was carrying, and told them I thought that it was okay under their rules, but I didn't know. They told me to send it through, which I did. Then after, they opened it up, inspected the non-serrated blades, and told me, oh yeah, this is totally fine. Honestly, I'd be more concerned with the forks than those knives if I were the TSA, but in any case, my silver made it safely back to New York with me. They seemed to appreciate that I had told them what was in the case, that I was not sure whether it was allowed under the TSA rules, but I thought that it was as the blades weren't serrated.

Regarding the "extortion," I simply do not see how this could happen. If there is an item that I am not allowed to send through in un-checked bags, but am allowed to check through, I have the right to return to the check in counter and do so.

My plan for returning these items to my parents was to leave the secure area and re-enter security. We've done this before when my husband has accidentally forgotten to remove his swiss army knife from his keychain and we've had to check a bag to get the swiss army knife through. I am not sure how this scenario is any different, although I suppose certain individuals have had bad experiences. I suspect these are more rare and sensationalized than the general public.