Originally Posted by
rbrenton88
I suppose a very long fedex or UPS box would do, although I don't know if they have any this long.
FedEx, UPS, DHL, etc. would certainly work. I'd definiately lean in this direction if the sword has significant value as you can buy full insurance. You can also box it up and check it as checked luggage. The tracking and insurance isn't as good with checked luggage, though, so you will have to consider the value.
I'm assuming TSA would not allow me to carry on a 4-ft long deadly object, since my nail clippers are already banned.
You certainly can not take it as a carry on but nail clippers are not, and never have been, banned by the TSA.