You can check just about anything as long as it isn't a "prohibited" item (explosives, flammables, caustics etc.) or problem items such as leaking liquids. "Excepted" items can be checked but only if properly packaged and in limited amounts e.g. dry ice. Shouldn't be a problem at all.

See:
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtrav...ted-items.shtm
look at "sharp objects"

Here's a list of excepted items:
http://www.ariane-info.com/no_tdg-e.htm