Postal Explorer > Publication 52 - Hazardous, Restricted, and Perishable Mail > 4 Restricted Matter > 44 Knives and Sharp Instruments

44 Knives and Sharp Instruments

441 Definitions

441.1 General

Sharp instruments include all sharp-pointed or sharp-edged implements such as knives, tools, ice picks, razor blades, stilettos, or similar devices. When uncertain about the mailability of a sharp instrument or a switchblade knife, a ruling may be requested from the local postmaster (see 215.3).

441.2 Switchblade Knife

A switchblade knife has a blade that opens automatically by hand pressure applied to a button or other device in the handle, or by operation of inertia, gravity, or both.

442 Mailability

A switchblade knife, as defined in 441.2, is mailable only to the following categories of addressees:

a. Certain designated supply or procurement officers and employees ordering, procuring, or purchasing them for use in connection with their respective governments or organizations, such as:

(1) Civilian or armed forces supply or procurement officers, and employees of the federal government.

(2) Supply or procurement officers of the National Guard, the Air National Guard, or the militia of a state, territory, or the District of Columbia.

(3) Supply or procurement officers or employees of the municipal government of the District of Columbia, or of the government of any state or territory, or of any county, city, or other political subdivision of a state or territory.

b. Manufacturers or bona fide dealers of such knives in connection with a shipment made to an address in one of the above categories.

443 Packaging and Marking

443.1 General

All sharp-pointed or sharp-edged instruments such as knives, tools, ice picks, razor blades, etc., must be securely packaged in a strong container as required in DMM 601.1-601.8. Sufficient cushioning material must be used to protect the sharp points and edges from cutting through the outer packaging during normal Postal Service handling.

443.2 Marking

No marking of any kind that indicates the nature of the contents may be placed on the outside of any mailpiece containing a switchblade knife.

444 Nonmailable Knives in the Mails

Nonmailable knives or sharp instruments discovered in the mailstream must be reported to the Inspection Service in accordance with POM 139.117.