The post office stole my blades!

[Shaving Galoot]

I was trying to do the right thing. I can't take DE blades on the plane for the Christmas holiday, so I sent my blades through the mail. Mom calls this evening to let me know that the envelope made it fine, but someone ripped the end out of it and the blades didn't make it.

I'm going to send another pack, but if they don't get there in time or the jerk at the post office gives himself another Christmas present by taking mine again, what's plan B? Should I pick up some Bic single edge disposables?

~Jeff

[Tarsyn]

I believe you can have them in your checked bags. You can take a gun with you if it is checked, I wouldn't see the problem of putting your blades in your checked bags. Hope this helps.

[biomesh]

Put the blades in a checked in bag.

[Judge Mental]

Check your bag if you can. I carry blades in checked bags all the time. Stash a few blades at your mom's for the next time.

[Shaving Galoot]

Check your bag if you can. I carry blades in checked bags all the time. Stash a few blades at your mom's for the next time.


We were trying to avoid checking any bags. They've lost my luggage more than once (and I rarely fly). If things don't fit in our carry on bags when we pack up Sunday, I'll definitely throw some blades in the checked bag. At this point I can see those disappearing.

But, that's a great idea to leave some there. I can see myself stashing razors in family member's houses all across the country. :001_smile

Thanks,

~Jeff

[DunEdinRanger]

I understand that at Heathrow, there is Mistletoe over the area where you check your bags. That's right, it is so you can kiss your bags goodbye.

[Hawkeyeted]

I understand that at Heathrow, there is Mistletoe over the area where you check your bags. That's right, it is so you can kiss your bags goodbye.

:lol::lol::lol:

It's all the funnier if you've ever traveled through Heathrow. What a mad house!

[galopede]

'Twas always known as Thiefrow...

Gareth

[SRock]

I believe you can have them in your checked bags. You can take a gun with you if it is checked, I wouldn't see the problem of putting your blades in your checked bags. Hope this helps.

+1 Checked bag!


Put the blades in a checked in bag.

Again, +1


We were trying to avoid checking any bags. They've lost my luggage more than once (and I rarely fly). If things don't fit in our carry on bags when we pack up Sunday, I'll definitely throw some blades in the checked bag. At this point I can see those disappearing.

But, that's a great idea to leave some there. I can see myself stashing razors in family member's houses all across the country. :001_smile

Thanks,

~Jeff


Ah, that's understandable then. Maybe you should ship the next blades in a small box (less likely to tear open).

[SepticTank]

:lol::lol::lol:

It's all the funnier if you've ever traveled through Heathrow. What a mad house!

Hmmm - "mad house" isn't the epithet I'd give it, I'll not post it here since I don't want a ban :biggrin:. I actively avoid flying via LHR even if it costs me money and/or time.

[napoleon]

Don't they sell DE blades where your mom lives:confused: Even some rubbish blades?

[Shaving Galoot]

Don't they sell DE blades where your mom lives:confused: Even some rubbish blades?

She lives in Lancaster, PA. I posted a question here earlier asking if anyone knew where to get shaving supplies in that area. The only responses I got were to hit the antique stores as the Amish use DE razors. My guess is that I could get some crappy store label blades from a WalMart. But my sister is interested in seeing a demonstration of this whole DE shaving routine and I'd hate to slice my face up while I have an audience.

~Jeff

[Shaving Galoot]

Ah, that's understandable then. Maybe you should ship the next blades in a small box (less likely to tear open).

I'm thinking tyvek.

~Jeff

[Trius]

I'm thinking tyvek.

~Jeff

Or how about a padded mailer? Less likely for someone to open that I would think. I mailed 3 Derby blades that were excess to a member here, in a common #10 enevelope, and they made it OK. So I know it's not USPS policy to remove them.

[Mr. Gillette]

I was trying to do the right thing. I can't take DE blades on the plane for the Christmas holiday, so I sent my blades through the mail. Mom calls this evening to let me know that the envelope made it fine, but someone ripped the end out of it and the blades didn't make it.

I'm going to send another pack, but if they don't get there in time or the jerk at the post office gives himself another Christmas present by taking mine again, what's plan B? Should I pick up some Bic single edge disposables?

~Jeff

NEWMAN!!!:lol::lol:

[superbleu]

Tape a single layer of blades onto a sheet of paper, and send like a normal letter.
You can fit 14 or 15 blades on a 1/3 sheet of an 8.5x11 sheet of paper and put the whole thing in a business size envelope and it will still only cost 42 cents to send.

[sol92258]

Or how about a padded mailer? Less likely for someone to open that I would think. I mailed 3 Derby blades that were excess to a member here, in a common #10 enevelope, and they made it OK. So I know it's not USPS policy to remove them.
yup

[rodd]

I once bought 100 blades from a wonderful vendor who happens to be a mod here, and when I opened my mailbox the envelope was in there, ripped to shreds, but every one of the packs of blades was also in the mailbox. I somehow doubt that anyone intentionally stole them, but it was probably a case of mishandling mail. I have heard stories of mail getting jammed in the sorting machines and being destroyed.

[SepticTank]

Periodically here you get a plastic bag in the post with an apology that they shredded your item. Usually it happens with slightly odd-shaped items and the card in the bag says something about it only happening to a few items out of millions. I have had lots of those cards over the years :mad:

[castlecraver]

Exact same thing has happened to me. Probably has more to do with the stamping and sorting equipment than anyone really wanting to steal our cheap DE razor blades.

[sklegg]

Is there actually a restriction on razor blades on flights? The TSA regulations (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm) are a little vague on this. They specifically mention safety razors as an exception. I say just try carrying them on.

[yomuppet]

Tape a single layer of blades onto a sheet of paper, and send like a normal letter.
You can fit 14 or 15 blades on a 1/3 sheet of an 8.5x11 sheet of paper and put the whole thing in a business size envelope and it will still only cost 42 cents to send.

+1 -- I think the sorting equipment squeezes one end of the envelop and pushes the pack of blades out the other end, if you don't use the trick above.

I've had it happen to other things besides blades, that were about the same width. Probably just thin enough to fit in the machine, but too thick to make it all the way through.

Regards.

J

[SmoovD]

Is there actually a restriction on razor blades on flights? The TSA regulations (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm) are a little vague on this. They specifically mention safety razors as an exception. I say just try carrying them on.

DE blades will not make it through security in a carry-on. Best bet is to place them in checked baggage or buy some blades upon arrival at your destination.

[superbleu]

Is there actually a restriction on razor blades on flights? The TSA regulations (http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm) are a little vague on this. They specifically mention safety razors as an exception. I say just try carrying them on.

I would advise against this.
I had a single straight edge razor blade in my backpack I forgot about that I kept in there to cut moleskin in the field if I ever needed it. X-ray machine was able to see it, and the TSA was pretty cool about it, just pulled it out and said you see why I was so careful digging around in here. But I could have seen it get ugly fast especially in a crowed busy airport.

[Shaving Galoot]

I just returned from the post office. One of the 'managers' there told me that I can't ship razor blades in the mail because they are dangerous, hazardous materials. I told her that I disclosed what was in the original package to the lady at the counter and she said it was OK. She told me it was like shipping a loaded gun through the mail. After a long, civil discussion which involved another 'manager' we decided that UPS or FedEx would be a better option for me. I made what I thought were many compelling arguments: "I received these blades through the mail" "They are not loose, they are in a plastic box, just as in the original package" etc.

Stopped by FedEx (trying to support our local firm) and they wanted $30 to get it to PA by Monday afternoon or $20 to get it there by Tuesday. Calmly said thanks, but no thanks and left.

We'll definitely be checking baggage this trip. My fingers are crossed that they don't lose, shred, or otherwise mess this up.

While I think everything will be fine in the end, which is better, those store brand DE blades or a disposable BIC single edge?

Thanks for putting up with my rant. Normally I'm actually pretty happy with the post office.

~Jeff

[Bobtrumpet]

While I think everything will be fine in the end, which is better, those store brand DE blades or a disposable BIC single edge?

The Family Dollar store's Dorco blades (labeled "Made in Korea") are not too bad. Wal-Mart's are supposedly pretty good, but I haven't tried them. Alas, Dollar General quit selling the "Made in Israel" ASR blades - they were very nice.

If you can find some BIC Metal single balde disposables, I think you'll like them - much better than the BIC Sensitive single blade razors.

[Trius]

I just returned from the post office. One of the 'managers' there told me that I can't ship razor blades in the mail because they are dangerous, hazardous materials. I told her that I disclosed what was in the original package to the lady at the counter and she said it was OK. She told me it was like shipping a loaded gun through the mail.

Not to drag this out, but I think that's pure BS. If it were true, then where was the notice that should have accompanied your opened envelope? And what regulation can they cite? That was just a CYA/avoid blame conversation.

[Shaving Galoot]

The Family Dollar store's Dorco blades (labeled "Made in Korea") are not too bad. Wal-Mart's are supposedly pretty good, but I haven't tried them. Alas, Dollar General quit selling the "Made in Israel" ASR blades - they were very nice.

If you can find some BIC Metal single balde disposables, I think you'll like them - much better than the BIC Sensitive single blade razors.

Hopefully I won't need these, but thanks for the suggestions. If this plan continues to crumble I'll look for these.

~Jeff

[Mr. Gillette]

Hollow out a little spot in the heel of your shoe. Replace the heel and glue into place.

Have a good Christmas...remember those of us that are incarcerated...:w00t:

[Robxcarlson]

Razor blades get mailed all the time... no rules against them that I'm aware of. Typically, I'll mail a plastic 5 pack by wrapping a a piece of paper around them or perhaps a piece of cardboard and stapling it around the blade pack to keep it from shifting inside the envelope. One stamp covers 5 blades no problem... and I wouldn't tell the people at the PO what you're sending just to avoid the type of situation you encountered. Somebody mentioned a similar problem with aftershave recently.

[yomuppet]

Keep in mind that some airlines are charging $15-30 for each (even the first) checked bag now.

Personally I'd just tape a couple blades to a piece of paper, and slip it in an envelope in the mail.

Regards.

J

[Etoyoc_Rebmos]

Personally I'd just tape a couple blades to a piece of paper, and slip it in an envelope in the mail.

Regards.

J

Just got a letter from J that was sent just as he stated.

[Etoyoc_Rebmos]

Razor blades get mailed all the time... no rules against them that I'm aware of. Typically, I'll mail a plastic 5 pack by wrapping a a piece of paper around them or perhaps a piece of cardboard and stapling it around the blade pack to keep it from shifting inside the envelope. One stamp covers 5 blades no problem... and I wouldn't tell the people at the PO what you're sending just to avoid the type of situation you encountered. Somebody mentioned a similar problem with aftershave recently.

As long as they don't measure the package. If it is more than 1/4 inch thick, then they will bump you to the large envelope cost. In that case, it becomes a 90 cent package instead. I have only had this cought one time. And it was this week on Monday.

[Hawkeyeted]

Exact same thing has happened to me. Probably has more to do with the stamping and sorting equipment than anyone really wanting to steal our cheap DE razor blades.
Right! Who would want my rusty DE blades?

However, if my Maxim magazine showed up with just the wrapper.........that is just plain thievery!

[prewt]

I traded some people blades and if they have small card stock around them, nothing happens. If the blades are left free to move around, side to side, 50% of the time the envelope it torn.

[Mr. Gillette]

Keep in mind that some airlines are charging $15-30 for each (even the first) checked bag now.

Personally I'd just tape a couple blades to a piece of paper, and slip it in an envelope in the mail.

Regards.

J

Buy a couple of big Granny Smiths and slip them carefully inside, then put them in your carryon. If picked up by authorities, claim you were given the apples by one of your neighbors and gratefully thank them for saving your life.:bored:

[mezz524]

The post office if full of it .
I have blades sent to my house all the time
they come in a padded envelops. Out of 10 envelops none were confiscated by the post office.
Some even came from other country's japan, Singapore, england, Poland. never had one package lost or stolen by the post office.
So if they tell you you can not send them threw the mail they lied to you
just so they can blow you off.
You could go back two days later and ask some the same question
at the post office and get a different answer.
My answer is buy some like a 50 0r 100 from a on line vender and have
them sent to you mothers house and just leave them there.
Then every time you visit they will be there for you waiting.