Putty Knife
Putty knives are allowed in carry-on and checked bags because their blunt, flexible edge isn't a cutting blade.
Carry-on
Allowed
Checked
Allowed
Carry-on details
Allowed. A putty knife has a blunt, flexible scraping edge rather than a sharpened cutting blade, so it's treated as an ordinary tool rather than a bladed item.
Checked-bag details
Allowed. No restriction in checked baggage.
Special instructions
This applies to standard flexible putty/scraper knives. A rigid utility knife with a replaceable sharp blade is a different item and follows the sharp-object rules instead.
FAQ
- Is a putty knife treated as a bladed weapon?
- No — its edge is blunt and flexible for scraping, not a sharpened cutting blade, so it's allowed in carry-on without restriction.
Related items
Source: TSA — What Can I Bring? · Last verified: 2026-08-02
Final decision rests with the security officer at the checkpoint.