Post Office Refusing to post PenKnife

[Dave]

Went to the Post Office today, woman behind counter asked me what was in the package. I told her it was a penknife.

[It was an Imperial Schrade Sodbuster.]
[A small folding penknife]

She produced a plastic sheet with the heading Weapons, with a black picture of a penknife on it, under the heading Weapons.

http://www.postoffice.co.uk/sites/default/files/6966%20DG%20countertop%20DL%20leaflet_July_art_TAG.PDF

Weapons: including Section 5 firearms, CS gas and pepper sprays, flick knives, tasers and stun guns

:tapedshut

I explained to her that I had had a look at the Post Office Website, as it was not a flick knife or an illegal knife, it was fine to post. she still refused to post it. I bit my tongue said 'Thanks' and left.
I then had to then buy stamps, and drive around until I found a postbox.

 

[Stringmaker]

There is going to be a lot more of this overreacting by P.O. staff and it will probably get to the point where they will just lose business.

The question to ask them is if an on-line company selling tools, knives etc can post these items why can't you?

P.S. There is nothing more impossible to deal with than an ignorant person who thinks they are right. I mean ignorant in the sense that they have either been badly informed or have misinterpreted the rules.

 

[Corso]

been mentioned alot over on Britishblades - I usually just say camping tool

 

[Dave]

It's just another of many examples of the increasingly authoritarian state we live in.

Yeh, could have quite easily lied. Didnt want to. Didnt expect to have to. Anyway. B@lls to em.

I feel like calling the PO number and telling them they can pay for my petrol and time.

If you look at the bottom left hand corner of the pdf link I posted, where it says weapons, the picture next to it, does distintively look like an everyday pen knife.

So, someone somewhere with an agenda has done that on purpose.

Its a small thing on its own I guess, but you get to the point where these little things pile up, are hitting you from everywhere, and ****** wind you up.

 

[Dave-the-rave]

http://www.britishblades.com/forums/showthread.php?172871-Sending-knives-in-the-post-Delivery

 

[Stringmaker]

been mentioned alot over on Britishblades - I usually just say camping tool

That's the way round it for sure. Obviously it relies on the fact that you aren't posting a sub-machine gun or somesuch!

 

[Corso]

more to do with poor training and misiterpriation than an authoritarian state...

That's the way round it for sure. Obviously it relies on the fact that you aren't posting a sub-machine gun or somesuch!

If you were you'd hardly tell Betty behind the counter would you?

 

[decorum]

Take this back to her:

Sharp objects

Sharp objects like knives, kitchen utensils and gardening tools may only be posted if they are packaged appropriately so that they are no risk to employees, other postal items or recipients. Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging. Wrap each item with cushioning material. Place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

They're on the restricted list, not the prohibited one ~ link to the full Royal Mail restricted list and this one to the prohibited list.

If in doubt ask to see (or talk to) their line manager and, either way, send the Post Office and / Royal Mail an official complaint of failing to comply with their own policy .

 

[Mesquite]

Just reading the BB thread and this is probably the best answer to give.

At my post office they tell me that they're now allowed to say "what's inside"...........I always answer (as the list is right there) - "nothing on your list", with a benign smile, of course

Last time I had to post a knife I answered it's woodcarving tool. They took it without any problem at all.

 

[Stringmaker]

more to do with poor training and misiterpriation than an authoritarian state...




If you were you'd hardly tell Betty behind the counter would you?

I might if she asked that specific question

 

[Dave Budd]

I'm quite lucky that I use a rural post office, but there is one lady in there who insists on asking every time (she also always asks the value, even if it isn't a special D). I just say 'tools' or somesuch. Never had any trouble there.

 

[Ecoman]

If I'm asked by anyone at the post office "what's in the package?" I say its personal and I do not have to disclose that information but be rest assured its not a prohibited item. If they still insist on asking me what it is then I say its a sex toy. That usually shuts them up quick!!

If you check RM's "A-Z Guide to Wrapping and Packing": Scissors, knives and other sharp items:
Preparation: Wrap heavy cardboard around all sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging. Then wrap each item with cushioning material.
Packing: Wrap heavy cardboard around all sharp points and edges. Place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Also If you read RM's "Comprehensive Guide to Restricted Goods", it states:
Sharp Objects - Sharp objects like knives, kitchen utensils and gardening tools may only be posted if they are packaged appropriately so that they are no risk to employees, other postal items or recipients. Wrap heavy cardboard around sharp edges and points, strong enough to ensure that the contents do not pierce the outer packaging. Wrap each item with cushioning material. Place in a suitable outer container such as a padded envelope. The sender’s name and return address must be clearly visible on the outer packaging.

Why would they say this if the sending of knives was prohibited? Seems like some people are being given the wrong information or they are just being a jobsworth.

 

[Clouston98]

Our local post office once refused to post a parcel to Romania because the bloke behind the till didn't know how :aargh4: !

 

[dwardo]

Brilliant aren't they. I used to have all sorts of fun posting bows to customers using RM. Now I use alternative companies which is a shame but they are so often a misguided joke that I no longer give them any business.

 

[Silverback 1]

This is so frustrating but unfortunately what legitimate hunters/sportsmen and bushcrafters are up against when posting nasty horrible knives.
I posted an expensive knife to Germany a couple of months ago and they didn't even ask, when they do i either say cutlery or hand tools.
Any grief just use another PO, and if in doubt lie through your teeth, it's all they deserve for their ignorance.

 

[Biker]

If I'm asked by anyone at the post office "what's in the package?" I say its personal and I do not have to disclose that information but be rest assured its not a prohibited item. If they still insist on asking me what it is then I say its a sex toy. That usually shuts them up quick!!
.

:notworthy I plan on using that the next time I post anything and they ask. Genius!! All I need do is find an "earthy" description for sex toy in French.

Not a lot else I can add to this thread that hasn't already been said, but it is sad to read it's becoming such a PC world. I feel your frustration Dave.

Edit: Just typed in sex toy on google translate. Got a rather unexpected answer.

 

[rik_uk3]

Sending a stove overseas has caused problems, RM scan the package, open it then crush it and you get no compensation.

 

[John Fenna]

:notworthy I plan on using that the next time I post anything and they ask. Genius!! All I need do is find an "earthy" description for sex toy in French.

Not a lot else I can add to this thread that hasn't already been said, but it is sad to read it's becoming such a PC world. I feel your frustration Dave.

Edit: Just typed in sex toy on google translate. Got a rather unexpected answer.

Good old Franglais!

 

[woodstock]

When asked whats in the package I have replied, narcotics then she asked what are they I replied with a straight face Drugs to which she replied oh thats ok, I then said no im joking its explosives she then said whats the value.

 

[decorum]

Sending a stove overseas has caused problems, RM scan the package, open it then crush it and you get no compensation.

Is that not just on air freight? I thought it was okay to send a cleaned out stove out by boat, is that not the case now?

I had an Optimus No.5 arrive in domestic mail last week, the sender had left an amount of paraffin in the stove and the pressure release valve open >insert own suitable profanity here< . Obviously the fuel had leaked and the parcel stunk to high heaven and left me amazed that it'd actually made it through the system ~ the poor postie was really glad to be shot of it and really shouldn't have had to deal with it.