Yes. Not in carry-on. Loose razor blades (any blade not in a cartridge), box cutters and straight razor blades must go in checked bags, sheathed or securely wrapped.
TSA prohibits razor blades that are not in a cartridge, as well as box cutters, in carry-on bags. A straight razor handle without its blade is allowed, but the blade itself must be checked.
Allowed in checked bags. Wrap or sheathe it in checked bags so baggage handlers and TSA inspectors can't get cut.
Checked against official TSA, FAA and government pages on . These are US rules unless we say otherwise; the TSA officer at the checkpoint makes the final call.
The rules in numbers
- Loose razor blades / blades not in a cartridge: checked bags only
- Box cutters: checked bags only
- Straight razor: handle may be carried on, blade must be checked
Packing tips
- Put spare blades in their original dispenser or a blade bank before packing them in your checked bag so they can't slip loose.
- For carry-on-only trips, a cartridge or disposable razor avoids the problem entirely.
- Utility knives are banned in carry-on whether or not the blade is installed, so don't count on removing the blade.
Outside the US
- CanadaCATSA also requires straight razors and loose or open razor blades to go in checked baggage. Source
Flying somewhere else? See the rules for the UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Japan.
Questions people ask
Can I take a straight razor on a plane?
Only in checked luggage, sheathed or wrapped. TSA allows a straight razor handle in carry-on, but the blade has to be checked.
Are razor blades allowed in carry on?
No. Any razor blade that isn't fixed in a cartridge is prohibited in carry-on bags but allowed in checked bags.