5 Unexpected Benefits of Using a Lockable Storage Case

Locking storage cases are more versatile than you think!

"That lock won't stop anyone from opening it!"

"Anyone could just run off with this case!"

We hear this repeatedly at Vault when we do events like Blade Show.  And we spend a lot of time educating our customers about the additional benefits of having a lock on your EDC storage case.

The first thought that comes to mind when considering a locking storage case is protection against theft.  While a lock has some level of theft deterrence, having a lock on your storage case provides several other benefits that are often overlooked.  In this article, we explore some of the additional benefits of choosing a locking storage case versus one that does not have a lock.

Here are the 5 top reasons to have a lockable EDC case below:

1) Keeps Children Out.

2) Safer to check in for traveling. 

3) Locking cases are required in some countries.

4) Makes the case compliant for transporting and storing firearms.

5) The act of locking and unlocking promotes organization.

1) Lockable Storage Cases Keep Children Out.

This reason for having a lockable knife or EDC storage case may be the most important one. Keeping young children out of potentially dangerous items can prevent harm and injury.  As we know, children love to get their hands on everything.  Especially the things they are not supposed to touch!  

Keeping things locked up is an additional safety measure for little ones mistaking your keepsakes as toys.  The last thing anyone wants is for their collection to present any danger to those around them.

 

The protection is not just for the kids.  It’s also for your stuff!  A lockable case is a simple way of adding assurance that your valuables will not be mishandled.  This would go for adults and kids alike!

A locking storage case provides great peace of mind knowing that your items are only accessible by you and those you trust.  It keeps both the people around you and your items protected.

2) Locking Cases are Safer to check in for traveling.

Locking cases are not always required for traveling.  But the mode of transport, the carrier, and local and federal regulations can dictate if certain items will require lockable storage.   Items considered restricted, dangerous, or under certain laws often require that they travel while in a locking travel case.

A TSA compliant lock makes the job of TSA agents much easier.  This is because TSA compliant locks (featured on the Vault Case Secure) are accessible by a master key which TSA has.  This means they don't need to use tools to open zip ties or bolt cutters to open non-TSA compliant locks. 

For air travel, having a TSA Compliant lock is preferred.  If a locking system is not TSA compliant, TSA reserves the right to remove the lock by any means necessary.  This usually results in damaging or breaking the lock.

 

Local security authorities typically handle locked items using TSA locks with more care. If the storage solution has a TSA-compliant lock, the lock is easily opened with their master key, and they will take a quick look at the contents within, usually undisturbed. They will keep the contents of the locked storage in the original locked case rather than mixing it with the rest of your luggage and travel gear.  

We experienced this first hand when travelling with a heavy non-locking plastic case using zip ties as well as a lock.  The contents were re-arranged and the locks were broken. One time the case was not even shut correctly and almost open when it came down the luggage carousel!  

After using the Vault Case Secure using the TSA lock, we were still inspected, but the contents were not disturbed at all.  This was consistent across several trips.

3) Locking storage cases are required in some countries.

Some countries have stricter regulations for knives, firearms, and other items they consider ‘weapons’.  In Germany, you can only travel with a locking folding knife if it is stored in a locked case.  

Below is an excerpt from German law:

Section 42: Ban on carrying weapons at public events

Section 42a
Ban on carrying fake guns and certain portable objects

(1) It shall be prohibited to carry

• • 1.  fake guns,
  • 2.  cutting and thrust weapons pursuant to Annex 1, Part 1, Chapter 2, no. 1.1, and
  • 3.  knives with a blade which can be fixed with one hand (one-hand knives) or fixed knives with a blade length of over 12 cm.
  • (2) Subsection 1 shall not apply
  • 1.  for use in connection with photographic sessions, film or television recordings or theatre performances,
  • 2.  to transport in a locked container,
  • 3.  to carrying of the objects pursuant to subsection 1, nos. 2 and 3, where a legitimate interest applies.

Even if you do not use or need a locking case in your state or country of residence, having the option of locking your case may come in handy when traveling to an area with different laws.

4) Locking storage cases are compliant for transporting and storing firearms.

Many of our customers actually use the Vault Case Secure as a firearms case.  Something we discovered during SHOT SHOW from one of our trusted dealers.  We were speaking to one of our international clients.  He noticed the cases stored knives and other EDC items and said: "Hey, that's a good idea!"  We asked what he meant by that and he explained using a gun case for an EDC case was creative.   That's when we explained the Vault Case Secure was an all-purpose locking storage case.  He thought it was a gun case the entire time!  His customers had been using it for that purpose exclusively. 

If your knife case has a lock, it could double as a firearms case.  Thus making the case more versatile.  Federal regulations within the United States allow firearms to be carried on to specific modes of transportation. However, most require that the firearm be checked in and stored in a locked case.

TSA Regulation States:

You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter. The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted.

Further to this TSA states you can use your lock of choice which includes TSA compliant locks:

Firearms must be unloaded and locked in a hard-sided container and transported as checked baggage only. As defined by 49 CFR 1540.5 a loaded firearm has a live round of ammunition, or any component thereof, in the chamber or cylinder or in a magazine inserted in the firearm. For civil enforcement purposes, TSA also considers a firearm to be loaded when both the firearm and ammunition are accessible to the passenger. For example, if an individual has a firearm in accessible baggage and ammunition in his/her pocket, or any combination where the individual has access to both, the firearm is considered "loaded" for purposes of assessing a civil penalty. Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.

Did you know you can also travel on some trains with a firearm under similar rules?  Amtrak also allows for firearms to be checked in if a locking case is used.

AMTRAK rules regarding travelling with a firearm using a lockable storage case:

• All firearms (rifles, shotguns, handguns, taser guns, starter pistols) must be unloaded and in an approved, locked hard-sided container not exceeding 62" L x 17" W x 7" D (1575 mm x 432 mm x 178 mm). The passenger must have sole possession of the key or the combination for the lock to the container. The weight of the container may not exceed 50 lbs/23 kg.

• Smaller locked, hard-sided containers containing smaller unloaded firearms such as handguns, taser guns and starter pistols must be securely stored within a suitcase or other item of checked baggage, but the existence of such a firearm must be declared.

If you are driving, certain states require that the firearm be kept in a locked container.  Below is an excerpt from NJ law and a similar requirement in Germany.

NJ State Law regarding placing firearms in a locking case when driving:

• The firearm should not be directly accessible from the passenger compartment of the vehicle. If the vehicle does not have a compartment separate from the passenger compartment, the firearm and ammunition must be in a locked container other than the vehicle's glove compartment or console.

German Law on travelling with a lockable storage case for firearms

13.  A gun shall be deemed to be readily accessible when it can be brought directly into firing position; it shall not be deemed to be readily accessible when it is carried in a locked container.

5) The act of locking and unlocking promotes organization.

This reason for having a lock on your storage case is anecdotal.  However, our experience and the experience of our customers have shown that when you have a lock on your case, the content and organization of the case tend to be higher.

The simple act of locking and unlocking your case makes throwing things in and out of the case in a disorderly fashion less likely.  Locking and unlocking becomes a routine and enforces behavior that promotes organization.  Items placed within a locking case tend to be handled with more care.  

Although this reason is not practically measurable, users of locking cases agree there is a psychological effect of unlocking and locking that makes one keep things in pristine order.  

This would be contrary to a drawer or bag that does not lock or have any organization system.  Although easier to access, it can also promote random items to be thrown in, disrupting any type of order.

Conclusion: Look beyond the Lock!

Having a locking knife case offers several advantages.  After reviewing the reasons above it is clear that a lock's purpose is not always to prevent theft.   

We often hear “That lock won’t keep thieves out, they’ll take the whole case!”  This is true, but the purpose of our TSA Locking Vault Secure cases was never to prevent goods from being stolen.  The benefit was to make our products offer more protection for the contents of the goods and the people around, and add functionality. 

If you’re ready to explore some options to store your collection in a locking or non-locking case, check out Vault’s collection of storage solutions today!