Security Theater is a interesting place.

Checking your stuff is the safest way to go. That being said I've traveled with pocket knives, tent stakes, etc in my carry on luggage. My favorite experience was a diving trip with my dad where he was flagged because the chemical sniffer detected the carbon filter from his regulator moisture wick. I sat there and laughed as they all but strip searched him while I had a 4in dive knife with my gear in a mesh bag.

Don't bother with the TSA locks either, just as big of a hoax.