CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Savvy shoppers in search of something sharp might want to stop at the state’s surplus property warehouse.

The store, which has long collected and sold surplus office furniture and vehicles from state agencies, began selling items confiscated from four New England airports two years ago. Last year, the program sold $26,000 worth of airport contraband, a sizable sum given that most items sell for a dollar or two.

Knives are $1 to $2. Hammers are under $3. A saw blade, still in its packaging, can be had for $4. Once, there also was an actual circular saw.

“I have no idea what they are thinking,” said Robert McClenaghan, warehouse manager. “I can see having a pocketknife in your pocket or maybe your wife has a pair of small scissors in her purse, but to walk on a plane with a big screwdriver and some of these power tools… You can’t fathom what they are thinking.”

Employees from the state surplus program visit the airports – including those in Manchester and Boston – roughly every six weeks to pick up whatever items aren’t immediately discarded.

“I can’t get over it,” said Ed Swiniarski of Windham, who rifled through the inventory last week. “There’s a ton of knives. I mean, geeze, look at these things. This one’s still got a tag on it.”

Other more bizarre finds included a caulking gun, a number of loose butter knives and a staple gun.

Friday was the last day to shop for several weeks because workers are preparing for their annual auction on Oct. 14. After Nov. 1, the shop again will be open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

“I’ll be back in November,” said Swiniarski, who walked out with a box full of hardware for $20. “I’ll bring some friends.”

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