The TSA (Transportation Security Administration) has a handy page on its site that looks at all of the items that it prohibits in some way, and details whether they can be packed in your carry-on or checked luggage. Its explanation includes sharp items, sporting goods, guns, tools, flammable materials, and many other types of items.
It’s definitely a good idea to make sure that you have any questionable items where they’re supposed to be before you try to go through security. Who wants to deal with getting in trouble because of something in their carry-on, when you could have just packed it in your checked bag, had you known? A mistake in what you pack where could lead to embarrassment and a missed flight, or real trouble in the worst case. Better to be informed.
