Knife travel in Mexico....

[Tom Puderbaugh]

Hi gang,

My wife and I will soon be leaving from El Paso on a escorted bus trip down into Mexico to the Copper Canyon area and then back to the States.

Does anyone know if a Delica or Endura is permitted down there? (I feel almost naked without my Spyderco!)

I know handguns are a definate no-no, but what about folding knives?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[Qship]

An acquaintance took an expensive folder to Mexico, said folder being in a belt pouch. A Mexican cop's reaction was, "This is a very fine knife. I shall enjoy using it."

The legal system in Mexico has flexible rules. The law is what the cop says it is.

Tourist enclaves tend to be much friendlier than other places.

Qship

[Qboy]

I have found the same experience as the previous post (no relation). Mexico, especially Northern, is pretty loose and the law is what the police say. This is especially true aound the copper canyon and other un-developed areas. I loved being in the copper canyon and environs--I went solo with a backpack--and I am sure that I took a fair sized knife though I do not recall for sure what kind :eek: I would say that as a general rule you should not travel with anything you'd be heart broken to lose in any wilderness area or any developing nation especially. The police in that part of the world are a bit scary truthfully and there are plenty of folks with hair raising experiences to back it up. Bottom line is that other cultures are different and it is good to be aware. In most of central and S. America I would avoid anything that looks military--like camo or even olive drab coats, packs, boots, etc. The same is true to some extent in Mexico. I am NOT talking about touristy areas. The copper canyon is one of the most beautiful places in the world and if you hike in any reasonable distance you may encounter Tarahumara indians living in caves. It is stunning and vast. Imagine the Grand Canyon as a temperate / tropical thing and you have a good sense of the Copper canyon. I long to go back with my kids but I want them to be a bit older first. Have a great trip!

[markg]

A SAK (Swiss Army Knife) is always a better choice for international travel. It is known worldwide, not rare in most places, not too expensive, legal in most locations, and easy to replace. I would leave the Spyderco's at home... unless you just really want to lose one.

Maybe Spyderco needs to develop a knife of the UK Pen knife for international travel. I know the "Pride" series might fit the bill... But something that is legal most places...

[catamount]

I'd pick up a Walmart Native, and consider it part of my trip expense. That way, if you lose it, no big deal.

[scout]

As long as you carry IWB with a long t-shirt, everything will work just fine.

[Cameron23]

If you're going out and about away from the urban areas you can always buy a local machete when you're down there to put in your pack. If it gets broken, lost, liberated... no big, and you can always gift it to some local before you leave.

C :spyder:

[Jordan]

As it happens, I grew up in El Paso and have made a few trips down south. My thinking is, don't take anything you would hate to be seperated from by policeman, theft, or loss... but don't take crap. Fact is, Mexico can be a bad place sometimes and a good knife handy might save you some trouble. Mexican law as far as strict limitations on knives is pretty nonexistant as far as I can tell. And really, so long as you keep your eyes open you will never have to use the knife you bring for anything but cutting open some fruit.

I have been to copper canyon, it is beautiful in the spring. I cannot foresee that you would have any trouble at all on an escorted bus trip. Make sure you take some pictures for us, and have a great time!

[Delica_Nut]

Mexico cops suck. I was pick pocketed and the sob was observed by the popo. The popo didnt think I saw it, but he took the cash out of my wallet and gave it back too me. I later learned this is how popo in mexico get gas money for their squad cars. Mexico reminds me of India, class rules and the poor get the boot north and you know how we coddle them here.