Travelling with Knife in Mexico

[holoblue]

Hi, I’m planning to go on a camping trip to Mexico next December and I’m wondering if I can bring my knife with me. I have a Spyderco Delica 4 that I use for everyday tasks and outdoor activities. I’ve read that the knife laws in Mexico are different from the US and that carrying a knife with a blade longer than four inches is illegal. Is my knife legal to bring to Mexico? Do I need to declare it at the customs or keep it in my checked baggage? What are the best places to camp in Mexico where I can use my knife safely and legally?

I also have a Swiss Army Knife that I bought as a souvenir from Switzerland. I’ve heard that Swiss Army Knives are legal in most countries because they are considered tools rather than weapons. Is this true for Mexico as well? Can I carry my Swiss Army Knife in public places like restaurants, tourist spots, and government buildings? Are there any exceptions or restrictions that I should be aware of?

I appreciate any advice or information that you can share with me. I love my knives and I don’t want to get into trouble with the law or lose them during my trip. Thanks!

[Naperville]

I studied with quite a few different groups in escrima/arnis/kali, one being Defensor Method out of Chicago. They also train people in Mexico. They should know exactly what the knife laws are.

Jason Brigham's email address should be:
mydogeatsyourdog AT yahoo.com

Page on Jason Brigham:
https://southelginbudokan.com/about-bud ... n-brigham/

2008 Mataas Na Guro – Defensor System (Filipino Martial Arts)
2010 Full Tai Chi Instructor
2012 9th Degree Black Sash – Chinese Internal Martial Arts

Jason has been instructing in the Chicagoland area since 1995 and also taught internationally in Mexico from 2003-2014, conducting seminars throughout Mexico including Mexico City, Ixtlahuaca Mexico, Curnavaca Mexico, Temixo Mexico and other surrounding communities.

[holoblue]

Thanks for the information. Looks like, he is a Tai Chi Instructor to me. I don't know how can he possibly help me with the laws there. Maybe he will have someone to provide me the info. I will try contacting him. Anyway, I was looking for information during the last few days over the internet and found this https://homesteadauthority.com/mexico-knife-laws/ looks like pocket knifes are legal but I can't open carry them. Allowance is up to 4 inch. I have talked with a fellow local from Mexico https://gowithguide.com/mexico/guides I think it's better to keep someone from locality is the best solution to prevent some unforeseen emergencies.

[Naperville]

Thanks for the information. Looks like, he is a Tai Chi Instructor to me. I don't know how can he possibly help me with the laws there. Maybe he will have someone to provide me the info. I will try contacting him. Anyway, I was looking for information during the last few days over the internet and found this https://homesteadauthority.com/mexico-knife-laws/ looks like pocket knifes are legal but I can't open carry them. Allowance is up to 4 inch. I have talked with a fellow local from Mexico https://gowithguide.com/mexico/guides I think it's better to keep someone from locality is the best solution to prevent some unforeseen emergencies.

OK, let me be MORE CLEAR. Not everyone knows what escrima is. In my post above I said he studied and taught escrima .... THE ART OF TAKING A HUMAN AND CHOPPING THEM INTO SMALL PIECES WITH AN EDGED WEAPON.



Here is his email address:
Jason Brigham's email address should be: mydogeatsyourdog AT yahoo.com

[James Y]

I've read that Mexico's knife carry laws can differ for citizens in Mexico, and tourists visiting Mexico. Supposedly, if you are visiting Mexico, ANY knife can be considered a weapon by the police there. I don't know. I live about 30 miles from the Mexican border, but I haven't set foot in Mexico since the 1980s.

I know that some guys have traveled to Mexico and back safely with one-hand opening pocket knives, but if it was me, I'd be a bit careful. I don't think I'd try to take any knife I would be upset about losing, or that could even be remotely considered a weapon. Apparently, even a small Swiss Army knife could be considered a weapon by the federalis, if they decide to. And hopefully, they wouldn't try to trump up some kind of charge for "weapons possession." I'm not saying it would be right, and I am NOT an expert.

Jim

[MacLaren]

I wouldn't be screwin around in Mexico.....plenty places to go campin other than Mexico.....just sayin

[Naperville]

I wouldn't be screwin around in Mexico.....plenty places to go campin other than Mexico.....just sayin

[James Y]

I wouldn't be screwin around in Mexico.....plenty places to go campin other than Mexico.....just sayin

I agree.

Jim

[benben]

I wouldn't be screwin around in Mexico.....plenty places to go campin other than Mexico.....just sayin

That was my exact first thought! They’re not as tolerant to foreigners as our Gubment….

[akapennypincher]

I wouldn't be screwin around in Mexico.....plenty places to go campin other than Mexico.....just sayin

Ditto.

[Ankerson]

I wouldn't be screwin around in Mexico.....plenty places to go campin other than Mexico.....just sayin

Exactly.

[holoblue]

**** so many people are vouching that Mexico isn't as safe as I thought :|

[holoblue]

Thanks for the information. Looks like, he is a Tai Chi Instructor to me. I don't know how can he possibly help me with the laws there. Maybe he will have someone to provide me the info. I will try contacting him. Anyway, I was looking for information during the last few days over the internet and found this https://homesteadauthority.com/mexico-knife-laws/ looks like pocket knifes are legal but I can't open carry them. Allowance is up to 4 inch. I have talked with a fellow local from Mexico https://gowithguide.com/mexico/guides I think it's better to keep someone from locality is the best solution to prevent some unforeseen emergencies.

OK, let me be MORE CLEAR. Not everyone knows what escrima is. In my post above I said he studied and taught escrima .... THE ART OF TAKING A HUMAN AND CHOPPING THEM INTO SMALL PIECES WITH AN EDGED WEAPON.



Here is his email address:
Jason Brigham's email address should be: mydogeatsyourdog AT yahoo.com

I don't want to be so brutal, man. I might chop some beef into fine cubes

[Doc Dan]

Too many people disappear in Mexico. They don't have good law enforcement and what is there is often corrupt. Too many drug cartels that run large swaths of the country. Too many armed criminals. I would stay away.

[akapennypincher]

Mexico is not a place I want to visit, the Police have alway been corrupt, and they love Gringo's money, but for most part do not hold Americans high on their list of favorite people.

Friend spent week in City Prison in Mexican Border town, he crime was stupidity. Trying crossing into Mexico, after being turn away during NO LONG HAIRS of Late 70's. Chemical bravery made rocket scientists try to drive past Mexican Border Guards. Yes they caught him, locked him up in city prison, never say his VW Van again or surfboards. Describes adventure as Mini Midnight Express Trip until family paid his ransom, to free him. Tom doesn’t even eat at TacoBell no more.

Yes I have been to Mexico both big cities, and border towns. Last trip was for Prescription Drugs to border town that is not typical.

This town survives on selling prescriptions, eye glasses, dental work, and physician who practice alternate medicine. When I say non typical no pleasure palaces, or strip joints. Yess you can buy typical border town BS, like plaster statures, knock off watches, purses, etc.

Last trip I was there the Federal Police were on site, so this was message, that Cartel & Bad Hombres were in or operating around town. Don't do Los Algonadonas BC, Mexico no more.

My last trip to Mexico was over 12 years ago, see no reason to go back, see no person any American with IQ over 25 would chance a trip to the country. Too many things going on like Cartels n Drug Loads in control of what I will politely say is war zone. Where if you get caught up in something bad Washington DC will be of little assistance.

Mexico is not great place, if it was their citizens would not try so hard to come to the USA any way they can, be it legal, or illegal.

[prndltech]

The closest point to the border of Mexico is about 230 miles from me.

Mexico being safe totally depends on where you are going…


No idea on the knife laws

[Naperville]

Thanks for the information. Looks like, he is a Tai Chi Instructor to me. I don't know how can he possibly help me with the laws there. Maybe he will have someone to provide me the info. I will try contacting him. Anyway, I was looking for information during the last few days over the internet and found this https://homesteadauthority.com/mexico-knife-laws/ looks like pocket knifes are legal but I can't open carry them. Allowance is up to 4 inch. I have talked with a fellow local from Mexico https://gowithguide.com/mexico/guides I think it's better to keep someone from locality is the best solution to prevent some unforeseen emergencies.

OK, let me be MORE CLEAR. Not everyone knows what escrima is. In my post above I said he studied and taught escrima .... THE ART OF TAKING A HUMAN AND CHOPPING THEM INTO SMALL PIECES WITH AN EDGED WEAPON.



Here is his email address:
Jason Brigham's email address should be: mydogeatsyourdog AT yahoo.com

I don't want to be so brutal, man. I might chop some beef into fine cubes

I saw Guro Jason Brigham in classes, and he may have even instructed me. It has been 10+ years. The classes were small, less than 20 people. The Guro to Guro Jason Brigham, Nate Defensor passed away a few years ago and I had been over to his place, out to eat with him and had him over to my apartment. Guro Nate Defensor was a heck of a guy, so kind, so humble, just what you want for a friend. That is the second instructor that has passed since I quit practicing martial arts that I know of.

The other instructor was GM Tony Somera of Bahala Na. The entire foundation of that martial art unraveled due to the passing of the GM. Advanced students broke away and formed their own teaching group, I think they call themselves Stockton Escrima.

I don't have contacts in the groups anymore for a variety of reasons.

[Fireman]

Maybe hire a local tour guide to carry your knife for you. A well sharpened spoon can be your friend too.

[Jim Malone]

Don't go camping in Mexico. If they see someone unknown looking like a gringo they will assume you are a DEA agent or informer. If you are lucky they will only skin you alive before they shoot you.
Don't think the states close to the USA are safer then the one's in the South. If you want to enjoy camping in semi arid country go camping in Texas.
Google crime in Mexico. And don't underestimate Eskrimadors.