Rip Gut Tactical
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I would recommend the Enlan el-01.
I just bought mine recently and it's a good budget knife.
It has a 3.75 inch cutting edge and it flips open fast.
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Best cheap folder for traveling to Africa
- Thread starter Derek the Destroyer
- Start date
I would recommend the Enlan el-01.
I just bought mine recently and it's a good budget knife.
It has a 3.75 inch cutting edge and it flips open fast.
Seconded.
Opinel is also a great choice and if the blade gets stuck, never fear, a few sharp taps against the base of the handle will loosen it enough to open easily.
:thumbup: for #10, my favorite size Opinel.
- Joined
- Mar 11, 2008
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- 5,864
My advice is to travel in and out of Africa with a hard suitcase. If you have a cordura style bag with zips they are just to easy to cut open. If you want to take a backpack for use in country then buy a cheap hard case and put the backpack in it for the inbound flight.
I don't know what route you are taking to get to Zim (I suggest you fly SAA or BA, flying Air Zimbabwe is no fun) but if possible you want to use one of the plastic wrapping services that most airports (outside the US) offer. So if you fly out of London or Johannesburg wrap your bag/cases there.
As for knives I would take a good multitool such as my favourite SAK VICTORINOX WORKCHAMP. I suggest you make a Paracord lanyard for it and attach the knife directly to you belt/beltloop with the lanyard and keep the knife in your pocket, out of sight, when you are in the city. You can transfer it to a belt pouch when you are in the bush/away from people. I advise that you make the lanyard long enough so that you can use the knife with it always attached to your belt. that way you will never loose it.
A second smaller, basic SAK will do everything else you need without raising any eyebrows.
I also suggest at least 2 good flashlights especially a head mounted flash. You will use these a lot.
Have fun .
I don't know what route you are taking to get to Zim (I suggest you fly SAA or BA, flying Air Zimbabwe is no fun) but if possible you want to use one of the plastic wrapping services that most airports (outside the US) offer. So if you fly out of London or Johannesburg wrap your bag/cases there.
As for knives I would take a good multitool such as my favourite SAK VICTORINOX WORKCHAMP. I suggest you make a Paracord lanyard for it and attach the knife directly to you belt/beltloop with the lanyard and keep the knife in your pocket, out of sight, when you are in the city. You can transfer it to a belt pouch when you are in the bush/away from people. I advise that you make the lanyard long enough so that you can use the knife with it always attached to your belt. that way you will never loose it.
A second smaller, basic SAK will do everything else you need without raising any eyebrows.
I also suggest at least 2 good flashlights especially a head mounted flash. You will use these a lot.
Have fun .
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2011
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- 449
Thanks for the advice steven. IM taking my headlamp, a small mag lite, and a bunch of those tiny led keychain lights
No matter what knife you choose you will need to hide it well or it will disappear, my bags had straps around them and they pinched them.
Our local airline stopped flying there because the theft was so high.
Shove it in a shoe and stuff a sock on top of it. Or cut the lining of the case and slip it inside.
Leave your fancy rings/necklaces at home and never wear a bum bag (fanny pack). Hang on to your own case when you get there don't trust anyone.
Enjoy your stay.
Richard
Our local airline stopped flying there because the theft was so high.
Shove it in a shoe and stuff a sock on top of it. Or cut the lining of the case and slip it inside.
Leave your fancy rings/necklaces at home and never wear a bum bag (fanny pack). Hang on to your own case when you get there don't trust anyone.
Enjoy your stay.
Richard
It's not just travelling there, it's being there. The police in Zimbabwe are notoriously dishonest and look for bribes. If you get stopped on the roads and get searched by the police and they find a nice knife, consider it your bribe to them, you might not see it again. I have family that lives in Zimbabwe and always hear of the bribing problem
Any cheap solid knife will do, geez if you really wanna get into the African vibe, get an Okapi folding knife there for next to nothing, but they tend to have a negative stigma in Africa, well known as murder weapons and carried by gangs, so I'm not sure what the locals will think if you whip open an Okapi
But Zimbabwe is such a beautiful country, don't let the authorities get to you, enjoy the beauty and friendly locals there. I love going to Zimbabwe
Any cheap solid knife will do, geez if you really wanna get into the African vibe, get an Okapi folding knife there for next to nothing, but they tend to have a negative stigma in Africa, well known as murder weapons and carried by gangs, so I'm not sure what the locals will think if you whip open an Okapi
But Zimbabwe is such a beautiful country, don't let the authorities get to you, enjoy the beauty and friendly locals there. I love going to Zimbabwe
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2012
- Messages
- 1,397
Unfortunately the snail mail is the operative word here and their post office is worst than the airport with larcenies, whole family was in Cape Town last year and daughter in law resides there so I have experience in this arena. Best bet is purchase something there and give it away when you leave. Have fun and enjoy the weather!
- Joined
- Nov 25, 2010
- Messages
- 23
If you have no issue buying Chinese knives I can strongly recommend the Enlan El-01 for the price they are very robust I have had mine for years. The edge holding is reasonable but it sharpens up quickly and easily
Aubrey
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- Joined
- Mar 28, 1999
- Messages
- 669
I travel in Africa for work. Zimbabwe is just one of them. I cannot comment on a cheap knife as I don't use cheap knives. Life is too short to use rubbish tools.
Off all the advice given, listen to Steven65. 100% spot on. So after travelling into Africa for 19 years .... what do I use.
1 - I use hard luggage of good manufacturer and my choice is Delsey and lock them and a small Maxpedition backpack.
2 - I carry a Busse ASH and a Sebenza when I travel. I have never lost them.
3 - I do have my bags wrapped before shipping out. Worst case, get a roll of cling wrap and DIY. Liklely needed on return anyway.
As for the corrupt cops in Zimbabwe .... they don't search you and I carry my Sebenza on my belt. They may ask to see it, be polite ....but I don't pay bribes and I don't give gifts. If you look nervous and sweaty .... old saying. Look like prey and you will be eaten.
On torches ...stick to a AA batteries. AAA batteries fewer and far between and CR123 is not often found outside major centres.
More important ...have a look at your malaria meds. You need it. Take some DEET as well...20% works great!! Get the full batch of travel innoculations and have your inooculation card at hand with your passport.
Zimbabwe uses USD as a currency but take smaller denominations in cash. Travellers checks only work in main cities. ATM's everywhere but may not be operationl. MC and VISA freely accepted but AMEX and Diners less so.
Voltage is 220V and make sure you have the adapter if using the power with US plug.
It is winter now but the sun will cook your soft skin in a day ....sunblock and a hat.
Drink only bottled (sealed) water. Always have at least a liter of water on you. I would suggets a small back pack. Get full medical insurance that includes airlifting to SA if unjured..... unless you are bullet proof and have a death wish.
Sunglasses is a must. If you have prescription meds ... take them in original container and even keep a copy of the script. Take 50% more than you need. You will likely not find the same meds in Africa....equivalent but not the same. Drugs is a problem so be cautious with any pills. If you wear glasses, take spare set. If you wear contacts, take double what you think you need, including sollution.
Get a small first aid kit .... bandage, antibacteria cream, Immodium, painkillers, small plasters .. stuff you may need but won't find.... keep in a clear Ziplock bag.
Take a cheap old GSM phone and get a local prepaid Zim SIM card. Roaming is hell expensive and USD 5/min not unheard off. Coverage is remarkably good. You don't pay for incoming calls so let your family know your number and they can call you.
Africa is not what you see on CNN .... poor some arears, rich in others, danger many places, save havens everywhere. Not all snot nosed starving people here ...we are just like you but different.
Enjoy the trip. Your enjoyment will depend on your attitude
Cheers from Africa
Aubrey
Off all the advice given, listen to Steven65. 100% spot on. So after travelling into Africa for 19 years .... what do I use.
1 - I use hard luggage of good manufacturer and my choice is Delsey and lock them and a small Maxpedition backpack.
2 - I carry a Busse ASH and a Sebenza when I travel. I have never lost them.
3 - I do have my bags wrapped before shipping out. Worst case, get a roll of cling wrap and DIY. Liklely needed on return anyway.
As for the corrupt cops in Zimbabwe .... they don't search you and I carry my Sebenza on my belt. They may ask to see it, be polite ....but I don't pay bribes and I don't give gifts. If you look nervous and sweaty .... old saying. Look like prey and you will be eaten.
On torches ...stick to a AA batteries. AAA batteries fewer and far between and CR123 is not often found outside major centres.
More important ...have a look at your malaria meds. You need it. Take some DEET as well...20% works great!! Get the full batch of travel innoculations and have your inooculation card at hand with your passport.
Zimbabwe uses USD as a currency but take smaller denominations in cash. Travellers checks only work in main cities. ATM's everywhere but may not be operationl. MC and VISA freely accepted but AMEX and Diners less so.
Voltage is 220V and make sure you have the adapter if using the power with US plug.
It is winter now but the sun will cook your soft skin in a day ....sunblock and a hat.
Drink only bottled (sealed) water. Always have at least a liter of water on you. I would suggets a small back pack. Get full medical insurance that includes airlifting to SA if unjured..... unless you are bullet proof and have a death wish.
Sunglasses is a must. If you have prescription meds ... take them in original container and even keep a copy of the script. Take 50% more than you need. You will likely not find the same meds in Africa....equivalent but not the same. Drugs is a problem so be cautious with any pills. If you wear glasses, take spare set. If you wear contacts, take double what you think you need, including sollution.
Get a small first aid kit .... bandage, antibacteria cream, Immodium, painkillers, small plasters .. stuff you may need but won't find.... keep in a clear Ziplock bag.
Take a cheap old GSM phone and get a local prepaid Zim SIM card. Roaming is hell expensive and USD 5/min not unheard off. Coverage is remarkably good. You don't pay for incoming calls so let your family know your number and they can call you.
Africa is not what you see on CNN .... poor some arears, rich in others, danger many places, save havens everywhere. Not all snot nosed starving people here ...we are just like you but different.
Enjoy the trip. Your enjoyment will depend on your attitude
Cheers from Africa
Aubrey
Last edited:
I travel in Africa for work. Zimbabwe is just one of them. I cannot comment on a cheap knife as I don't use cheap knives. Life is too short to use rubbish tools.
Off all the advice given, listen to Steven65. 100% spot on. So after travelling into Africa for 19 years .... what do I use.
1 - I use hard luggage of good manufacturer and my choice is Delsey and lock them and a small Maxpedition backpack.
2 - I carry a Busse ASH and a Sebenza when I travel. I have never lost them.
3 - I do have my bags wrapped before shipping out. Worst case, get a roll of cling wrap and DIY. Liklely needed on return anyway.
As for the corrupt cops in Zimbabwe .... they don't search you and I carry my Sebenza on my belt. They may ask to see it, be polite ....but I don't pay bribes and I don't give gifts. If you look nervous and sweaty .... old saying. Look like prey and you will be eaten.
On torches ...stick to a AA batteries. AAA batteries fewer and far between and CR123 is not often found outside major centres.
More important ...have a look at your malaria meds. You need it. Take some DEET as well...20% works great!! Get the full batch of travel innoculations and have your inooculation card at hand with your passport.
Zimbabwe uses USD as a currency but take smaller denominations in cash. Travellers checks only work in main cities. ATM's everywhere but may not be operationl. MC and VISA freely accepted but AMEX and Diners less so.
Voltage is 220V and make sure you have the adapter if using the power with US plug.
It is winter now but the sun will cook your soft skin in a day ....sunblock and a hat.
Drink only bottled (sealed) water. Always have at least a liter of water on you. I would suggets a small back pack. Get full medical insurance that includes airlifting to SA if unjured..... unless you are bullet proof and have a death wish.
Sunglasses is a must. If you have prescription meds ... take them in original container and even keep a copy of the script. Take 50% more than you need. You will likely not find the same meds in Africa....equivalent but not the same. Drugs is a problem so be cautious with any pills. If you wear glasses, take spare set. If you wear contacts, take double what you think you need, including sollution.
Get a small first aid kit .... bandage, antibacteria cream, Immodium, painkillers, small plasters .. stuff you may need but won't find.... keep in a clear Ziplock bag.
Take a cheap old GSM phone and get a local prepaid Zim SIM card. Roaming is hell expensive and USD 5/min not unheard off. Coverage is remarkably good. You don't pay for incoming calls so let your family know your number and they can call you.
Africa is not what you see on CNN .... poor some arears, rich in others, danger many places, save havens everywhere. Not all snot nosed starving people here ...we are just like you but different.
Enjoy the trip. Your enjoyment will depend on your attitude
Cheers from Africa
Aubrey
^^^^^^ Follow this man's advice, especially the malaria advice
As for cops not searching you, well, I heard of a guy who got stopped on the road in Zimbabwe. They searched his car, found a nice custom made fixed blade knife, and took it away claiming it to be a "weapon". But there's no doubt in my mind that the cop just liked the look of it and wanted it. Experiences with cops in Zimbabwe differ from person to person, but ya, best be polite and you won't have any trouble. Last time we were in Zimbabwe, we followed our GPS, doing the speed limit, and knew it because it showed on the GPS, and we got stopped by the cops for apparently going something like 75km/h in a 60km/h zone, which was a total load of bull, so don't be caught out by dishonest authorities, but like I said, the experience with them differs from person to person.
My uncle, who's lived in Zimbabwe all his life said that if you stop at traffic lights, stop well behind the white line. Cross that line when the light is red and it's 3 weeks in jail. Talk on your phone while driving, 3 weeks in jail. But I don't know if that's changed or is even true, but still, don't give cops any reason to hassle you
Like what was said though, Africa isn't what the news and movies make it seem to be
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2012
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- 29,050
I would recommend the Enlan el-01.
I just bought mine recently and it's a good budget knife.
It has a 3.75 inch cutting edge and it flips open fast.
This is also a fantastic option. ~$17 from US resellers. The one I have is quality.
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2011
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- 449
wow, I just got a couple on Enlan El02B's (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6WQIF35kxU) for less than $30. Chinese axis locks! Whohoo! I found a seller on the bay who is in california too... although I would looove to take my mili. As for malaria pills, any specific variety that works best? I am going to Masvingo for 2 weeks to build a school. Then Me, my gf, and my friend are going to stay at shoestrings in Victoria Falls for a week. I just met a guy that told me his horror story about cerebral malaria....NO THANK YOU!
I am no novice to traveling to the 3rd world however I have been most latin american countries which im sure are very different. Good thing my lights require aa batteries too. SO I guess I should get 2 months worth of malaria pills? What about bringing my own mosquito net?
Also, one key component, how are the grocery stores there?
I am no novice to traveling to the 3rd world however I have been most latin american countries which im sure are very different. Good thing my lights require aa batteries too. SO I guess I should get 2 months worth of malaria pills? What about bringing my own mosquito net?
Also, one key component, how are the grocery stores there?
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- Feb 7, 2000
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- 6,679
Now that right there is a mighty fine idea! :thumbup:
As to folders to take, I'd personally go with an Opinel 8 and a decent SAK or very basic Leatherman (Kick, perhaps) to keep around for the tools. During my travels, I often carry an Opi 8 with a carbon steel blade and it's seen LOADS of wet days. On one trip, my wife requisitioned it for cooking duties, and she'd just toss it in a sink full of dirty dishes when done using it, then eventually wash it with a soapy sponge just like any other knife. Did it get stiff? Sure, but it wasn't that big of a deal, just made it a little harder to open, and it just lasted a day or so. But there are LOADS of good knives out there these days. The Rat 1 or 2 look like great options.
Regarding a folder for self defense, I guess it's okay as a last-ditch kind of thing. I mean, we'd all agree it's better than NOT having a knife. But what exactly are you planning to do with a ~4" folder in hand against some guy with a machete and plenty of practice using it?
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- Jun 12, 2011
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In the case of a machete wielding adversary.... You better close that gap quick
I took doxycyline to prevent me from getting malaria when I went to the Zambezi river, and we slept under a mosquito net, but honestly I'm not a doctor go ask your doctor what pills to get. I think with doxycyline you have to take it a week before you heading off to the malaria area or something like that. I was told to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach but honestly that just made me vomit it out so I had something to eat before I took it. If you vomit it out you have to take another one. Some malaria pills give you very funky dreams. But go ask the doctor for professional advice. As for taking a mosquito net, very very good idea. Not only will it prevent you from getting bitten but do you know how annoying a mosquito buzzing in your ear is?? The net will obviously stop that pesky critter from getting close to your ear so you can have a good night's sleep
As for grocery stores, well it's better than what it used to be, and the shelves are more packed as far as I know. Like I said I have family there and they do alright
Regarding fuel, I remember there being a serious shortage at a time, but I don't know what it's like now