Buying a Machete in Mexico

[Jemblade]

Knife Dudes... How is it going? This is a stretch to ask but, the wife and kids and I have a Mexican vacation planned to go see my wife's family in Morelia Mich. during Thanksgiving. I have been promised a real authentic Mexican Thanksgiving . I am thinking of picking up a decent machete when we go. Does anyone have any tips on where to find one? Either a type of store or a specific market I can look?

 

[RevDevil]

Discussion of where to buy belongs in feedback
Discussion of what to buy goes in GKD.
There aren't any "knife shops" in that part of the country, you are looking for a farming tool. Stores that sell farming tools is a good start. They are called "Ferreterias". You are probably better off buying something here, and just enjoying your visit.

 

[Jemblade]

Discussion of where to buy belongs in feedback
Discussion of what to buy goes in GKD.
There aren't any "knife shops" in that part of the country, you are looking for a farming tool. Stores that sell farming tools is a good start. They are called "Ferreterias". You are probably better off buying something here, and just enjoying your visit.

Thanks for the tip on the ferreterias. I am definitely not expecting to find a knife shop. Like most guys on here, I like collecting, whether or not I end up using is something different . I will likely also buy something here and continue to piss the woman off about the subject.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

If you want a local made one? Ask around. There may be some local people that put local handles on blades and leather scabbards with fringe etc?

Or it may be entirely from a central American country and sold there. Its worth asking if you want to support some local crafts person and its not a major investment.

Put it in your stowed luggage, meaning don't try to carry it onto the plane. You may have some explaining to do to the Federallis if you do.

 

[Jemblade]

If you want a local made one? Ask around. There may be some local people that put local handles on blades and leather scabbards with fringe etc?

Or it may be entirely from a central American country and sold there. Its worth asking if you want to support some local crafts person and its not a major investment.

Put it in your stowed luggage, meaning don't try to carry it onto the plane. You may have some explaining to do to the Federallis if you do.

Check on that one. This will be in my checked baggage for sure!

 

[brownshoe]

I went to Guatemala. At a local open air market I bought a sheath from one person and the blade from another. The sheath was locally made, the machete was what everyone used and it was made in Nicaragua. The local guy I was with gave me a dope slap for not haggling on price and he helped finished the deal...but then I don't speak Spanish. Ask your relatives, they live there It crossed the border to Belize and went home in my luggage w/o problem.

 

[sheathmaker]

You may forget all about the machete when you get there. If you have never been in Morelia, you are in for a real treat. It's a very old city very rich in history. There happens to be a sort of a "crafts mall" there in what used to be a monastery where the local indians display and sell their crafts. Quite a large place, with thousands of different items made by the locals Indians.

Many beautiful churches and cathedrals dating back to the 1500's, and the former Spanish Viceroy's home (palace) in the central plaza has been turned into a fine hotel, the Virey de Mendoza.

Paul

 

[Snapper81]

I live in Northern Mexico and have no idea where to find a quality machete here. Maybe in the south you can find more quality handmade products.

But...

I do need to advise you that Michoacan is a dangerous place to travel to. Morelia, the capital city, should not present a big threat as long as you stick to tourist areas. It's great that you will be with people you can trust that know how to avoid trouble, though I don't think trying to find a nice machete will lead you into any nice/safe areas of town. I believe going "too local" is a bad idea with the intense violence that has been going on for the past year and a half in the area.

Keep in mind carrying blades is ilegal here so finding quality products might be difficult.

Just try to blend in and be safe.

 

[Rhinoknives1]

I live in Northern Mexico and have no idea where to find a quality machete here. Maybe in the south you can find more quality handmade products.

But...

I do need to advise you that Michoacan is a dangerous place to travel to. Morelia, the capital city, should not present a big threat as long as you stick to tourist areas. It's great that you will be with people you can trust that know how to avoid trouble, though I don't think trying to find a nice machete will lead you into any nice/safe areas of town. I believe going "too local" is a bad idea with the intense violence that has been going on for the past year and a half in the area.

Keep in mind carrying blades is ilegal here so finding quality products might be difficult.

Just try to blend in and be safe.

My wife is from the state of Mexico and we have another trip to visit the family in two months. Last time we were there I wanted to find a local leather worker to make a nice belt for me and two of my custom knives I'd brought as gifts for the MIL & BIL.

I couldn't find a leather worker anywhere and the only belts I could find were made in China.:barf:

I love watching the locals use their machetes. When they have used one since birth, they are a wealth of useful knowledge just by watching how the use them and approach each task.
The length of the machete seems to be dictated by the height of the individual on their down stroke. They can trim & manicure a lawn with one quite effectively!

 

[Snapper81]

My wife is from the state of Mexico and we have another trip to visit the family in two months. Last time we were there I wanted to find a local leather worker to make a nice belt for me and two of my custom knives I'd brought as gifts for the MIL & BIL.

I couldn't find a leather worker anywhere and the only belts I could find were made in China.:barf:

I love watching the locals use their machetes. When they have used one since birth, they are a wealth of useful knowledge just by watching how the use them and approach each task.
The length of the machete seems to be dictated by the height of the individual on their down stroke. They can trim & manicure a lawn with one quite effectively!

The state of Mexico is beautiful! (Michoacan is also). I know what you mean about how they use their tools, it seems as if the machete is an extension of their body, amazing.

For good handmade leather you need to go to the state of Guanajuato. It's only a few hours drive from the state of Mexico. I recommend Guanajuato city, San Miguel de Allende and one day in Leon where you can find good leather.

 

[Jemblade]

You may forget all about the machete when you get there. If you have never been in Morelia, you are in for a real treat. It's a very old city very rich in history. There happens to be a sort of a "crafts mall" there in what used to be a monastery where the local indians display and sell their crafts. Quite a large place, with thousands of different items made by the locals Indians.

Many beautiful churches and cathedrals dating back to the 1500's, and the former Spanish Viceroy's home (palace) in the central plaza has been turned into a fine hotel, the Virey de Mendoza.

Paul

I have been there once before, and you are correct . Gorgeous city with a beautiful history. There open air mercado is what I had in mind, although I honestly don't remember a lot of machetes, or any for that matter. Remember a lot of honey and candies... This time I will be looking for one though.

 

[Jemblade]

I live in Northern Mexico and have no idea where to find a quality machete here. Maybe in the south you can find more quality handmade products.

But...

I do need to advise you that Michoacan is a dangerous place to travel to. Morelia, the capital city, should not present a big threat as long as you stick to tourist areas. It's great that you will be with people you can trust that know how to avoid trouble, though I don't think trying to find a nice machete will lead you into any nice/safe areas of town. I believe going "too local" is a bad idea with the intense violence that has been going on for the past year and a half in the area.

Keep in mind carrying blades is ilegal here so finding quality products might be difficult.

Just try to blend in and be safe.

I appreciate your concern, this is the exact reason why we haven't been back in years. It seems like the right time since things are settling down (for now). The instructions to the in laws was that we were not going very far from the city (Patzcuaro, Erongaricuaro, Janitzio...), as the violence (for the most part) was outside of the city and actually was really bad in the areas of Apatzingan.

I already did my research on carrying a blade and determined it is too risky as well. This will be bubble wrapped in my checked baggage.

I had already asked my Cuñado (brother in law) and the first thing he asked, "why would you want something like that." I asked him to keep his eyes open.