Fixed blade for Central America

A SAK Farmer and one of the low profile defensive canes would be my choice. All TSA legal. Check out some of the cane videos in PracTac.--KV
 
rye_a said:
Everything from day-to day food prep, etc, to self defense in the event something goes completely sideways. I normally wouldn't worry much about the latter, but with kids (13 and 11 year old daughters and a 9 y/o son) and a wife to look after I don't want to be empty-handed. If someone wants our stuff they can have it, but if we are put in physical danger that is another matter. I wouldn't be diving or anything with it, but would probably carry it on jungle treks, wandering around remote ruins, etc.

In terms of the size of the knife, I am fairly big at 6'4" and a fit 220 lbs.
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Man the only thing you will achieve with your knife is make the criminals laugh before they shoot you. It is absolute non-sense to carry a knife in countries like that specially being a foreigner. Police will approach you and threaten to send you to jail for carrying a weapon. They will confiscate your knife and you will have to pay them a 'mordida' to make them leave you alone. Even if your intension wasn't self defense which is not a valid reason down there anywhere you could still get in trouble for something as simple as a SAK. And remember, in most places in Latin America criminals have human rights, law abiding citizens don't.
 
Your most likely need for a fixed blade will be basic food prep, fruit, bread, sandwich cutting, cheese etc. Think about a stout kitchen/butcher knife with a roll of duct tape and some cardboard. If everything goes to hell in a hand basket that will still work for self-defense if you are up to it. The last thing you need to do down there is strut around with a fighting knife on your belt calling attention to what a tough guy you think you are. Be the gray man and don't rock any boats.
The last time my wife and I were in Guatemala the tour van company decided they didn't trust the roads (intel we didn't have?) and flew us off an army base in a small three seated plane back to Belize. That can be a rough part of the world.
 
Sidehill Gouger said:
The last time my wife and I were in Guatemala the tour van company decided they didn't trust the roads (intel we didn't have?) and flew us off an army base in a small three seated plane back to Belize. That can be a rough part of the world.
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Interesting. What part of Guatemala were you in? We are only ducking in and out of the country to go to Tikal.
 
Legendary_Jarl said:
Man the only thing you will achieve with your knife is make the criminals laugh before they shoot you. It is absolute non-sense to carry a knife in countries like that specially being a foreigner. Police will approach you and threaten to send you to jail for carrying a weapon. They will confiscate your knife and you will have to pay them a 'mordida' to make them leave you alone. Even if your intension wasn't self defense which is not a valid reason down there anywhere you could still get in trouble for something as simple as a SAK. And remember, in most places in Latin America criminals have human rights, law abiding citizens don't.
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Thanks for the insight. Have you spent much time in Belize/Guatemala?
 
Nonsense.... I’ve carried knives all over south and Central America

Take what you want and a knife in your waist band is better than your d—k in your hand when it comes to protecting your family
 
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JParanee said:
Nonsense.... I’ve carried knives all over south and Central America

Take what you want and a knife in your waiste band is better than your d—k in your hand when it comes to protecting your family
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I agree, I have spent the total of maybe two years in El Salvador including when there was conflict there. Keep a low profile and enjoy yourself.
 
Legendary_Jarl said:
Man the only thing you will achieve with your knife is make the criminals laugh before they shoot you. It is absolute non-sense to carry a knife in countries like that specially being a foreigner. Police will approach you and threaten to send you to jail for carrying a weapon. They will confiscate your knife and you will have to pay them a 'mordida' to make them leave you alone. Even if your intension wasn't self defense which is not a valid reason down there anywhere you could still get in trouble for something as simple as a SAK. And remember, in most places in Latin America criminals have human rights, law abiding citizens don't.
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Sorry, but you couldn't be more wrong if you tried.
 
Thanks Joe and Fq55. Something tells me you are better informed that some of the others commenting here. For what it is worth, I am very low key and laid back. Anything I bring will be well out of sight when I am carrying it. I'm not the kind of guy who goes looking for trouble. If someone wants our stuff they can have it, but if they are going to kidnap and/or rape my wife or kids I will stop them or die trying.
 
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I’ve been to Belize twice, the first time a a two week training mission while in the army and the second as a cruise stop. It’s a beautiful place and the jungle can make you feel like your the only person on earth it’s truly cool and scary at the same time.

If i were going to go I’d take the H1’s for their rust resistance and ease of sharpening, who wants to spend evening playing with a knife.
 
Belize and Guatemala are really two different places. I wouldn't want to hang around Belize City too much but after you are out of there, it is a very nice country. Guatemala is a bit different politically. On our way in to Tikal, a guy in a cowboy shirt, jeans, boots and a Colt Python stopped the van in the middle of no where. No uniform or badge. I heard the driver tell him we were just a bunch of foreign tourists. He waved us on and I still don't know who he was or what he was looking for.
 
I would never bring my family/small children to anywhere south of the border these days. Just the fact that you have to consider the horrible concept of getting into a knife fight to try and protect your family would kinda take the "fun" out of the trip for me. and to think you could succeed with a knife against multiple assailants probably better armed and younger/stronger is just plain fantasy.

I think the solid advice is take something relatively cheap and geared towards everyday use not self defense .

Hope you have a fantastic adventure
 
rye_a said:
Thanks for the insight. Have you spent much time in Belize/Guatemala?
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I grew up in Mexico where the situation is similar or worst. However, for your question in particular I asked the truck drivers that service my plant and who are Guatemalan about this before posting. None of them thought it a good idea. Up to you, man.

fq55 said:
Sorry, but you couldn't be more wrong if you tried.
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Am I now..
 
Legendary_Jarl said:
I grew up in Mexico where the situation is similar or worst. However, for your question in particular I asked the truck drivers that service my plant and who are Guatemalan about this before posting. None of them thought it a good idea. Up to you, man.



Am I now..
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That’s like asking your attacker if you should carry a weapon :)
 
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