Going to Africa again...

A

almtiba

Joined
Aug 29, 2003
Messages
468
Hi Guys !

I'm going to Africa again (I couldn't find the post, but we discussed last year some knives for the hunting safari) but this time, not to hunt, it's my honeymoon... :)

This time, I'm going to S.A., Zambia, Kenya, Tanzania and Mauricius, and I'm not sure what knife to bring. Since I'm not hunting, I'll spend most of the time at the Safari inside a Land Rover.
I don't think I'll bring a knife, only folders, but wich ones are my problem :p .
Serrated or not, large, small, multitools, etc...
And more, do anyone know if there is some blade restrictions in Cape Town ?

Well, I'm spending a lot of time planing this trip, and deciding what knives to take is a part of it (and, of course, wich lenses and photographic equipment too, since photograpy is one of my hobbies).

Please guys, join the adventure and give me some advice !

Regards,

Andre Tiba - Brazil
 
almtiba said:
And more, do anyone know if there is some blade restrictions in Cape Town ?
Click to expand...

None at all!

Carry all the bali-songs and autos that you want.
 
E boa sorte na viagem também. :)
I know for your posts you have put together a beautiful collection.
Bring something from a brazilian maker and don´t forget a spyderco (light and eficient) and the proverbial swiss army knife.
Bon voyage.
 
I'm going to Africa again (I couldn't find the post, but we discussed last year some knives for the hunting safari) but this time, not to hunt, it's my honeymoon...
Click to expand...

Nice one mate congratulations :D

As for the toys:
A SAK and an Endura would see you through anything your unlikely to encounter. :D
 
SA (Cape Town) indeed has no restrictions. Just don't take something too expensive.....you might find some baggage handlers with long fingers....

Enjoy the trip man! Stay alert and stay safe.

Greg
 
What Greg said plus keep anything expensive in sight. Things tend to grow legs pretty fast down there.

Are you going to the Kruger National Park? I served in the Army in that provence and you will be amazed at the beauty of it. Have fun and stay safe!
 
My was there last year. She hiked up Kilimanjaro. She was limited to what she could carry. I think her pack had a max weight of 35lbs. Lucky for her, she's not a knifenut. She is just married to one. I sent her off with a swisstool and SAK hunter. She the swisstool was plenty. In the end she got more use out of her headlamp, flashlight and camelback.
 
When I travel, I carry a multitool, a SAK and a larger knife (either a fixed blade or locking folder, depending on the laws/circumstances).

The SAK is great for the times when you can't carry the other stuff, it will fit in any pocket and give you a few useful tools that can accompany you anywhere. It's also extremely sheeple friendly. When coupled with a stonger knife, you've got most of your bases covered. IMHO, one of the best all around SAKs is the Huntsman, it has a good selection of tools in a pocket-friendly size. I love the Huntsman Lite, too, but it's a bit bulkier.

My multitool usually stays in my pack, but it always comes in handy to fix those little problems that show up in any trip, specially when you're using other gadgets that might break. I preffer Victorinox SwissTools to Leatherman's, but they are both OK. Maybe there is a model that has some features that would make it better to work on your photo gear.

The main knife is always the hardest to choose for me. For a trip where you won't have your knife on you at all times, hence increasing the possibility of loss, you should take something that has no sentimental value and can be replaced with ease. Something like a Buck 110 would be a good choice, tough, cheap and easily available.
 
Hi Almtiba,

I live in Cape Town, and can verify that there are NO blade restrictions in South Africa. You can buy automatics and balisongs by the ton, but they are of low quality. Bought a no-name-brand auto just yesterday. Looks a bit like a Spyderco minus the hole. Quality seems OK. Cost me R40 which converts to $6-60 !!

Hope you enjoy your stay.

Regards

Mike
 
I'd like to suggest you go one step further and whilst in CAPE TOWN you lookup someone like Fanie La Grange (www.kgsa.co.za/member/fanielagrange). World class knifemaker whom you won't see on the show circuit. We also have Des Horn, Ettore Gianferrari and Steve Lombard all living in the CT region (all Guild members).
 
Back in the day (Circa 1998 or so) thre was a really nice guy named Aubrey Moore that used to post on the knife forums (KFC back then), he was from S. Africa and knew all about the knife laws and such, frequently traveled between the US and SA. I remember he was also into old Range Rover's and his kids liked ATV racing. I have not seen him post on any of the forums in years, but if you can track him down he may be able to help you.
 
No need for Aubrey . . . in South Africa it's pretty simple. There are no laws (as you know them) on knife carry.

Obviously if you're going to try and walk down a public street with a 3-foot machete in your hand you might encounter a few objections, but in your pants / jacket / shirt pockets (and on your belt) you can carry anything.

Leatherman's and SAK's are popular, and can be purchased in all outdoor equipment stores (for a lot more money than you pay in the US). But as I mentioned earlier, whilst in SA take advantage of the opportunity and get yourself a Graham Sparks custom springblade, Fred Burger "HBP", Andre Thorburn "G10", or Mike Skellern "Exkelibur" for little more than $100. Can't be beat.
 
No laws restricting knife carry in S.A. I lived in Cape Town until the age of 26 at which time i moved to Johannesburg.

If you're going to move around the country, the best knife shop in the land is Sharp Edge in Sandton City, Sandton, Johannesburg. Nice selection of factory knives from Cold Steel, Spyderco, CRKT, Kershaw, Kabar, Benchmade etc. Prices are fair for S.A.

While in the bush, you're pretty safe if you follow standard bush protocol (wrt to wildlife that is) ;) . The cities are another story. In the malls and at major tourist attractions it is also pretty safe. The danger is in the streets of the large cities. Do not go strolling about with fancy cameras and jewellery in the streets as you will end up in the newspapers ;) Do not use ATMs in the streets, use the ones in the malls and first check for suspicious characters in the area. Do not accept help from strangers at the ATMs. There ususually are a lot of security officers in the malls. If you do have to go into the city streets, get someone who knows his ass from his elbow to accompany you, and buy some OC spray, which is obtainable over the counter at any firearm dealer or security store. It's not that bad here, but you need to take reasonable safety precautions.

Enjoy your stay. It's a lovely country with lots to see and it's quite cheap for foreigners. Don't know how much time you have, but recommended tourist destinations in Cape Town are Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Stellenbosch wine route and the V&A Waterfront. If you come up to Johannesburg you must go to Sun City.
 
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