Going To Mexico

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WorkForALiving

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Dec 12, 2002
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I'm flying to Monterrey, Mexico next week for a 4 day trip.
What kind of EDC is appropriate?
Here in NJ I carry a Benchmade Switchbake (921, if memory serves) or a CK Large Sebbie. Thanks.
 
For a large city like Monterrey I would carry a folder of my choice inside my pocket, but wouldn't clip it where it might be visible. I usually carry a Spyderco Native when I travel to Mexico or other places where I'm not sure of the law, because it's a good knife, but it's not too expensive and I can always get another one if I lose it or it gets confiscated. Don't forget, Mexican laws don't allow everyday folks to carry weapons of any kind.
 
I agree. Don't take anything that you wouldn't mind having to part with regardless of Mexican laws. The police there will take what they want and make you feel lucky you're not spending the night in a Mexican jail.
 
I've been to Monterrrey a few times, but it's been a few years. I usually just carried a Stockman, leatherman, and a SAK, without any problems.
Only used them at the job site or in my hotel room. I wouldn't carry anything big or expensive, just in case. Pack it in your suitcase (I pack mine in my toiletries kit or in a Klien canvas bag with other small tools that I use) and you should be fine.

I will say, the only time I was searched by customs, they only opened up my suitcase and my toolbox and rumaged around half-heartedly, but again, it's been a few years. You will have to press a button in the customs line, and if the light turns green you pass through un-inspected, but if it's red, you get inspected.

Make sure that you get some Cabrito, and eat at LaLouisiana if you get the chance, good eats! Also, they have a Wal-mart, Sears, and even a Chili's restruant there. If you have a guide with you and make it downtown, take a stroll and see the sights. Pretty interesting, it's an old city with lots of history. Crazy cabbies (and other drivers :eek: ), just don't panic in the cabs, makes them nervous.
 
Julian Elliot said:
Don't forget, Mexican laws don't allow everyday folks to carry weapons of any kind.
Click to expand...
FWIW, the Mexican Board of Tourism has been running radio commercials warning people not to carry guns or knives in Mexico. I'm sure this is aimed at the 18-20 year olds that go drinking in Tijuana/Rosarito/Ensenada but you might want to keep it in mind.

I've carried my trusty Victorinox Climber and other knives in Baja for years with no problems.
 
Hey why the worry 1000 mexicans a day violate US law. They get food stamps, free health care, free schooling and get mad and threaten lawsuits if you ask them for any kind of immigration documents. Go to mexico violate their laws and threaten to sue. Please tell us how it goes.


I hope the sarcasm is apparent.
 
I'd get the most un-scary, bright-colored, tourist-looking pocketknife I could find. Probably a SAK.

Good Luck and have a safe trip!
-Bob
 
Aren't mexicans notorious for knife fighting? I'd take a couple daggers just to be safe.
 
It sounds like I should bring an SAK. No problem there, I LOVE to buy knives.
Any other non-knife stuff that you think I should bring along.
 
Don't lose your FNM (visa paperwork), and maybe bring some anti-diarheal tablets (should be ok for four days, but may hit you when you get back...).
Also, a Berlitz style, pocket-sized book can come in handy. These usually have some of the more important phrases you may need, and often have pointers to make your trip a little easier.

Dont' eat Menudo, it's just horrible...:thumbdn:
 
Mexican law is ambiguous and anything may be considered a weapon depending on the policeman's common sense and your attitude, I've been to Monterrey many times and carried my SAK all the time, if you go into a nightclub you will very likely be searched and even a small SAK may be seen as bad.

My regular EDC in Mexico City is just like steve1701d mentioned, stockman, SAK and Leatherman.

What to bring?, He he a toothbrush comes to mind, if you don't trust the water go ahead and bring some Pepto Bismol or whatever.

Cabrito is worth trying as are good cuts of beef, Glorias (candy made with burned goat milk and sugar) are fine and sweet, Indio dark beer is good. music CDs could be a good souvenir, the local music style is "Norteña" and "Corridos" but "Huapango" and "Jarocho" are great (to my taste at least) of course "Mariachi" should be easy to find.

I'm not fond of "Menudo" either, some people love it though, it's tripe and high in cholesterol.

Enjoy your stay.

Luis
 
i would leave the knives at home myself, if ya do run afoul of the mexican law ya stay in jail until trial, no bonding out, and the mexican weapons laws are pretty draconian, unless ya are a dope dealer lol, then ya can carry what ya want.

i do know that all the border towns have signs up advising against knives and guns in mexico, so be carefull......if i was gonna carry one it would be a SAK or something similar, maybe a leatherman.
 
Whenever you don't know what to carry and need a good, but non threatening tool, a SAK is the way to go. Besides the knife you get lots of useful features that might help you make your trip more enjoyable.

Being the knife-knut that I am I always carry another folder when I travel. something that can be easily replaced and has no sentimental value, like a Native or Endura. On the first couple of days, that knife stays at the hotel, and I just carry a SAK to get a feel of the city and see if it's a good idea to start carrying the other knife.

Since your going for only four days, I think a SAK should be enough. Maybe backed by a multitool.
 
You are going to Mexico for fun? I would only go there if I had to. They are kidnaping tourists and holding them for ransom even from around the border here in the U.S. I would carry a .45acp at the bare min. Maby a small army just in case as carry on!
 
I have visited Mexico four times, not counting numerous trips to Tijuana.

Last time was this past December.

I took five knives and pepper spray. Knives that I could afford to lose.

I love Mexico and can't wait to go back. I have always found it very safe, even when we visited villages in the countryside of Oaxaca.

I think having a knife that is not too big is fine, a 3 inch blade. My first choice would be a Benchmade Monochrome as it doesn't look too tactical (IMHO) and is strong, well built and inexpensive.

Or a fixed blade, but one that has another outward purpose. For a fixed blade, I bought a Rivermaster, which is a "diving knife", so it has an ostensible purpose other than self defense (I visited a diving area so this is plausible.)

The key is that there is a reason you have this tool with you other than self-defense.

In many parts of Mexico, machetes are quite common and almost everyone has one. It isn't like you can't have knives in Mexico. But they should have a work use and work appearance.
 
I would not take one down.I would buy one once I got there after shopping around a bit ,carry it for the remainder of the time, and right befor you come home mail it to the house.
 
My Friends and I went to Nogalas in 95. Quite a place. There were switchblades for sale, as well as daggers, bowies, weed, women, men, Donkeys, etc. I was even offered a full auto AK-47 for $300.00 US. I don't know the brand, as I didn't even want to see it, as I was quite leery of Customs and the prospect of ending up in a Mexican jail. Have fun, but use your head...
 
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