Knife for travelling through North/Central/South America?

[6shooter]

My brother has come up with the idea of travelling down the west coast of Canada and the US, through Mexico and into South America. I think he read "Into The Wild" and let the story go to his head, but he can do as he wants I spose, he's a big boy. Should he actually go through with this, I was thinking a decent knife would be a nice gift to give him before he leaves.

So I ask you, what do you think would be a good knife for something like this? I'm not sure if he plans on spending a lot of time in the forests and jungles, or moreso travelling in the cities. He bought a book on wild edibles, so I imagine there will be at least some bush time.

When I first came up with the idea, I immediately thought of a RAT, either an RC-3 or RC-4. Just as a point, I don't want to go much more expensive than that. I've also been looking at the Benchmade 151 fixed blade griptilian, or maybe a Fallkniven F1, though that would be the absolute tops in terms of price I'd be willing to go to.

Right now I think I'm leaning towards the Benchmade 151, as it seems to be a good all around knife for the money, and the stainless steel will need minimal maintenance.

But, a few more questions:

1.) Any other ideas? Generally speaking, looking for a 4-6"ish general purpose blade, for around(though preferably less than) $130.

2.) Is it even a good idea to get him a knife? I've heard of some pretty strict penalties for getting caught carrying a knife in Mexico and South America. Now, I'd make sure to tell him to keep it in his pack, and not on his person when in the cities for this reason, I wouldn't want him to get thrown in a Mexican prison because of a gift I got him. Keep in mind he will be travelling through Canada and the US as well, so this is somewhat of a moot point, as I'm pretty set on a knife as a gift regardless.

3.) If not a knife, any other good gift ideas suitable for this?


Thanks for any input guys.

 

[rifon2]

My brother has come up with the idea of travelling down the west coast of Canada and the US, through Mexico and into South America. I think he read "Into The Wild" and let the story go to his head, but he can do as he wants I spose, he's a big boy. Should he actually go through with this, I was thinking a decent knife would be a nice gift to give him before he leaves.

So I ask you, what do you think would be a good knife for something like this?



Is it even a good idea to get him a knife?

Not a good idea.

I've heard of some pretty strict penalties for getting caught carrying a knife in Mexico and South America.

Yep.

Now, I'd make sure to tell him to keep it in his pack, and not on his person when in the cities for this reason

Wouldn't make a difference if he's carrying his pack around with him.


If he got caught with a 6 inch knife in let's say Mexico City, he would want
to have a boatload of available cash (of which he'd be relieved), be fluent in Spanish, and have a thorough understanding of "how things work" in Central America.

Same for South America, except Brazil.
There he'd have to know Portuguese.

 

[bearthedog]

I was in Mexico with a HEST last August. I heard from my guide that just about any knife in Mexico means big trouble or big money. While leaving Mexico I saw a sign listing things not allowed into Mexico even in checked luggage. Camp, hunting, and fishing knives were listed as illegal. The customs officials went through my suitcase magically missing my Tramontina Bolo, Grohmann, HEST, and One Handed Trekker. He did however see my Swiss Champ in a black leather pouch. He opened it saw the red handle and put it back without even a second glance. I was lucky.

So anything besides a Swiss Army Knife is pretty much taking a chance and at too great a cost!

Good luck!
-RB

 

[PropThePolecat]

Nothing wrong with your brother going on a trip to experience some new things. Alot of people do it on motorbikes, cars, cycles etc. He might have been inspired by the book to do it.

Most important thing though is to follow the respective countrys knifelaws, buy him an RC3 or F1 that he can carry all the way down to the Mexican border, then he can mail it back to you in exchange for a little SAK.

Like other posters mention, i dont think he want to mess with cops in a country where he dosent speak the language nor understands how things in general work.

 

[Toucan Oasis]

There are a lot of variables.
A multitool is viewed as a tool.Tons of guys wear them down here.Even with dress clothes.
If he is toting a backpack around a machete lashed on will be no problem in Central America.
I don't think I'd walk around in Managua, Teguchigalpa, Panama city or San Jose with it strapped on the outside of the pack but every where else you could even wear it on your hip. These are considered tools down this way.It's nothing to walk in a grocery store and see a couple of guys toting machetes and wearing work boots. Some kydex sheathed military/mall ninja looking knife could get you hassled.
Long hair will get you hassled too. I know. Mine is 1/3 way down my back but I'm old so that helps.

 

[Ed Ricketts]

You might consider a Mora 2000. I frequently choose it as a travel knife. Capable, but looks inoffensive, inexpensive to replace, etc.

 

[DH1]

A multitool of some kind may come in handy on a trip like that more than just a knife. MTs like the Leatherman Wave or Charge have pretty large locking blades also.

 

[zman308]

I buy my knives locally and then give them away to the first needy looking local before I depart. I take nothing in and would expect to have it confiscated in customs. Somestimes you get lucky and they miss it.

 

[Toucan Oasis]

I buy my knives locally and then give them away to the first needy looking local before I depart. I take nothing in and would expect to have it confiscated in customs. Somestimes you get lucky and they miss it.

Good man............

 

[Switchblade61]

How about a nice multitool, like the LM Charge/Wave or Victorinox Swiss tool?

 

[Toucan Oasis]

How about a nice multitool, like the LM Charge/Wave or Victorinox Swiss tool?

The VI Swiss tool is the most popular in Costa Rica and rightly so.
In Nicaragua it'll get you robbed.
It's a months salary up there.

Stash it and keep a machete in view. Look " normal"

Amurkins can't understand why a $300 cell gets the window smashed and phone/iPod disappeared.
If I leave a years salary, A laptop, on the dash, with the window down ??? How honest are you ?
8 months salary " forgotten" on a park bench " ?
30 grand ? In Amurka dollars ?

 

[6shooter]

Thanks for the input guys.

I might go the mutitool route instead now, I've been oogling the pics in BTD's SwissTool thread, though I'd have to get one for myself to check it out first. As much as I'd like to get him a nice fixed blade, I guess it isn't really the smartest way to go, at least not once he gets out of the US.

 

[Switchblade61]

I got a LM Charge and an original Wave, if you wanna check them out, I could take them along for the next meet-up.

 

[6shooter]

That'd be great Switchblade. I've been eyeing a Wave since long before I was aware of the Swisstools, it's just the Swisstools have caught my attention as of late.

 

[GRIM 62]

I would get him a Mora and a Vic Explorer.The Mora,as noted,is cheap and easy to replace.

 

[Switchblade61]

That'd be great Switchblade. I've been eyeing a Wave since long before I was aware of the Swisstools, it's just the Swisstools have caught my attention as of late.

Done!

 

[jca21]

Thanks for the input guys.

I might go the mutitool route instead now, I've been oogling the pics in BTD's SwissTool thread, though I'd have to get one for myself to check it out first. As much as I'd like to get him a nice fixed blade, I guess it isn't really the smartest way to go, at least not once he gets out of the US.

i prefer the swiss tool over any of my leathermans. you wont be disappointed with the fit and finish on them.

 

[SIXFOOTER]

A Multitool is a very good thing to have with you. As far as a regular blade, its VERY hard to beat a Buck 110 for a tough as nails inexpensive knife. A 112 may be safer legally in a lot of places though.

 

[bearthedog]

Thanks for the input guys.

I might go the mutitool route instead now, I've been oogling the pics in BTD's SwissTool thread, though I'd have to get one for myself to check it out first. As much as I'd like to get him a nice fixed blade, I guess it isn't really the smartest way to go, at least not once he gets out of the US.

This is a safe and practical way to go. Customs officers are programed to pay no attention to Swiss Army Knives. Traveling through that many places he will encounter more tasks than just pure cutting. So many things can be done with a SAK, or Swiss Tool, especially in hotels, boats, and not to mention, helping someone else!
-RB

 

[xbxb]

I see Mexico can be a problem. Are there any problems in Central America,