Knife for tropical vacation

A

AlexSchira

Joined
May 12, 2007
Messages
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Some friends of mine just got back from Cancun, went off about all the things they did at the resort. Sunbathing. Drinking. Talking to other people staying there. The pool. More drinking.

Meanwhile, I flip through the brochure and see everything from cavern diving to wildlife tours, snorkeling in the ocean, river tours, beaches, lot of active things they passed over for the swim-up bar. Got me thinking not only of where to go if I ever considered this myself, but what kind of gear to carry while on a tropical outing. Let's say this is a relatively risk-free, safe environment where preparing for emergencies and adapting to situations is the goal. A more laid-back, recreational blade to have around just in case.

What are the laws in Mexico and other areas for what tourists can carry discretely? Obviously I'm not expecting to be packing heat, but are there any policies I may run into from resorts or local laws?

Second, the knife itself. Looking at something from the Spyderco Salt line to have on me in a bathing suit all over the place. Smaller, suited for general use, possibly with the yellow handle for the friendly appearance and visibility if dropped, will probably it it in my waistband. Stemming from that, might need some way to tether it to me so it doesn't get torn off in a wave, don't trust my usual paracord for aquatic environments. Might also look into some waterproof LED light to keep around, something tiny but functional as a companion to the knife.

Anyone have experience with knives in those regions and situations, and have any tips and tricks?
 
I spent a week at the beach this summer with my Salt 1 always inside the cargo pocket on my swim trunks. No rust and it came in useful as always
 
I'd also take one of the Spyderco Salts, probably the shortest one with a bright handle. Paracord should do in such environments no problem at all. Another possibility would be an SAK. In fact, I'd probably take a Salt and an SAK (plus possbily a short fixed, if that's OK in Mexico - I don't know).

Lights - if you expect to take the light into the water I'd get an LED light from Underwater Kinetics or Princetown Tec. The UK 2AAA LERD for instance isn't very bright, but long-running and almost indestructible. If a dive rating isn't essential I'd take a Fenix, either the LOD CE (running on 1AAA and amazingly bright, 3 different levels) or the L1D (1AA, also three different levels). You can get the Fenix from www.fenix-store.com.

Hans
 
Thinking ahead once more, should I stick to my plain-edged ways or take a risk with serrated because of the nautical nature of the knife and the fact it'll hold an edge longer when I'm away from a sharpener? I prefer plain edges for utility but there may be some reason to stick to serrated if I'm diving and swimming with it.
 
I agree. I don't get the guys who only stay at the hotel even if it is all inclusive. I want to do other things. Chichenitza and other ruins, and all the stuff you listed. Have fun.

Well, officially I think a knife over 3" is illegal in Mexico. But I've got a Gerber River Knife (old one when they made good knives) that is about a 4" blade that I took with me. But it was packed w/ our snorkel gear (pfd, fins, snorkel) and it was over looked at the search. When you go thru customs, you press a button to get a red/green light. Red light means you get searched, but most people get green and cruise thru. I got a red and they didn't bat an eye at it.
I'm not sure I'd carry into the local club tho.

I've also carried a mini-grip IWB for while on jet skis and snorkeling trip. The spring in the axis lock got a bit of rust on it after a week, but cleaned up when I got home. The guys from the tour saw it and didn't say anything either.

As for the waves, I lost a velcro banded watch in the waves on the last trip. But I didn't have any problem w/ the knives, but I should have been more carefull. Some sort of tether would be a good idea. I had the river knife tied to my pfd w/ a long cord.
 
Well, just remember, whatever you take, make sure and remember to pack it in your check-in luggage for the flight home. Forgot I had my Wenger Handyman in my messenger bag and spotted it while in line for security. Had to give it away. Lucky those are inexpensive, but I was still bummed.
 
I went to Cuba, and carried a Spyderco Police and a 5 inch fixed blade in a leather sheath in my checked luggage. I got a full search as they xray all the baggage comming off the plane and into their country. They had absolutely no interest in the fixed blade as they dug through my bag. The item of interest was my video camera, and they thought one of the battery packs looked like a loaded clip for a firearm. I think they thought the older video camera was a gun as they checked it very carefully, and then politely appologized for digging up my suitcase.
 
Now I have my eye on the Salt 1 for the small size. Issues left. Serrated versus straight, black versus yellow handles, how to tether it.
 
I've always liked David Boye cobalt steel knives for salt water / high humidity usage. The blade is 3" and the handles come in either blue or yellow. Holds a mean edge too.
www.boyeknives.com
 
I took a PE yellow delica sized salt to Provinciales in the Turks and Caicos. Scaled and cleaned several snapper. Sharpened upon return. Terrific knife. I chose yellow for visibilty.
 
I swim with my Salt 1 all summer too. At least until I CAN get a Tom Mayo Covert!!
 
Swam with my Allen Blade tadpole in talonite in the sea, no rust, no discolor. Nice little knife. :)
 
Mission knives are excellent knives!! When I had my MPF 1, IT was my beach knife.
 
You are going to lose your Spyderco to a Mexican cop. He'll say "Thanks" for buying him such a nice knife. Stick with SAK in your pocket and if your do have it confiscated it wont hurt as much as a new Spydie.
 
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