Knife Laws in Mexico????

A

akthor

Joined
Jan 23, 2010
Messages
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Going to Mexico on vacation the end of April. Kinda hate to be ANYWHERE without at least a knife in my pocket. I have never travelled out of the country except to Canada so I have never run into this issue before.

I believe I can bring a knife in my checked in luggage? Yes? No?

Now whats the laws regarding carrying a knife if you are a foreigner in Mexico?
 
The reason I ask is we will be leaving the resort to hike some ruins and a few outdoorsy things like zip lines in the jungle and such.
 
just have some extra pesos so you can pay off anybody that gives a hard time:D
 
I always take a shiny red SAK. They are ubiquitous, non-threatening, and cheap to replace.

Gordon
 
I have never had any problems carrying a knife in Mexico. However, I do not clip it to my pocket, but rather, carry it inside of my pocket.

When you would run into problems would be if you were stopped for some reason and they searched you and found the knife. They can charge you for carrying a weapon. I have never been stopped for anything in Mexico and I visit frequently.

Here is the "official" read on it: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/spring_break_mexico/spring_break_mexico_2812.html

http://tijuana.usconsulate.gov/tijuana/warning.html
 
A SAK wasn't quite what I had in mind more like normal locking folder with a 3 - 4" blade. Any issues putting it in my luggage?
 
I just got back from spending 2 months in south Mexico and I took my Scrap Yard SODF with Me. I had a guy at the Airport ask me why I had it, I said I don't leave home with out it! EVER!

Later on that week we drove through 5 Military Check points with guns pointed in our faces and they didn't say a thing about my 8'' blade laying on the floor!

They are looking for Guns and Drugs!!! Not knives!
 
akthor said:
A SAK wasn't quite what I had in mind more like normal locking folder with a 3 - 4" blade. Any issues putting it in my luggage?
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No problem putting it into checked luggage for the flight. Mexico customs rules are different, though. They use a red light/green light system. If you get the green light, your bags aren't searched. If you get red, you get searched. The knife might get confiscated if the customs agent who searches your luggage decides to keep it for himself. Also, I would not want to get caught carrying a locking folder in Mexico. If you get locked up, you will have to wait about a year for your trial. You will be rotting in some craphole prison during this whole time without bail, which is the case for drugs and weapons charges. Don't count on the U.S. State Department weenies to help you, either. Someone posted a link to the State Department website and they warn against carrying knives in Mexico. I would stick with the SAK and call it good.
 
When I travel to Mexico, I take a Buck Selector. The blade goes in one suitcase, and the handle goes in another. I put a pocket clip on the handle using 2-56 helicoils and also a thumbstud (with a set screw) on the blade. By turning my knife into a kit, it is less likely to be pocketed by an inspector. I modified a BG-42 clip point blade to fit the Selector format. If you don't feel like modifying your equipment, take a cheap Chinese folder. I carry the knife clipped to my pocket, but that may not be too bright. I will do more research on Mexican carry laws.
 
I just read the gun and knife proscriptions on carrying same in Mexico. I guess I won't be going back there. It's worse than New York City.
 
rio said:
just have some extra pesos so you can pay off anybody that gives a hard time:D
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No kidding. Watch out for the mostly-corrupt police (bandits with badges). Don't know about their stance on knives, but they're certainly not shy about bribery, assault, or abuse.
 
akthor said:
What about buying a knife when I get there?
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I think that's the best way to go. Buy a cheap fixed blade and make a cardboard with duct tape sheath and carry it in your waistband. Throw it away before you fly out.
 
Charlie Mike said:
I think that's the best way to go. Buy a cheap fixed blade and make a cardboard with duct tape sheath and carry it in your waistband. Throw it away before you fly out.
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If you get caught in Mexico with that type of arrangement, you will not be flying out for quite some time! Expect at least one year of pre-trial confinement, then trial in a kangaroo court and then several years in a Mexican prison. I agree with those who recommend an innocuous SAK for EDC in Mexico. When my girlfriend and I parked our rental car in Brownsville and hoofed it across the border into Matamoros, Mexico a few years ago, I left my 4" lock-blade folder in the trunk of the car. I did not want to risk arrest on a weapons charge in Mexico and the never-ending nightmare that would accompany it.
 
TOM1960 said:
If you get caught in Mexico with that type of arrangement, you will not be flying out for quite some time! Expect at least one year of pre-trial confinement, then trial in a kangaroo court and then several years in a Mexican prison. I agree with those who recommend an innocuous SAK for EDC in Mexico. When my girlfriend and I parked our rental car in Brownsville and hoofed it across the border into Matamoros, Mexico a few years ago, I left my 4" lock-blade folder in the trunk of the car. I did not want to risk arrest on a weapons charge in Mexico and the never-ending nightmare that would accompany it.
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I disagree. That is unfounded in my personal experience.
Maybe that's the line projected in a tourist blog or cruise line brochure but after extensive travel throughout Mexico I have not seen this unless there is a connection to trafficking or a violent crime.

Mark
 
greenwoods said:
I disagree. That is unfounded in my personal experience.
Maybe that's the line projected in a tourist blog or cruise line brochure but after extensive travel throughout Mexico I have not seen this unless there is a connection to trafficking or a violent crime.

Mark
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I respect your opinion. To each his own, as the expression goes. There are signs along Texas State Highway 77, beginning about 10 miles or so outside of Brownsville, warning people of the consequences (imprisonment) of bringing weapons into Mexico. There are turnoffs before the border, so there is no excuse. If you are busted on weapons charges in Mexico, you are in for the hassle of your life.
 
if you can pass as hispanic, should be cool.
 
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