Knives of the Caribbean

[quattromori]

Thanks to the OP for the reply. The great thing about this subforum is talking about things and exchanging opinions in a kind way. This is no exception.
As for safety, I know the place matters, and I expressed it in my previous post. I'm quite a traveller, I visit the Caribbean at least once a year, and rest assured that I don't stay locked in a hotel room (which I would find "wrong" for any reason, not just safety or presumed safety). Anyway, a couple friends have been to Jamaica and loved it, and none of them had negative feelings about safety there (I'm sure they didn't look for trouble either). So if you're willing to go there, I think you should be just fine, and I'm sure the place is awesome.
On the sand thing, we agree to disagree but that's more than fine
On the luggage thing, I've also travelled with a machete in my checked luggage with no issue at all, but if for some reason you're not confident about it, then I understand if you're not willing to carry one. Unfortunately, it's probably not the most prolific area in the world in terms of local traditional cutlery...but you never can tell

Fausto

 

[Deji]

As a Jamaican (living in Jamaica), I found this post interesting. There is no reason for safety concerns unless 1 is involved in "shady dealings".

Our crime rate may be high but it isn't due to "knife violence" (very few stabbings) but based mostly on illegal transactions and trade as well as domestic disputes which firearms are used. That said, it is very rare that tourists are harmed. The people here are very warm and friendly. There maybe a few bad apples but the residence normally ensure the "guests" are safe and will handle any criminal element; especially if respect is shown.

Most of us do have our ratchets, but it's a cutting tool used for daily chores. They are used by" all walks/class of society" but mainly hyped by the "rudeboys" in our dancehall culture. More often it's tucked away because any knife with a blade over 3 inches is illegal to carry and some cops will even confiscate blades below. However, you can carry a matchete in public once the blade is covered.

Bless up to Stich, mnblade, Henry and quattromori for the positive comments!

 

[ericnpeterson]

The song "Johnny Too Bad" by the Slickers contains the lyric
"walking down the road with a ratchet in your waist..."
I think it refers to the Okapi
https://www.google.com.au/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiJlfX_1YjMAhUsl4MKHU8KAaAQFggpMAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fen.wikipedia.org%2Fwiki%2FRatchet_knife&usg=AFQjCNHA7TfrU-roI9Ii5rByiktUMowHRQ

I love this song!!
Yeah, they're talking about the Okapi ratchet knife.
The knife originates from Germany, then ownership etc went to South Africa, who still produce the knife.
It's extremely common in Jamaica for sure... sometimes it's know as a "T'ree Star" (three star) do to the design on the handle.
I mentioned the t'ree star to a Jamaican friend of mine, she smiled and knew exactly what I was talking about.
The knife is very popular in Egypt too.
A real pro, with a flick of the wrist can zip the blade out real fast, making the ratchet sound as it opens. They can flick it out fast like a switchblade.
I wanted one real bad because Keith Richards owns one, and "Johnny Too Bad" as well. They were hard to find on the internet a couple of years ago, but I found one. It's an intense knife.. people see it and go "WHOA!"

 

[5K Qs]

As a Jamaican (living in Jamaica), I found this post interesting. There is no reason for safety concerns unless 1 is involved in "shady dealings".

Our crime rate may be high but it isn't due to "knife violence" (very few stabbings) but based mostly on illegal transactions and trade as well as domestic disputes which firearms are used. That said, it is very rare that tourists are harmed. The people here are very warm and friendly. There maybe a few bad apples but the residence normally ensure the "guests" are safe and will handle any criminal element; especially if respect is shown.

Most of us do have our ratchets, but it's a cutting tool used for daily chores. They are used by" all walks/class of society" but mainly hyped by the "rudeboys" in our dancehall culture. More often it's tucked away because any knife with a blade over 3 inches is illegal to carry and some cops will even confiscate blades below. However, you can carry a matchete in public once the blade is covered.

Bless up to Stich, mnblade, Henry and quattromori for the positive comments!

Thanks for your input, Deji; input from someone who actually lives in Jamaica is very valuable! :thumbup::thumbup:
Do you have any thoughts on the original poster's question about a local knife that "represents" Jamaica?

- GT

 

[Ringno5]

There is no reason for safety concerns unless 1 is involved in "shady dealings".

Thanks for the information. Glad to hear that, because Jamaica was supposed to be my original destination and I must admit that I was very disappointed when I read that it can be dangerous. Guess I'm back to my original plan Also, do you have any info about any local knifemakers and/or workshops? I've been thinking about getting a ratchet, but it would have to be locally made, not imported (it's just not the same). And finally, as probably the best informed person, can you tell me if I could get into trouble carrying a SAK Spartan or a Case Trapper/RR equivalent with me around the island? I'm kind of used to carrying a blade with me everywhere (and no, not for self defense, just to be clear on that), at home I usually carry a Cold Steel American Lawman, but I know that many countries frown upon folders with locking blades, so when travelling I usually have the most innocent looking knives I can find and you don't get more innocent than a SAK.

I visit the Caribbean at least once a year (...)

Same as with Deji, I'm really happy to hear that. I came here to ask about one thing and, quite surprisingly, got info about something else that's been bothering me for a bit. Guess it's time to start finalizing my plans

Once again, cheers to all for the replies and the help.

 

[mnblade]

Bless up to Stich, mnblade, Henry and quattromori for the positive comments!

And back to you, sir!

-- Mark

 

[quattromori]

Same as with Deji, I'm really happy to hear that. I came here to ask about one thing and, quite surprisingly, got info about something else that's been bothering me for a bit. Guess it's time to start finalizing my plans

Come on, time to get that ticket

Fausto

 

[Deji]

Thanks for your input, Deji; input from someone who actually lives in Jamaica is very valuable! :thumbup::thumbup:
Do you have any thoughts on the original poster's question about a local knife that "represents" Jamaica?

- GT

Okapi (T'ree star ratchet) is the "Knife of Jamaica" although not locally made; called friends and all confirmed. Buck 110's were popular in the late 80's to early 90's but very few are seen recently due to ratchets being inexpensive ($150-$250 JMD/$1.25-$2 US). The only other knives in great quantity are cheap chinese made knives.

Also, do you have any info about any local knifemakers and/or workshops? I've been thinking about getting a ratchet, but it would have to be locally made, not imported (it's just not the same). And finally, as probably the best informed person, can you tell me if I could get into trouble carrying a SAK Spartan or a Case Trapper/RR equivalent with me around the island?

There are no local knife makers or workshops to my knowledge but i will check on it for you. You won't have any problems carrying a SAK or Case Trapper plus cops here don't trouble tourists especially if you can give a valid reason (cutting fruits/food) . You can get a ratchet in almost any market, jewelry or sport store and some gas stations; however, none are locally made.

I have no doubt you will enjoy your trip!

 

[Zuluninja]

To the OP - I know you didn't mention Puerto Rico, but as it is part of the Caribbean islands and where I'm from, I can tell you this: there is no traditional pattern there, except long machetes. Knives are usually frowned upon, still viewed as weapons. I always take a blade with me on checked luggage when visiting, but am very careful of when, where and how I use it. After I started making knives and sheaths a couple years ago, my mom wanted me to go to the arts and culture institute and get an artisan license, which to this day I haven't done. I can picture the licensing officials eyes bugging out when I show them my stuff, and may give me a hard time and no license at all.