please help me pick a cheap knife for international travel

C

cognitivefun

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Oct 24, 2004
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I am going to Mexico in December and I want a cheap knife but a good knife, something I wouldn't have a heart attack over if they confiscate or steel it.

Something in the $40 price range, a folder that doesn't look overly tactical. I will be doing some scuba diving and general vacationing stuff including day trips here and there. I am going to a more rugged part of Mexico, an eco tour kind of place, and would want to have it on me also for defense purposes.
 
a SAK would be good. Mexico? Uou have a chance of it disappearing in customs (ask Don luis, Im sure he would be more helpful).
 
If they are still around you might try a cold steel twist master. This is one of my favorite cheap knives, mine is strong, with a well shaped blade and it will take s excellent edge. The large size would work in a defense role though they ain't exactly fast to deploy.
 
Go to Wally World and pick up a Kershaw Vapor for $20. I took mine apart and gave the entire thing a satin finish. Now it looks like a custom folder. I'm using mine on my next overseas trip.
 
Go to the store and get a good quality 5" chef's knife and something to sharpen it with. They are great cutters, relatively sturdy, and very un-combat-looking.
I just came back from Peru 2 days ago. No one ever questions them. A good kitchen knife is a good tool, can be a good weapon, and makes a nice gift for someone when you leave. :D
 
Look at the line of Ka-bar Dozier folding hunters. I just received my second one (with the thumb notch). I've had the drop point model for about a year already and I think they are the best cheapies around. Zytel handle with Aus 8 blade.
 
edgetrip said:
If they are still around you might try a cold steel twist master. This is one of my favorite cheap knives, mine is strong, with a well shaped blade and it will take s excellent edge. The large size would work in a defense role though they ain't exactly fast to deploy.
Click to expand...

If ya get one of the large Twistmasters, it'll sub as a small machette, I've built shelters with it, split wood with it, skinned a rabbit with it, it's a tough knife. :)
 
made2cut said:
Look at the line of Ka-bar Dozier folding hunters. I just received my second one (with the thumb notch). I've had the drop point model for about a year already and I think they are the best cheapies around. Zytel handle with Aus 8 blade.
Click to expand...

I'm seeing these for around $100.

edited to add: never mind, I found them for $25 :)
 
went to peru last summer, took a spyderco delica and endura. no problems with either. might be a little more than you're willing to pay though.
 
I ordered a BM Monochrome for the trip. I ordered it because I read some good reviews, it is inexpensive, framelock, and stainless.

Thanks for the help.
 
I took my Gerber 'clip-lock' knife to Mexico last year. Packed it w/ my snorkel gear and it never got a second glance. It looks like a dive knife and would work for what you want to do.

Gerber 'clip-lock'
 
Vic Soldier less than $20 and besides having a knife you gain a bunch of added tools. Plus they are extremely tough and well made.
 
Right now on the Blade-Tech website they are advertising a Mouse II with 440C blade steel and FRN handles for $34.99 until Christmas.

Just something to consider.
 
get a cheap Cold Steel Bolo Machete, attach it to your backpack, and explain that u are going offroad, customs will see this more as a tool. I have a Bolo, and beside a good pocket knife it is a great tool to carry around. Most "macheteros" will see u carrying a machete will leave u alone, also, good advise is, getting one of those mexican poncho's on the border (the ones the mexicans farmers carry), they will make u look stupid, but they are great to hide a knife under without attracting to much attention, it will not make u look like a "rich tourist" and u can carry the bolo around without getting to much notice. Don't carry it openly in Mexico city, but attached to a backpack it is not frowned upon.
 
yellow handled spyderco salt SE...you said you were doing scuba diving right?
 
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