Small EDC in Mexico

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Neildionva

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Mar 3, 2015
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Hey guys this is my first post on here but I have read several posts on here on different topics.
I'm getting married in November and my fiancé and I have decided to go down to Orlando for a few days then fly over to Cancun for our honeymoon. Now I know Mexico has very strict laws on knives. However, I don't feel comfortable being anywhere without a blade. Even walking around D.C. going to the museums I felt naked without my usual kit. I understand that carrying anything in Mexico with the intention of using it as a defensive weapon is stupid and ill-advised. That is not my intention, if you look for trouble you'll find it. We're going to be doing a lot of hiking, exploring ancient ruins, maybe even some diving so I'd like to have some kind of cutting tool. I was thinking of picking up a Spyderco Dragonfly or Ladybug in H1 to hold up to the salty humid gulf. Plus, both are small and discreet but highly functional. So to my question, do you guys think I'll have an issue getting one of these small blades through Mexican customs/do you think it's a good idea? Thanks in advance guys!
-Neil
 
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Hello and welcome,

If it were me, SAK Fieldmaster... it is my favorite SAK, and it has served me for over twenty years without fail.

If playing it safe (legally) is a high priority, that's the best way to do so--I believe. I san see anything more being confiscated--but hopefully someone with more experience going to ol'Mexico can chime in...

Enjoy your trip!
 
Every time in the last 30 years I have gone to Mexico or Costa Rica I have taken a SAK and put it inside my shaving kit in check on ! A Spydie Dragonfly should work well to !:D My SAK made me the most popular guy on the beach in Baja one year because I had the only Mexican beer opener!!;) just something to think about? Stay safe down there!!!!
 
Also agree with the SAK idea... non weapon like, many uses, and if it is lost or stolen youre not out as much money as the spyderco. Having a wood saw if youre hiking is a bonus- a brand new Victorniox Camper can be had for $25 shipped.
 
Any non-locking Victorinox SAK with a blade under 3 inches is legal just about anywhere, except on airplanes.
 
Thanks for the response guys! I've been meaning to pick a SAK for a while I haven't had one since I was a kid. So the issue in Mex isn't necessarily blade length but a blade with a locking mechanism? I wanted to get a salt series blade so I can put in the pockets of my trunks when out in the water, plus the yellow FRN makes it hard to lose. I've never been out of the country so I do know how thorough Mexican customs are about checking luggage. I was thinking of just putting a SAK in my toiletries bag (with my shave stuff) and clipping a ladybug to my keys and just throwing them in my checked bag.
 
Neildionva said:
Thanks for the response guys! I've been meaning to pick a SAK for a while I haven't had one since I was a kid. So the issue in Mex isn't necessarily blade length but a blade with a locking mechanism? I wanted to get a salt series blade so I can put in the pockets of my trunks when out in the water, plus the yellow FRN makes it hard to lose. I've never been out of the country so I do know how thorough Mexican customs are about checking luggage. I was thinking of just putting a SAK in my toiletries bag (with my shave stuff) and clipping a ladybug to my keys and just throwing them in my checked bag.
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Mexican customs ignores vacationing Americans almost completely. I would rate your customs risk at near nil. If you are going to be in tourist-only areas, you probably won't have any police contact at all, so it shouldn't be too much worry either.
If you do, don't argue with them, smile a lot and be prepared with the baksheesh/mordida in case. You can plead poverty & get by paying much less successfully. Wear a neck wallet with extra cash & keep a few hundreds deeply tucked away on your person in case. (Not in your shoe. They'll look there.)

Even though they have "strict knife laws," they all carry knives. You'll be able to buy something passable when you get there instead of bringing one with you.
Just ask a cab driver to take to somewhere you can buy a decent knife when you leave the airport.

Don't wear a nice watch.
 
The main thing is to never do anything that will make the cops take a second look at you. This is true pretty much true around the world. And forget a plea of "self-defense" any place outside the U.S. It won't work. Go with a Swiss Army and if you are feeling brave check out the knife vender at the public market (there is always one there) for something cheap and tactical you can pitch if needed.
 
My first post here, so I thought I should try give some advice.
I am an American living in Monterrey, Mexico for that last 25 years and have visited Cancun many times. For me Cancun is probably the safest place you can go currently travel to in Mexico, one of the only places where organized crime actually respects the amount of $ flowing into the country from tourists. This means visiting attractions is very safe for anyone, nationals and visitors alike. As in all other places on earth, stay away from non-touristic areas if you are not sure.

I agree with everybody else's replies on Mexican customs not caring about tourists, just pack your EDC well and you should not have any trouble. And I think I need to put some emphasis on Mexico's knife laws are strict so try and hide your knife as good as possible just in case you get stopped by police. If you get stopped give them $200-$500 pesos, they will never be insulted, don't worry.

Have a safe trip.

Bret.
 
Thanks Bret that helps tremendously! I appreciate your advice, glad I could get some input from a resident.
 
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