Traveling to Chile and Argentina - Hiking/Trekking and knives

M

Mark Schmitt

Joined
Oct 5, 1998
Messages
340
Anticipating a trip waaaay South (tip of South America, both Chile and Argentina).

I would greatly appreciate any comments or experiences re: knives and knife law in Chile and/or Argentina. I intent is to fully comply with local knife law while still packing a fixed blade, robust folder and utility SAK or multi-tool while trekking and exploring the national parks and environs. I also hope to bring back a few 'gaucho' style knives.

After reading some older threads and doing some online searches the consensus seems to be that knives are well tolerated and there are no concrete restrictions or bans on knives (in fact, I can't find anything restricting any specific kind or type of knife at all). Legality is based more on intent and action, not on the knife.

On previous trips I have taken a SAK, Spyderco Paramillie 2 and Endura and picked up what I needed in a fixed blade upon arrival.

Does anyone have any experience with the above? Anything I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance,
Mark
 
Mark Schmitt said:
Anticipating a trip waaaay South (tip of South America, both Chile and Argentina).

I would greatly appreciate any comments or experiences re: knives and knife law in Chile and/or Argentina. I intent is to fully comply with local knife law while still packing a fixed blade, robust folder and utility SAK or multi-tool while trekking and exploring the national parks and environs. I also hope to bring back a few 'gaucho' style knives.

After reading some older threads and doing some online searches the consensus seems to be that knives are well tolerated and there are no concrete restrictions or bans on knives (in fact, I can't find anything restricting any specific kind or type of knife at all). Legality is based more on intent and action, not on the knife.

On previous trips I have taken a SAK, Spyderco Paramillie 2 and Endura and picked up what I needed in a fixed blade upon arrival.

Does anyone have any experience with the above? Anything I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance,
Mark
Click to expand...
I was never in Argentina or Chile but I was in Colombia (ex-wife is Colombian), Mexico and Honduras. Bring the "robust folder" (I would go with 4" or less) and the SAK. Purchase the fixed blades locally. You are just about guaranteed to get a good deal for the money in Latin America and you will have souvenirs as well as working knives. Remember, purchases are more than just a quick transaction down there. You are almost expected to do some bartering and don't even think about paying listed or asking price. Dicker a bit, compliment the merchant on his store, tell a sob story, anything but pay the full sticker. It is part of the social interaction down there. Enjoy your trip.
 
Thanks Tom. Much appreciated.

Anyone out there with additional thoughts on this? Anything specific to Chile/Argentina?

Mark
 
Mark Schmitt said:
Thanks Tom. Much appreciated.

Anyone out there with additional thoughts on this? Anything specific to Chile/Argentina?

Mark
Click to expand...

Yes! Take a good SAK, Leatherman or multi-tool because you will not find one down there and if you do, you will have to pay extra $$$ for it.
I recommend tramontina knives, which are made in Brasil and are excellent quality. The main problem you will run into is the fact that most knives will be stainless steel, so make sure you get a good sharpening stone if you are planning to use your knife frequently. There are plenty of knife makers down there that might work carbon but will be significantly pricier than the production knives. If you go carbon, which I recommend, you won't have to be so concerned with humidity as long as you stay in Chile and Argentina. Go to Peru or Bolivia and you better oil that blade.
As far as laws, authorities tolerate the use of large knives, even machete size blades as long as you are in a rural environment or while hiking. Do not get caught with a knife in an urban environment, even if it is a small folder, an SAK or a Leatherman. I repeat... DO NOT GET CAUGHT WITH A KNIFE IN AN URBAN SETTING!
BTW, you probably already knew this, but the best move on your part is to register your name at the US Embassy and tell them about your plans. That covers your a$$ in case anything happens while you're there.
Good luck and post pics!
 
Thanks dallastxco, the only time we will be in the city is when transiting to the national parks so I think/hope we should be fine.

Thanks again,
Mark
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top