What fixed blade would you bring on a Costa Rica trip?

[supertac916]

I'm curious to see if any of the members have been to Costa Rica and what fixed blade you would recommend bringing. We're planning to do some hikes and check out some of the sight seeing in the rainforests out there. Knife laws seem pretty lax out there and this is a knife that I won't be carrying in the cities, but for my daypack which I usually carry various other emergency "Just in case" supplies. I'm thinking a 4" blade should be sufficient because I could also pick up a cheap machete from the locals out there. I will also have a Benchmade folder or a smaller fixed blade like a Esee Izula or Bark River Necker II. What would you guys bring with you from this list?

Survive GSO 4.1
Bark River Bravo 1 LT
Bark River Bravo 1 in A2 or S35v
Fallkniven F1
Mora Bushcrafter Black
Ratmandu
Benchmade Sibert 162

or would you bring a smaller or larger knife? I guess my problem is I have too many and can't bring them all It's my first time to a rainforest and I'm assuming it's probably humid and I will need a knife that is rust resistant.

Thanks!!

 

[DocT]

If I were hiking I would take an Esee Izula II with the clip plate. It gives the nice option of carrying it on the belt, putting it in your pocket, or using it as a neck knife (these last two sans clip plate, of course). It can also be attached to gear via attachment points. It is a nice, tough knife. A just in case knife should not weigh you down and I would not carry a heavy knife nor one over 4 inches in length. Smaller is better but 4" blade is the upper limit. I spent months on end in the Alaskan wilderness with nothing but a pocket knife and a Buck Skinner (4 inch blade) and I was able to do everything I needed a knife to do.
Also, I would carry one of those ring saws (cable saw). It will roll up in your gear but you can put the rings on your fingers and cut down a good sized tree (no kidding). Or, you can use your knife and make a handle so you have a hacksaw rig that will zip through anything.

 

[supertac916]

If I were hiking I would take an Esee Izula II with the clip plate. It gives the nice option of carrying it on the belt, putting it in your pocket, or using it as a neck knife (these last two sans clip plate, of course). It can also be attached to gear via attachment points. It is a nice, tough knife. A just in case knife should not weigh you down and I would not carry a heavy knife nor one over 4 inches in length. Smaller is better but 4" blade is the upper limit. I spent months on end in the Alaskan wilderness with nothing but a pocket knife and a Buck Skinner (4 inch blade) and I was able to do everything I needed a knife to do.
Also, I would carry one of those ring saws (cable saw). It will roll up in your gear but you can put the rings on your fingers and cut down a good sized tree (no kidding). Or, you can use your knife and make a handle so you have a hacksaw rig that will zip through anything.

Thanks! I will definitely put the Esee Izula II and a cable saw in my bag. I also appreciate your insight and experience of what you carried through the Alaskan Wilderness. I don't want to carry too much weight for day hikes, but just want to make sure I have what I need just in case.

 

[jackknife]

In 1999 and 2000, our eldest son was sent to San Jose Costa Rica for several months on business for his company. While he was there, he arranged for us to visit him, and surprised us with a gift of a camping and nature viewing trip in the rianforest. Knowing that we are avid nature watchers this was a great gift and we spent 5 days in the jungle on a well managed guided trip. Each day we hiked to the next over night camp site, and the guides had all the tents pitched and dinner underway on campfires. It was kind of a catered rustic trip.

As far as knives used for the 4 nights camped in the rainforest, all the guides had a small 10 to 12 inch machete in a belt sheath. These small machetes were used for EVERYTHING that the guides needed to cut. Food, kindling, rope, brush, whatever. It was a very very eye opening experience, and changed my own views on what is needed knife wise. The small machetes made very short work of any kindling. Anyone who says machetes can't deal with hardwoods is nuts. The central American jungle has penalty of hardwood. Cocobolo, mahogany, another woods that are very hard. The machetes also make excellent cooking knives, and chopped up vegetables and meats with ease. On the last night in the rain forest, they had a pig roast, and the roasted pork was slice and served up with very sharp small machetes.

All the guides carried a medium size mill file in the sheath with the machete, and touched up the blade as needed. One side of the file had been ground smooth to use as a steel, and they used whatever side was needed. Steel or file. They seemed to keep them razor sharp with this method.

The only other knives I saw were SAK's. In addition to the sheathed machetes in the belt, all the guides carried a nylon pouch with a velcro flap on the belt, that contained a SAK and a Bic lighter. I asked one guide why a SAK and a Bic, and I was told that the SAK was used for small fine cutting jobs and maintaining some of the camp gear, and the Bic because they always work when they need to get a fire going.

So that was what I saw in Costa Rica in 2000. Small machetes used for almost everything, and SAK's and Bic lighters as back up. Nothing else was needed. Just buy a small machete when you get there and keep it as a working souvenir of your trip.

 

[supertac916]

In 1999 and 2000, our eldest son was sent to San Jose Costa Rica for several months on business for his company. While he was there, he arranged for us to visit him, and surprised us with a gift of a camping and nature viewing trip in the rianforest. Knowing that we are avid nature watchers this was a great gift and we spent 5 days in the jungle on a well managed guided trip. Each day we hiked to the next over night camp site, and the guides had all the tents pitched and dinner underway on campfires. It was kind of a catered rustic trip.

As far as knives used for the 4 nights camped in the rainforest, all the guides had a small 10 to 12 inch machete in a belt sheath. These small machetes were used for EVERYTHING that the guides needed to cut. Food, kindling, rope, brush, whatever. It was a very very eye opening experience, and changed my own views on what is needed knife wise. The small machetes made very short work of any kindling. Anyone who says machetes can't deal with hardwoods is nuts. The central American jungle has penalty of hardwood. Cocobolo, mahogany, another woods that are very hard. The machetes also make excellent cooking knives, and chopped up vegetables and meats with ease. On the last night in the rain forest, they had a pig roast, and the roasted pork was slice and served up with very sharp small machetes.

All the guides carried a medium size mill file in the sheath with the machete, and touched up the blade as needed. One side of the file had been ground smooth to use as a steel, and they used whatever side was needed. Steel or file. They seemed to keep them razor sharp with this method.

The only other knives I saw were SAK's. In addition to the sheathed machetes in the belt, all the guides carried a nylon pouch with a velcro flap on the belt, that contained a SAK and a Bic lighter. I asked one guide why a SAK and a Bic, and I was told that the SAK was used for small fine cutting jobs and maintaining some of the camp gear, and the Bic because they always work when they need to get a fire going.

So that was what I saw in Costa Rica in 2000. Small machetes used for almost everything, and SAK's and Bic lighters as back up. Nothing else was needed. Just buy a small machete when you get there and keep it as a working souvenir of your trip.

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like you and your wife had a awesome trip!! Maybe I'll just bring a smaller knife because I was thinking of picking up a few of their little machete's because I heard they're relatively cheap and great users. I really appreciate your insight!! Happy Thanksgiving..

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

In 1999 and 2000, our eldest son was sent to San Jose Costa Rica for several months on business for his company. While he was there, he arranged for us to visit him, and surprised us with a gift of a camping and nature viewing trip in the rianforest. Knowing that we are avid nature watchers this was a great gift and we spent 5 days in the jungle on a well managed guided trip. Each day we hiked to the next over night camp site, and the guides had all the tents pitched and dinner underway on campfires. It was kind of a catered rustic trip.

As far as knives used for the 4 nights camped in the rainforest, all the guides had a small 10 to 12 inch machete in a belt sheath. These small machetes were used for EVERYTHING that the guides needed to cut. Food, kindling, rope, brush, whatever. It was a very very eye opening experience, and changed my own views on what is needed knife wise. The small machetes made very short work of any kindling. Anyone who says machetes can't deal with hardwoods is nuts. The central American jungle has penalty of hardwood. Cocobolo, mahogany, another woods that are very hard. The machetes also make excellent cooking knives, and chopped up vegetables and meats with ease. On the last night in the rain forest, they had a pig roast, and the roasted pork was slice and served up with very sharp small machetes.

All the guides carried a medium size mill file in the sheath with the machete, and touched up the blade as needed. One side of the file had been ground smooth to use as a steel, and they used whatever side was needed. Steel or file. They seemed to keep them razor sharp with this method.

The only other knives I saw were SAK's. In addition to the sheathed machetes in the belt, all the guides carried a nylon pouch with a velcro flap on the belt, that contained a SAK and a Bic lighter. I asked one guide why a SAK and a Bic, and I was told that the SAK was used for small fine cutting jobs and maintaining some of the camp gear, and the Bic because they always work when they need to get a fire going.

So that was what I saw in Costa Rica in 2000. Small machetes used for almost everything, and SAK's and Bic lighters as back up. Nothing else was needed. Just buy a small machete when you get there and keep it as a working souvenir of your trip.

I would agree. There isn't much need for a knife between a basic folder and a small machete in size there. You can pick up a machete and sheath in the local hardware stores for a few dollars but expect it to be pretty dull. A good file and stone can take care of that if you have the time.

 

[jackknife]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like you and your wife had a awesome trip!! Maybe I'll just bring a smaller knife because I was thinking of picking up a few of their little machete's because I heard they're relatively cheap and great users. I really appreciate your insight!! Happy Thanksgiving..

They also have wonderfully worked leather sheathes of the machetes at a low prices. Pick up a few with matching sheaths and you'll have a great set up. Ever since our trip I've made my woods/camping set up a small machete and pocket knife of the day. Its very surprising what a 10 inch sharp piece of steel can do around a camp site.

 

[supertac916]

Thanks Jackknife and Sidehill: I will probably bring a DMT two sided diamond sharpener that I bring on my backpacking trips. That way I can put on edge on the machete

 

[supertac916]

They also have wonderfully worked leather sheathes of the machetes at a low prices. Pick up a few with matching sheaths and you'll have a great set up. Ever since our trip I've made my woods/camping set up a small machete and pocket knife of the day. Its very surprising what a 10 inch sharp piece of steel can do around a camp site.

That's pretty awesome. Nothing fancy, but it's crazy what people around the world use as cutting tools. I guess spending $700 on a Busse or a few hundred on other "Survival" knives with super steels are luxuries. Here in the US and myself included we spend a lot on our knives, guns, and other "toys", which mostly just sit around in the safe or we play with them in the woods every once and awhile. These people use basic materials and "Survive" with these tools and have for generations. I'm really looking forward to our trip I'm also heading to the Philippines on a remote medical mission trip, which will be interesting as well.

 

[ichor]

Good suggestions. I'd opt for a Cold Steel Bowie machete and SAK of your preference. And I get a charge out of the obsession these days for all manner of cool and elaborate "fire starters" when, if used frugally, 5-6 Bics in a Ziploc bag, could last a very long time. BTW, you will absolutely love Costs Rica!

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

Thanks Jackknife and Sidehill: I will probably bring a DMT two sided diamond sharpener that I bring on my backpacking trips. That way I can put on edge on the machete

The DMT will work great once you have a basic edge on the machete but they start out pretty blunt down there. Helps keep the price down for the locals and they all know how to file an edge from the time they are around 5 years old up.

 

[AntDog]

One you don't mind losing to TSA. Sorry, but had to put it out there.

If it were me I'd probably just bring a cheapo folder, or buy a neat locally made blade, use it there, and ship it home.

 

[ichor]

One you don't mind losing to TSA. Sorry, but had to put it out there.

If it were me I'd probably just bring a cheapo folder, or buy a neat locally made blade, use it there, and ship it home.

I haven't flown for several years, but my daughter in California is a chef, and I used to take several kitchen knives, so we could cook together, in my checked luggage without a problem. You can't do that anymore??

 

[jackknife]

One you don't mind losing to TSA. Sorry, but had to put it out there.

If it were me I'd probably just bring a cheapo folder, or buy a neat locally made blade, use it there, and ship it home.

This, which is one reason I never travel with anything else but a SAK that's easy to replace.

One other thing that has not been mentioned. If you travel to less than prosperous places with people living on a poverty line that you in the United States can't imagine, try to avoid traveling with things that will stamp you as a well monied tourist. Custom knives, expensive wrist watches that some folks love to show off, expensive lighters and other toys, can get you in some deep poop. There's people in Central South America that will kill you for the toys you are carrying, as they are treasures beyond anything they can ever get. Your high end watch will support a family for a month in some places. Your custom knife will feed them for a week or two.

Having been to Central and South America, I learned if people are dressed in cheap cotton pants and canvas sneakers, then you dress in cheap cotton pants and canvass sneakers. If they are all carrying a cheap local machete, then leave your expensive Excaliber of a knife home.


"When in Rome…."

 

[AntDog]

I haven't flown for several years, but my daughter in California is a chef, and I used to take several kitchen knives, so we could cook together, in my checked luggage without a problem. You can't do that anymore??

You can, but I would highly recommend you only take what you are willing to lose. TSA baggage handlers are pretty notorious for having sticky fingers.

Not all of them know the rules either. Knives are perfectly legal in checked baggage, but some of those goofballs must think they are supposed to confiscate every blade that comes through.

 

[supertac916]

Thanks guys for all of your insight. You guys are probably right and I'll leave the "Nice" knives at home. I think I might just bring a folder I'm willing to lose and a Mora Companion. All are easily replaceable. Instead of bringing any fancy equipment I'll stick with the basics and bring a Sawyer water filter that was $15 over the more expensive pumps or Steripens. Also, just wear a basic Casio Pathfinder watch over any of the more expensive ones. Tell the wife not to bring any of her expensive jewelry or purses. What else would you guys bring on your hikes? Would you bring a Leatherman Skeletool? Here's my list of what I plan on bringing.

- Backpack with Camelback bladder
- Sawyer mini
- First aid kit
- Mylar blankets
- 50' of paracord
- Small roll of Gorilla duct tape
- Altoid tin with compass, waterproof matches, tinder (cottonballs with Vaseline), fishing line, few hooks, flies, sinkers, and whistle.
- Black Diamond SPOT headlamp
- Couple of Bic lighters
- Small saw as suggested by Jackknife
- Emergency ration bars
- Folder and Mora Companion in stainless. Maybe a Leatherman Skeletool?
- Rain gear or waterproof shells
- Some trash bags

Do you guys think that's too much or am I missing something? I'll have my wife, kids, and parents with me, but I'll be carrying most of the stuff on our excursions.

Thanks again!

 

[jackknife]

Thanks guys for all of your insight. You guys are probably right and I'll leave the "Nice" knives at home. I think I might just bring a folder I'm willing to lose and a Mora Companion. All are easily replaceable. Instead of bringing any fancy equipment I'll stick with the basics and bring a Sawyer water filter that was $15 over the more expensive pumps or Steripens. Also, just wear a basic Casio Pathfinder watch over any of the more expensive ones. Tell the wife not to bring any of her expensive jewelry or purses. What else would you guys bring on your hikes? Would you bring a Leatherman Skeletool? Here's my list of what I plan on bringing.

- Backpack with Camelback bladder
- Sawyer mini
- First aid kit
- Mylar blankets
- 50' of paracord
- Small roll of Gorilla duct tape
- Altoid tin with compass, waterproof matches, tinder (cottonballs with Vaseline), fishing line, few hooks, flies, sinkers, and whistle.
- Black Diamond SPOT headlamp
- Couple of Bic lighters
- Small saw as suggested by Jackknife
- Emergency ration bars
- Folder and Mora Companion in stainless. Maybe a Leatherman Skeletool?
- Rain gear or waterproof shells
- Some trash bags

Do you guys think that's too much or am I missing something? I'll have my wife, kids, and parents with me, but I'll be carrying most of the stuff on our excursions.

Thanks again!

Good list, but I'd add some IMODIUM Multi symptom tablets. All it takes is one wrong meal and your toast for a few days. A bottle for the whole family. Add a few/several small flashlights that take AAA cells. Some Fenix E01's are good for the family. Use spares for handouts.

Good mosquito repellent.

If anyone in your family wears prescription glasses, take a spare pair along.

If you pick up a small machete, you won't need the small saw. The machete covers a lot of bases. Plus the guided excisions are so well run.

 

[supertac916]

Good list, but I'd add some IMODIUM Multi symptom tablets. All it takes is one wrong meal and your toast for a few days. A bottle for the whole family. Add a few/several small flashlights that take AAA cells. Some Fenix E01's are good for the family. Use spares for handouts.

Good mosquito repellent.

If anyone in your family wears prescription glasses, take a spare pair along.

If you pick up a small machete, you won't need the small saw. The machete covers a lot of bases. Plus the guided excisions are so well run.

Awesome. Thanks again. I forgot to replace the Imodium AD from my last backpacking trip in my first aid kit. I bought a bunch of the cheap Chinese single AA LED flashlights from Amazon awhile back. I'll toss those in the luggage for each member of the family too. I almost forgot one of the most important things, which is the mosquito repellent. I have a few of the small Repel bottles, along with hand sanitizer. I wear contacts and I'll throw in an extra set and spare glasses in my bag as well.

 

[Sidehill Gouger]

Don't expect anything they have to import into Costa Rica to be cheap. They add huge tariffs to everything coming in. I tried to buy a "Birds of Costa Rica" book there one trip only to find it was way more expensive than I wanted to pay. When I got back to the U.S. I bought it for a fraction of the price at Powell's Books in Portland Oregon. Part of free trade don't you know. You can buy Swiss Army pocket knives there but they will cost way more than in the U.S. I fly a lot internationally but I really don't worry that much about TSA. Others seem to have had different experiences.

 

[supertac916]

Don't expect anything they have to import into Costa Rica to be cheap. They add huge tariffs to everything coming in. I tried to buy a "Birds of Costa Rica" book there one trip only to find it was way more expensive than I wanted to pay. When I got back to the U.S. I bought it for a fraction of the price at Powell's Books in Portland Oregon. Part of free trade don't you know. You can buy Swiss Army pocket knives there but they will cost way more than in the U.S. I fly a lot internationally but I really don't worry that much about TSA. Others seem to have had different experiences.

We haven't travelled much outside the US, but my wife and I went to Cancun back in August. She found a GoPro Hero 3 at the bottom of the ocean on one of our scuba diving dives. I decided to buy a charger there to see if we could find the person who lost it. It was $55 for a charger that costs $20 here. I got used to just ordering on Amazon or going online and having whatever we wanted delivered to our door in two days. Also, the prices out there are on imported items like you said were very high. Locally made stuff was cheap, but anything imported was much more expensive than here. I also noticed that when travelling internationally I'm going to bring more cash. It was crazy the different fees like currency conversion 5% fee on the credit card bill, when we got home. Appreciate your input and the reminder because it can get very expensive buying things outside the US.