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

Really like this thread, esp the observations on the guides and the use of their blades in the wild.
Have fun on the trip. If it were me, I'd bring a cheap but strong folder, multi-tool, and buy a machete when there.
 
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I was there in August for my honeymoon, very fun. I've been one before in high school as well, depending on the area you're going to, I'd definitely recommend stainless. I just took a Victorinox Trekker myself, something I wouldn't mind if I lost surfing, zip lining, white water rafting, etc. I'd go Mora or F1 from your list.
 
I was there last year (Papagayo Hilton) - it was very nice! I thought the same thing - "what knife should I bring??" I decided on none and just bought a SAK like knife from a novelty shop. It was fine and I didn't have to worry about losing (or confiscated) a good one..
Have fun!
 
I would bring none and take the opportunity to discover what the locals use and for what tasks. Buy one or two as needed, and gift them before departure. IMO, this makes the most out of the trip and you skip the hassle with TSA.
 
exactly what herisson said! See what they have down there for sale, maybe a good custom maker down there has some. An excuse to buy one more knife.
 
My personal choice would be a Fallkniven F1 with VG10 steel. They're $125 new and much less if you buy used. I took mine with me to Belize, and was awesome as not only a good jungle blade, but used it when I went snorkeling. It's light, tough, and foolproof. Going to a different and sometimes strange culture doesn't mean you need to take a crap knife. Otherwise you can get a Bear Grylls from Menards for forty bucks.
 
I'd take the Bark River Necker or Izula (basically something small) and a SAK. Do pick up a machete. I might try to find a couple leather machete sheaths in different sizes to bring home. Be sure to take a camera; something that you can carry easily.
 
Thanks guys for all of your input. I'm thinking I'll probably bring a knife or two, but nothing that I can't replace easily should it get confiscated or stolen. Definitely going to pickup some locally made stuff and will bring my GoPro to take some pics. We're really looking forward to the trip :)
 
I would take a SAK with tweezers, a modern folder, grab a local machete -and throw out all the rest of my luggage to make space for the buckets of Lizano sauce I would smuggle back. Seriously, that stuff could make dirt taste delicious. :thumbup::thumbup:
 
I know it's sacrilege to say this on knife forum BUT knife you bring with you is NOT most important survival item you will need in the jungle!
Good all weather coated plastic/paper detailed local area map is!
Jungle humidity is notorious at killing electronics and batteries in GPS units and phones!

I never carry any knives while air traveling, especially internationally!

I normally "borrow" steak/kitchen knife from hotel/resort where I'm staying.
I always return them before checking out, or buy cheap disposable blade from hardware/general store.

If I'm using working with guides than just give them knives as gifts before leaving for airport!
To you $20 dollar knife is nothing special but to guide its a great blade, they never refuse a gift!

PS don't forget water purification pills + filters and TP take the one without inner cardboard tube, save on weight and space, more compact!
 
It has been a few years since I was down there but if you are looking for folders other than Swiss Armies, what I found were lots of Chinese locks backs and a few autos. S0-so prices for very flashy stuff. If you are going to be on guided trips there isn't much chance you will really need a knife while hiking. In your hotel room cutting fruit or something maybe. Take what every practical utility model (must have bottle opener) you like and pick up a machete down there if you really think you need it. I'll say it again, I don't understand all this worrying about TSA. It hasn't been a problem for me.
 
Hi! My wife and I traveled to Costa Rica in April, 2014. That was my fourth trip to Costa Rica. We found a great Groupon deal for nine days, lodging in three different mom and pop type lodges and a rental car. We travel about 1,000 miles in the provided rental car from San Jose to Fortuna to the Pacific coast and back to Heredia. I wanted to have a couple knives since a feel unprepared not having at least one on me somewhere. But we traveled light with one carry on bag each so I couldn't pack any knives. My other trips we packed heavier and I put knives in those bags. Upon arriving in San Jose I drove the the Walmart closest to the airport. Walmart in Costa Rica sells absolutely no knives in the sporting goods department. I went to the kitchen section and bought a three pack of plastic handled kitchen knives where each one has it's own plastic sheath. Later I tied one, about a 3" paring knife, to my belt with paracord, and placed another in my day pack. The third one I put in my Rick Steves travel pack. Later I found a SAK copy in a souvenir shop and bought it. All inexpensive knives. Overall people in Costa Rica are very friendly and helpful and I never felt in danger. The knives were useful there same as taking a road trip in the USA. I hope these comments are helpful.
 
Hey everyone

We'll the trip was awesome. We stuck around the beaches and did a rainforest hike, along with a toured boat ride. I ended up bringing a CKRT folder, Skeletool, and my F1. No issues with TSA or anything. Didn't get to use my knives like I'd hoped. I did make an attempt at making a fishing pole with the F1. It did great cutting through the 2" branch. The only downside was my line tangled up, so I axed the fishing idea. Unfortunately, the west coast where we were staying has been in a drought, so there weren't any cool pools or waterfalls this time.

I looked for the cheap machetes, but couldn't find them for cheap. The one place I went to wanted $28, so I passed. All in all it was a great experience. Now I'm planning for a medical mission trip to Bohol, Phillipines next month. Anyone know the knife laws out there?

Thanks again!
 
I'd bring my Victorinox one hand Trekker and buy a cheap machete when down there if necessary.

My wife has done a few trips down there over the years and never needed a machete of her own.
 
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