What knife should I take to South America?

If you're going to venture out of the cities a take a couple of moras so you can give as gifts to the villagers.
A little courtesy goes a long way especially if you need directions or a place to stay.
I like the Frosts 780 Triflex and the 740MG
 
Another recommendation for a large, locking Victorinox SAK. These knives are incredible. I lived in Taiwan nearly 8 years, and my only knife back then was a standard, non-locking Vic Spartan SAK. Even in the extreme humidity and dusty environment (lots of pollution and ongoing construction in the city) it held up extremely well. When necessary, clean or wipe the pivot points using a toothpick, tissue paper or etc. I don't know if they have a non-serrated large locking model yet, however I would prefer one.

Not only do Victorinox SAKs give such versatility, but they resist corrosion extremely well, and most are common and familiar enough throughout the world that in my experience, at least most of the time they do not attract much attention at all, even from most officials (not sure about the locking ones, though). And they're inexpensive enough you could take a spare without breaking the bank.
Jim
 
tabeeb762 said:
If you're going to venture out of the cities a take a couple of moras so you can give as gifts to the villagers.
A little courtesy goes a long way especially if you need directions or a place to stay.
I like the Frosts 780 Triflex and the 740MG
Click to expand...
sounds like you expect him coming to your village ;)
 
Now, does anyone have any pointers on how best to impress all those fine Brazilian ladies?? Just kidding!

Thanks again everyone!

Tom

Since I'm married to one yes I do have some pointers.

1. Don't act like a tourist, which if you are doing that long of a trip you should be good to go.
2. Learn a little of language, that was actually my pick up line for my wife. :D
3. Don't act like a player, that will make you different from the locals...

Have fun, if you go to Rio there is some good hiking up Pedra da Gavea with some amazing views. I have yet to go to a place in South America that I wouldn't want to return to someday. Be careful in Brazil with driving as they now have a zero tolerance on alcohol, meaning .01 and you are fined and I think .06 and it's off to jail.
 
As already said, the SAK and multitool will do all you´ll need. And you always can buy a 10 inch Tramontina machete (and keep it in the backpack when in the cities or it will ruin your image with the girls... :D )
If you would want local cuttlery the options are plenty.
For example, in the south of Brazil (state of Rio Grande do Sul): http://www.facacriolla.com.br/produto.htm
Eduardo Cunha is a skilled knifesimth and his Facas Criolla (facas= knives) semi-industrial brand are a good, reasonable priced and real gaucho - read as camp, barbecue - blades made with good ole 52110 steel. Cunha studied with Sfreddo and Dornelles, two masters of the forged integral knife.
Good luck in your travel and drop an e-mail if you need anything in Brazil.

P.S. about the girls, bikerider nailed it. ;)
 
Like several others, I recommend taking a SAK, and picking up a machete once you arrive.

Personally, I would take a Vic Huntsman Plus - good set of tools, has the regular "SAK" look that says "not dangerous" to most people around the world.

Machetes are easy to come by in South America- every place I've been has a brand or type that local folks like. Get that. It'll make a great souvenir when you get home.
 
Take a Buck 110....about $27.00 dollars at Walmart....and just before you leave to head back to the USA, give it to a local that has been helpful.
Export some good quality US craftsmanship.

Have a safe and fun trip,
Allen
 
I'm sending my reply from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
If you give an idea or regions were you'll be I can suggest something, for example, if you go to Iguazu falls, I can recommend a machete, if you go to Mendoza you'll need a lighter knife.
I suggest you can investigate local knifemakers and cutleries and buy local knives more designed specifically to be used in each region.
Do not forget to but some "Criollos" knives here in Argentina (Gaucho's knives) , if you need addresses and contacts just let me know.

Have a nice trip.

Leandro
 
I'd do the MORA thing. folks will be eyeing your stuff; be it a BIC, Pantene shampoo, Blue Label Marlboros you name it. Take something inexpensive like a SAK, MORAS etc. in case you want to give something away.

Plus, you never no when something will go missing. Keep your good stuff in your pockets and sleep with them.
 
I would check with the legal attache at the Embassies for the countries I am going to before bringing anything. I would also find out how the different authorities would view a blade hidden in a backpack. Is that a concealed weapon under their laws? Note that away from our Constitution's sphere of influence the laws and how they are enforced changes. Rich touristas might be a more interesting arrest than a local citizen with the same blade. Might actually be smartest to bring nothing, then buy what is legal there after you arrive.
 
I agree with Kayl,a machete is good for that climate backed up with a folder like a SOG or CRKT,neither one will break the bank and they're reliable.
 
Dunno, from what I hear from my south american coworkers in some countries you'd be better off with good bulletproof vest and a machinegun :) Large machete wouldn't hurt either, but I figure that U can pick up locally.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top