Carrying a knife into mexico / guatemala border crossings

I'm thinking about planning a trip to Mexico and Guatemala here sooner than later I hope. I always carry a knife with me for obvious reasons... I read in a DHS document that you can't take guns (duh!) but it didn't mention a knife. But googling I get mixed information. You can carry one on checked baggage on a airplane but you can't take one across a border?

Is this true or false... I know some of you epic travelers have knifes and overlanders carry knives on a basic scale at least as to prepare meals out the back of their defenders or whatnot.

I got a nice knife and would rather take than than pay 20 peso's for a dull bloody machete at the local market

thanks... just carry it for cooking and stuff. thanks for the info.. I'll leave the silly knife at the house. just wanted a definitive answer

I always carry my knife to Mexico. No problems. Can't help you with Guatemala.

Not sure what the law states, but a year ago I was traveling Mex1 in Baja. I stopped at a Federale check point and they found a 6" pocket knife in my backpack. I told them it was for survival and they let me pass but I was traveling in my truck with my wife.

I carried a machete through every border to Argentina without a single question asked.

In Guat there is a little used law called "Arma Blanco". It's selectively used & mostly for the street hood type. It is as though you have to be doing something quite improper while carring a knife, before you get "arma blanco" mentioned.

I have carried a blade in MX & will always will do so, it is relaxed & the police are useless & totally untrust worthy. Not saying they will not help at times, just do not trust them.

But back to Guat. Here I could carry a hand gun & blade. Never used either. All fire arms will require a special permit.

But there is that "knife law" yet all over the cities & country side you'll see men & women carring the machette. The country population in Guat I find to be very different. Even during the 39 year long civil unrest, it was the city & just out side, is where I saw the worst behavor.

In Guat now kidnaping is the fast & easy way to make $.
Will not get into in now but alway park your bike nearly stripped or in eye sight & near by.

Act w/ conviction, don't move about as in La La Land.

MX is more concern for me that Guat.

Good luck

I carry a swiss army knife...... for the sacacorchos, and of course for the tooth pick.

Although I am not a Guru like some on the site when it comes to traveling in Mexico, I have carried mine into Mexico a few times and have never had an issue. If you carry one on a daily basis, then continue to carry it when traveling into Mexico. Some people think knives are silly and you'll hurt yourself with it , but for those that carry and actually use them, well we know different.

Just tell them you use it for cutting limes or cheese or chorizo. No problem.

I always carry a pocket knife, and have so with all my trips to C.A., I'd be lost without it. Just put it in your pocket. I've never had to empty my pockets or been frisked at any border crossing or road side stop.

If there is anyone who recognizes a knife as a tool, it's Central Americans.

Saludos

I got off the bus in Merida at 3 am not knowing anything. Had no trouble finding a posada and no one batted an eye.

I doubt anyone wants to bother tourists. They will try and pick your pocket, one of my traveling mates had his passport lifted. But violent crime has always been really rare in Mexico. I don't know about the Narcos, but I find it hard to believe they care about Gringos. The only thing I could see is them kidnapping you for ransom, and if they were doing that I think it would have hit the national news.

If a Narco in Mexico or an ex-freedom fighter in Guatemala tries to rob you, they'll be far better armed than you, so your knife won't do you any good but get you killed. I carried traveler's cheques. I never carried anything on an adventure that I'd miss if lost.

Do keep track of your bike, though, the kids there can strip one quicker than a pack of piranha. It shouldn't be too hard to find a quidaddor, someone (preferably heavily armed) to watch over it. When I was down there I was always able to find a soldier or bank guard or something.

Have fun. You're going to a land of high adventure. Like the boys said, relax and enjoy.

Most people don't know that when a male child is born in Mexico, the Grand Papa gives him a knife.

A jogger on the backroads in America has his watch, Cell w/GPS, calorie monitor, heart monitor, and bottle of fortified water in a waist holster.

The working man on the backroads south of the border...has his machete.

Although I'm in my early 30's, I consider myself old school in my way of thinking, which I attribute to the lessons of my Grandfather. I for one, would have a hard time trusting a man that doesn't carry a knife or thinks that they are dangerous.

I always carry a geber tool and a gerber gator. Tool in pocket or belt sheath. Gator in bag treat them as tools not as weapons. Scuff them up give them wear as far a defense get yourself a tri fold shovel from an Army surplus. Sharpen and end and loose it up so you can get it out if needed. Keep it rough looking. With this setup you will have 3 usefull tools and most likley never need them for anything other than what they are intended.
They are tool. If asked about by authorities the shovel is for poo holes.

check on my knife I always carry



the blade is 8.5". total length is 14".

just to double confirm, I asked to a check point soldier about it, and he said: no worries, we are looking for fire guns only.

don't know about the Quetzal land.

arte

E-tool makes a good weapons when sharpened. Don't get a cheap import/copy, get the real deal.

"Soy un coccinero" was my answer to any questionning of them large knives I carried in the Van. The Louisville Slugger was...."The Terminator", they understood, big billboards from that movie everywhere back in the late 80's. Always made them laugh, possibly the best way to get out of any situations down there.Or.....talking about girls.

same here.. well 20s. I don't go anywhere without atleast a 5" bl, flashlight, and leatherman, and usually my 10mm. just part of using your head and being prepared.
I've crossed borders with my knife, just throw it in the airbox.