BajaNomad - Knives in Baja??

Knives in Baja??

Corky1 - 2-7-2007 at 05:20 PM

The subject of guns in Baja was recently discussed to some length.
What is the opinion of carring a knife in Baja ? :?:

Something between a Buck knife and a Machate(sp) carried visibly and in a sheathe!! :bounce:

Thanks,
Corky :lol:

DENNIS - 2-7-2007 at 05:25 PM

I've heard from locals that there is a problem there as well. Small pocket knives are OK, like a three inch blade but larger is illegal.
I only know what I hear so keep searching for the real answer.

Axel - 2-7-2007 at 05:30 PM

All I know is if they like what they see they will take it. I'm sure he's still carrying it today. I was told a buck knife was illegal. :mad:

Personal Experience (once) !

MrBillM - 2-7-2007 at 05:41 PM

We came around Punta Estrella South of San Felipe once years back and ran into a temp Army Checkpoint. They ordered us out and searched the truck and toolbox. In the tray behind the driver's seat, I had my Kabar Marine Combat Knife. One trooper picked it up and uttered an exclamation. I looked at him and asked "Problema ?". He said " NO, muy Bueno" and put it back on the shelf.

I don't know what the law says, but one of those combat knives is under my seat at present.

bajalou - 2-7-2007 at 06:22 PM

The army checkpoints have looked at my Buck Knife under the front seat many times without comment.

Knives in Baja

Cameron - 2-7-2007 at 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Axel
All I know is if they like what they see they will take it. I'm sure he's still carrying it today. I was told a buck knife was illegal. :mad:

You sure hit the nail on the head!

I always carry a small folder for cutting limes, bait and such, but I've also got a couple of different sheath knives which I'll wear sometimes and I've never had a problem.
I'd say it has a lot to do with where you're at though: A folder in your pocket or even a Ka-Bar in your tackle box? Probably OK. Walking around Cabo with a 12" Bowie? Maybe not such a good idea.
:rolleyes:

Note - Axel's got a good point: If you happen to run into someone who's got a badge, and they happen to take a liking to your hardware, you just might be out of luck!

Mango - 2-7-2007 at 08:02 PM

I almost had a PDJ guy take my swiss army knife after they stopped our bus for a routine search heading north south of Hermosillo once. They found it in my carry on bag with a bottle of tequilla and some limes.

They laughed, asked me if I was drunk, and asked me how much I wanted to sell my knife for. Luckily the bottle was nearly full, having just taken one shot the night before, otherwise I think they would have hassled me more.

Since then I have learned to read the signs that prohibit weapons and booze on the buses. It's ok to check them underneath for the most part. Although; I think knifes are technically illegal in Mexico they are tolerated in the right circumstances.

I carry a large machette in my car, and have even carried it on the local bus in remote jungle areas of southern Mexico when no undercarage or roof stowage was available. I use it as a tool and when camping. I make sure to put the machette in the rear of the car, safely stowed with my camping gear when not in use.

I also carry a leatherman.

Corky1 - 2-7-2007 at 09:36 PM

Thank you all for your in put. :light:

Corky

Capt. George - 2-8-2007 at 04:38 AM

Had a favorite knife and sheath of Deborahs on the front seat. stopped at a check point, 4 AM....GI said, "this for me". so I took his little hand and tried to crush his fingers :fire:

, he got the message.... dropped the knife and that ended that...

Hook - 2-8-2007 at 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hose A
I just got off the phone talking to a State Police Officer and his Lt. who speaks pretty good English.

A folding knife such as a buck with a blade up to 4 inches if carried in a sheath on your belt is legal.
The same knife in your pocket without the sheath is not legal.

A knife such as a hunting/skinning knife is not legal unless you use such a knife in your day to day work.
If you are an electrician or tree trimmer a fixed blade sheath knife is legal to carry. Otherwise it is not legal.

A small pocket knife is legal.

I was informed that all the rules can and will change depending on the persons attitude and appearance.

"If you look and act like a bad person we will assume you are a bad person and the knife will become illegal."

Wonder how a machete fits into his interpretation?

bajaandy - 2-8-2007 at 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hook

Quote:

Wonder how a machete fits into his interpretation?

I have always heard that a machete is considered a camping tool (much like a small axe) and therefore not a "knife". (I'm not sure I trust this theory, but I've never had mine taken away.)

Barry A. - 2-8-2007 at 03:11 PM

I have carried my BIG machete in Baja in plain sight for about 50 years and have never had a problem. I normally keep it at the foot of my bed in the camper shell, but it is in plain sight. It is about 30 inches long. It is situated so that I could easily grab it from outside the camper shell when the back is open, which it always is when camping.

Many an official has seen it, and they have either ignored it or made some exclamation like "wow" and grinned, but have never taken it.

Several times over the years when some apparently nutty guy has approached my camp I have pulled it out and held it in plain sight while I grinned-----------in every case the folks have taken "note", and either left, or acknowledged it and continued the conversation.

I don't have a clue about the "legality" of it.

Taco de Baja - 2-8-2007 at 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hose A
I just got off the phone talking to a State Police Officer and his Lt. who speaks pretty good English.

A knife such as a hunting/skinning knife is not legal unless you use such a knife in your day to day work.

I wonder if my 12" fillet knife is legal??? :?:

It's used day to day to cut up fish during my vacations on the beach..... :light:

DENNIS - 2-8-2007 at 04:37 PM

Probably not, if you have it in your hand at the supermarket checkout.

bajabound2005 - 2-8-2007 at 07:45 PM

Well. we brought in a couple sets of really nice chef's knives....but we only cut meat, chicken, lamb. fish, etc with them....

Baja Bernie - 2-9-2007 at 09:11 AM

To my knowledge a machete has never been considered anything but a 'working tool' in Mexico and never a knife.

Switchblades

Sharksbaja - 2-23-2007 at 12:29 AM

were very common in the 60s-70s. I used to buy a few whenever we visited TJ. I remember the cool square jobs with the little scenes of matadors etc. embedded in the clear resin handles. They were not of best quality or I'd still have some.
As far as kitchen knives go. Why would they be illegal. Oh, I guess by using them daily in food prep,that would let you off the hook.

I guess I'd better be nice to Nena!