Taramundi Knives and León

[DJO Camino 2022]

To avoid any transport issues I use carryon for my backpack thus I cannot carry a pocket knife with me flying to Spain. When doing caminos and outdoor activities I find it helpful having a knife that serves all kinds of functions in this capacity.

I am trying to figure out how to purchase a taramundi folding knife (a great knife with cultural significance to the region and fabulous keepsake to bring home at the end of my camino) to carry on my next camino beginning in May from León. Could I buy this knife from Canada online from one of their artisans in Taramundi and then have them send it to a safe address in León where I could collect it when I get there? Any thoughts, advice? Any “safe” locations in León that would receive and hold this until my arrival?

 

[Bill's_Walking]

I bought one in the open air market in SDC. I It's a knife I want to take care of because the finish is so beautiful. My copy has the leaf pattern and red band. if you find a suitable place in Leon to ship to you could buy directly from the manufacturer and have them ship it. Here's link to the firm that made my knife: https://www.cuchilleriataramundi.com/en/

 

[David Tallan]

Just be aware that, should your subsequent visit to Spain involve a train ride at any time, you may have challenges carrying a knife on the train. After my 2016 Camino with my teenage son, we travelled around Spain for a while, including a visit to Toledo. I talked down from buying a sword to buying a knife. It was fine taking it on the bus to Valencia. But when we tried to get on the train back to Madrid to catch our plane, it was confiscated. We could have kept it, had we been ready to not get on the train and miss our flight back home. It was heartbreaking to lose it, since it was the main keepsake he had purchased with his own money.

 

[JerryStroebele]

I carry a 3 inch blade Opinal folding knife on every Camino. (Inox, stainless steel). They are made in France but sold in every fereteria in Spain for less than 10 euros. I have a light suitcase for checked baggage -- trekking pole, umbrella, knife, "city clothes". I have carried an Opinal on many trains in Spain, no problema. At the end of our last Camino, in March, my daughter took my Opinal on the train north from Madrid and into France. It is now in some drawer in a French train security checkpoint. It was in her backpack. Last fall I had it in my backpack from Paris to Pau, and from St. Jean back to Paris. No problema. Probably I just look too old to be considered a knife-wielding terrorist. Bon Chemin

 

[henrythedog]

I carry a 3 inch blade Opinal folding knife on every Camino. (Inox, stainless steel). They are made in France but sold in every fereteria in Spain for less than 10 euros. I have a light suitcase for checked baggage -- trekking pole, umbrella, knife, "city clothes". I have carried an Opinal on many trains in Spain, no problema. At the end of our last Camino, in March, my daughter took my Opinal on the train north from Madrid and into France. It is now in some drawer in a French train security checkpoint. It was in her backpack. Last fall I had it in my backpack from Paris to Pau, and from St. Jean back to Paris. No problema. Probably I just look too old to be considered a knife-wielding terrorist. Bon Chemin

It’s the ‘3 inch’ that’s the issue. Drop down a size to 60mm and you, and family members, will be fine.

 

[henrythedog]

Just be aware that, should your subsequent visit to Spain involve a train ride at any time, you may have challenges carrying a knife on the train. After my 2016 Camino with my teenage son, we travelled around Spain for a while, including a visit to Toledo. I talked down from buying a sword to buying a knife. It was fine taking it on the bus to Valencia. But when we tried to get on the train back to Madrid to catch our plane, it was confiscated. We could have kept it, had we been ready to not get on the train and miss our flight back home. It was heartbreaking to lose it, since it was the main keepsake he had purchased with his own money.

The exception to the 60mm rule is anything with a receipt showing it was purchased that day. You can take your sword (or similar) straight home; but not tour Spain with it.

 

[Hannah Peregrina]

Why not buy your knife when you arrive in Leon? This place has a great selection, plenty of Taramundi from what I recall, as well as rare, handmade Maragato knives: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d2FT52BCzi7HQZwz9

 

[Jeff Crawley]

Why not buy your knife when you arrive in Leon? This place has a great selection, plenty of Taramundi from what I recall, as well as rare, handmade Maragato knives: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d2FT52BCzi7HQZwz9

I love shops like that. You go in for some batteries and come out with a cow bell, espadrilles, a wooden spoon and some woolly socks . . . . .

 

[DJO Camino 2022]

Just be aware that, should your subsequent visit to Spain involve a train ride at any time, you may have challenges carrying a knife on the train. After my 2016 Camino with my teenage son, we travelled around Spain for a while, including a visit to Toledo. I talked down from buying a sword to buying a knife. It was fine taking it on the bus to Valencia. But when we tried to get on the train back to Madrid to catch our plane, it was confiscated. We could have kept it, had we been ready to not get on the train and miss our flight back home. It was heartbreaking to lose it, since it was the main keepsake he had purchased with his own money.

A good heads up and reminder. In 2022 I travelled by train in Spain and my folding knife was not a problem.

 

[DJO Camino 2022]

Why not buy your knife when you arrive in Leon? This place has a great selection, plenty of Taramundi from what I recall, as well as rare, handmade Maragato knives: https://maps.app.goo.gl/d2FT52BCzi7HQZwz9

Great find! This is exactly what I needed. I have been in contact with them and they are now on my radar as I do last minute prep before my start.