When you start buying your own gear, it's a never ending story ;)
Even if you are supposed to get one as soon as you become an advanced open water diver... it might not be the first thing you'll think of.
The main point to understand is that a dive knife is not a weapon, it is a tool. It should never be used to harm or touch aquatic creatures or deface the underwater environment.
The most important use of it is to free yourself or your buddy in case you get stuck in a fishnet or with vegetation.
But you can also become a heroe by freeing a poor entangled animal ... or removing an abandoned fishing net from a dive site.
There are so many ... how to choose?
Here are some tips to help you to find the one which will work best for you, depending on your needs and the environment you are diving in.
What should you pay attention to ...
Material
Stainless steel or titanium?
One advantage of the titanium is that it pretty needs no maintenance. The knives do not rust and are corrosion resistant. They are lighter, more flexible and harder to break.
Titanium is the high level choice so it is significantly more expensive.
Stainless steel will need maintenance not to rust. It needs to be cleaned with fresh water, dried and oiled or rubbed with silicone after each dive.
You'll have to choose between 300 or 400 series. The lower the number, the more resistant the blade is to corrosion. However, a lower number blade will loose its edge faster.
Shape
The extremity of the blade can be blunt or pointed.
Material
Stainless steel or titanium?
One advantage of the titanium is that it pretty needs no maintenance. The knives do not rust and are corrosion resistant. They are lighter, more flexible and harder to break.
Titanium is the high level choice so it is significantly more expensive.
Stainless steel will need maintenance not to rust. It needs to be cleaned with fresh water, dried and oiled or rubbed with silicone after each dive.
You'll have to choose between 300 or 400 series. The lower the number, the more resistant the blade is to corrosion. However, a lower number blade will loose its edge faster.
Shape
The extremity of the blade can be blunt or pointed.
For most recreational divers, blunt tip should be fine. And better not to puncture your air hoses or wetsuit!
A blunt tip is great for prying, digging, hacking and chiseling.
A sharp tip is great for puncturing and cutting.
You can also choose a dive knife with both straight and serrated edges, for more adaptability!
Size
Despite what people may say ... size does matters!
A sharp tip is great for puncturing and cutting.
You can also choose a dive knife with both straight and serrated edges, for more adaptability!
Size
Despite what people may say ... size does matters!
Remember you are carrying a scuba knife in case you are entangled ... not to make you feel like a superhero!
You should rather go for a medium size (4 inches).
Smaller ones can fit anywhere but make sure you can grip the knife securely.
Bigger ones can be too cumbersome and dangerous.
The medium ones are the more practical, and they can be strapped to a variety of easy-to-reach locations.
Attachment
Your knife can be strapped almost everywhere ...
On the calf "James Bond" style, on the leg "Lara Croft" style ... or more simply on your BCD pocket or inflator hose . In this case, make sure it is a medium blunt one!
Wear the knife where it is easy to be reached with one hand.
Other features ton consider ...
- line cutting notch
- finger grips
- security lock
- fixed or foldable blade
And remember to use your dive knife safely and responsibly!
Want a knife for your next cruise with us? Check out our catalogue.
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