Dive Knife Buying Guide: Types of Dive Knives & Why You Need Them

Many divers bring with them dive knives as these are tools that can be of most help especially during emergency situations. While it’s unlikely that you would be ending up using knives to fend off crazed eels or sharks, for many people, carrying one simply offers a peace of mind.

Knives are suggested to be carried by divers, whether amateur or professional, for instances such as getting tangled in seaweed, fishing lines or even kelp. Knives will also be useful for digging or prying during dives.

Interestingly, those who have  dive knives in their scuba diving gear usually end up using them more frequently on land than underwater. Whether it’s for tightening loose screws, hammering items or opening oyster shells, dive knives would be great emergency alternatives. There also are people doing spearfishing who use their knives to prepare their preys before taking these home.

Blades

Dive knives usually sport blades made of titanium, alloy or stainless steel. These are the most incredible options in terms of strength and durability. Not only are they corrosion resistant but they also maintain a sharp blade.

Although these types of blades have strong resistance to corrosion, it is important to note that they still need proper maintenance especially after having been used for a saltwater dive. To keep them in good state, blades need to be rinsed with fresh water and then allowed to dry out in the open after a completed dive.

Types of Knife Blades

 Serrated Blades

Serrated blades appear jagged, much like bread knives or saws. They are great options for cutting through items like ropes, fish bones and other strong materials. They also tend to remain sharp much longer than straight blades.

 Straight Edge Blades

Straight edges are most ideal for cutting finer materials such as fishing lines. When opting for a straight edge blade, make sure that you choose one that is a little bit curved.

While most dive knives come with both blades, it’s not hard to find one that has a serrated or a straight blade. There are even knives that come with hooks or notches in their blades, making cutting items such as fish lines extremely simple.

Blade Tips

Knife tips may either be blunt or pointed. If you are a recreational diver, then you are better off with a blunt-tip knife. This is because blades with blunt tips are safer to use for prying and are better alternatives to screwdrivers than pointed tips. Divers who also do fishing, on the other hand, are recommended to opt for pointed-tip blades simply because these are better at butting preys.

Blade Size

Contrary to what most believe, large dive knives can be very impractical to use. Aside from the fact that they are not handy or travel-friendly, they can also be difficult to grip underwater. When it comes to underwater diving, a small knife would be more suitable.

Grip

Your knife’s handle or grip must feel comfortable while in your hand. If you decide to wear gloves when diving, you have to make sure that you can maintain a firm and steady hold with your knife. There are some grips made of pure metal but it is more recommended to get those that are coated with synthetic or rubber material for better grasping.

Conclusion

A scuba diving knife isn’t just any other tool. It is one of the most essential of all the tools in your scuba diving gear. After getting yourself one, make sure that you learn how to properly use it so as to not hurt yourself or the people you will be diving with. Also, treat your scuba diving knife not as a weapon but as a safety precaution for your underwater dives.