Knife

A Dive Knife is more than just for cutting. It is an essential piece of safety equipment and a valuable multi-purpose Diver's Tool. All divers should have at least one knife and many types of diving conditions require both a larger Primary and smaller Back-up Knife and/or Line Cutter.

Titanium Knives are lighter, hold a sharp edge exceptionally well and are very low maintenance as they do not rust. Stainless Steel knives are more economical, easier to sharpen and available in a wider variety of styles and price ranges.

Knives with a special "Mono-Cutter" notch are especially effective for quickly slicing through fishing line. Metal end caps can be used for both hammering and signalling (i.e. banging on your tank). Blunt tip knives are much better for prying and digging than sharp points. Plus, since most divers do not (are not able to) look directly at the sheath as they are putting the knife away a blunt tip knife can be easier to manage. Sharp points are better for stabbing (i.e. spearfishing). Sea Scissors and Z-Knives are inexpensive options that are very effective and easy to use. They are a great way to improve in-water safety without excess bulk (or expense).

Wearing Your Dive Knife
Generally, Primary Dive Knives should be worn on the inside opposite leg of your dominant hand. If you are right handed, wear it in on your inside left calf and vice versa if you are left handed. Diver's who use a weight belt should not wear a knife on the outside of their leg. In the event of an emergency weight belt ditch, there is an increased chance of a belt snagging on the knife or knife sheath during the process. Many Weight Integrated Buoyancy Compensators have weight pockets and/or release systems that are extremely unlikely to snag during release. Each should be carefully evaluated on an individual basis before making a decision to wear a knife on the outside of the leg.

Adjust the sheath straps to fit snugly keeping in mind that they will loosen slightly at depth as your environmental suit compresses. Once you find the balance between too-tight-on-the-surface and falling-off-in-the-water make a note or mark the notch so you remember for your next dive. Tuck in any excess portion of the strap and/or trim it down. It is a good idea to wear the knife over a course of a few dives before trimming to avoid cutting off too much.

Smaller knives can be mounted almost anywhere on the upper body. It is especially convenient to attach one to your BC (and/or console) and saves time when gearing up. Most Buoyancy Compensators have straps that can be easily laced through a knife sheath. It is a good idea to put your BC on when deciding on the best place to mount your dive knife. Make sure you can easily reach it and that it will not interfere with your other equipment in the water.

Dive Knife Care and Maintenance
It is important that you rinse your knife in fresh water after EVERY Dive! Stainless Steel rusts and even Titanium Knives need the sand, dirt, and salt deposits washed away. If your knife disassembles, remove the end cap and rinse all components thoroughly. Be sure to completely dry your knife before reassembly and storage.

Applying a protective coating is very important. If your knife disassembles, coat the threads of the end cap and the metal which sits underneath the grip. Reapply as needed (after a thorough rinsing, cleaning and drying) to continue to provide maximum corrosion resistance.