Dive knives when out with a DM

[Diver With Altitude]

Saying a big knife has no use is about as valid as saying “I’ve never needed a cutting tool, so I don’t carry one.” You don’t need it until you do. Mine is an old-school Wenoka that I’ve had for decades. It’s not huge, maybe a 4-1/2” blade, but big enough that I wear it on my leg. Blunt tip, straight edge, serrated edge, and a line cutter - a good all around tool. The only time I’ve had an urgent need for it was when I managed to wrap a line (nylon rope) around a boat prop. I don’t think trauma shears would have worked, due to the tight space and a small blade would have taken forever. On one trip, I wanted to use it to make fresh uni, but my wife wouldn’t let me!

 

[boulderjohn]

Trilobite is a good backup, strap it to the inside of your computer bracelet.

Yeah, I did that, but that ended yesterday. I returned from Cozumel, and when I went through Cozumel security, the guy had apparently never seen dive equipment before. (Amazing for Cozumel!) He gave my backpack a real going over, checking each item in it carefully. One item in particular intrigued him immediately, and I explained that those were car keys, and if he confiscated them, as he was plainly contemplating, I would not be able to drive home from the airport. After great thought, he let me keep them. Then he opened one of the Shearwater boxes. "What is this?" he asked. "A camera?" I explained what a dive computer was. He looked doubtful, and then he opened the second Shearwater container. He did not ask me why I had two such devices, because he went straight to the Trilobite line cutter on the straps. That Trilobite had gone through many airport screenings, always staying in its box with the computer, but this eagle eyed public servant was not going to let me on the plane with a weapon as dangerous as that. So that will need to be replaced.

Years ago I got an expensive titanium knife as a present right before my trip to the Galapagos. I mounted it on my BCD before our crossing to Darwin Island for the first dive. The next morning we went out to the deck to prepare for our first dives and had to wait for the crew to scurry about doing whatever they had to do. I saw one of them need a knife and reach for the nearest BCD-mounted knife. He returned it when he was done. When I finally got to my BCD, my knife sheath was empty. I assume a crew member had used it and really liked it. Anyway, that expensive knife never even got into the water before it was gone.

 

[lowwall]

The only time I’ve had an urgent need for it was when I managed to wrap a line (nylon rope) around a boat prop. I don’t think trauma shears would have worked, due to the tight space and a small blade would have taken forever.

My boat already has a knife on it so there's no need to carry another on the BCD.

If I have a point here, it's that some sort of cutter is necessary and that shears are a better default choice for that cutter than a knife. But of course some people will have needs or skills (@John C. Ratliff ) that make a knife the preferred option.

 

[Alaskan Scuba Dude]

?? I have no idea what this means.

That is because you have never had the need or the use of a longer blade.

 

[doctormike]

. I don’t think trauma shears would have worked, due to the tight space

Really? OK...

 

[BoltSnap]

That is because you have never had the need or the use of a longer blade.

That's because he has a built in long blade God has bestowed on all HUMANS.

 

[Centrals]

I used to have a small knife mounted on the inflation hose and eventually gave it away.
"Trilobite" is my favourite and the pouch is perfect on waist harness. Used it many times to remove abandoned fishing lines. And actually once when I was caught by line on the twin set.

I have not seen divers/dm carried knife that often nowadays but ....personal preference. No right or wrong.

Ursula Andress in Dr. NO.

 

[FF / EMT]

There is this new tool from Scubapro for only $300 (that's THREE HUNDRED USD) made for u/w rescue:

Jawz Ti

I'd love to get my hands on one to try it but I'll be very hesitant to actually use it in the sea fearing I may lose it.

It’s not that new, it’s been out for awhile, also, don’t get the scuba pro one, get the one w/o the scuba pro logo.

Jawz

High-Performance Specialty Tools for Maritime Operations. GEN 4 JAWZ Titanium (Ti) is a maritime tool engineered for underwater and surface emergencies. The tool features three distinct cutting areas designed with one-handed instant access. Created for low visibility, confined space emergencies...

lifelinerescuetools.com

 

[Diver With Altitude]

Really? OK...

I wouldn't really know unless I tried, but when this happens, the line gets wedged tightly into the space between the back of the prop and the shaft housing. I'm not sure shears would be as useful in this situation.

 

[johndiver999]

I used to have a small knife mounted on the inflation hose and eventually gave it away.
"Trilobite" is my favourite and the pouch is perfect on waist harness. Used it many times to remove abandoned fishing lines. And actually once when I was caught by line on the twin set.

I have not seen divers/dm carried knife that often nowadays but ....personal preference. No right or wrong.

Ursula Andress in Dr. NO.

had to look that up..

The history behind Ursula Andress' bikini in "James Bond 007 vs. Dr. No"

The stunning Ursula Andress captivates us in her swimsuit that transformed the young actress into an interplanetary star in the first part of the James Bond saga.

www.vogue.fr