Cutting devices

[scuberd]

I was just wondering what people use for cutting devices under water, personally I take a knife and a pair of scissors, I'm taking no chances around this kelp

[Rooster1]

I carry a couple of knives, hey if it came write down to it I can get pretty animalistic and I would use my teath to get free from a tangle or even to defend myself against attacking marine life.:getsome: :yellow: :sharky:

[swsurgeon]

I have some heavy-duty butcher's shears and a bunch of knives. The shears have small serrations on the blades so that the object being cut does not slip out. Being that I collect several different kinds of knives, it is always a challenge to decide which couple get to go along. The ones left behind can become soooo jealous! I generally go with one larger knife (the proverbial "sharpened prybar") and a smaller fully serrated blade.

[DivingGal]

I have three tools. Two knives (one on leg, one on sholder of bc), and one pair of scissors (on oppostie shoulder of bc).

wasn't sure how to cast that vote....

[TRUETEXAN]

A blunt tipped medium sized dive knife on the inside of my left calf, and EMT shears clipped off on a D-ring on my left shoulder strap.

[pipedope]

I carry both shears and a knife. If I expect to need to cut straping I will also take a hook knife.

For wood pilings I take the hydraulic chainsaw.
For concrete either the hydraulic saw or the hydraulic impact hammer.

[jonnythan]

I have a 5" Blue Tang drop point on my calf and some heavy duty EMT shears on my waist. I've needed both so far, and both have served me well ;)

[kwesler]

3" blunt tip knife on my BC waist and EMMT shears in my thigh pocket

[ebbtide]

i use 2 knives one on each sholder of my BC never really had to use them mutch except to cut roap out of the boats props .
and ive seen a hydraulic saw and man ide love to have 1
there is no mercy in them tho on what they cut .

[detroit diver]

I have a 3 inch Akona knife on my waist belt. Shears in my drysuit pocket.

If I'm diving warm water and a shorty, I put the shears next to the knife on the waist belt.

[otter-cat]

I may add a small knife someday, but I really prefer the trauma (EMT) shears. You can use them to cut through stuff with one hand, even when there's no tension on it. They cut through cable. They cut through grass. They cut through 3/4 inch thick line in no time. In a medical emergency, you can use them to cut someone's wetsuit off of them in seconds, or cut through a strap in a bc when the buckle won't release and time is critical. They neatly trim the ends off weight belts when they are getting too frayed to feed through clips and buckles. You can cut a penny in half with them (not sure if that's relevant to diving, but try doing that with a dive knife!)

And they're inexpensive, leaving more money for other scuba toys!

They're great!

otter-cat:D

[JamesK]

It depends what I am doing. I usually carry and EMT shear, and a Dive Rite Z-Knife. If I am in the ocean, I will carry a medium size blunt tip knife also.

[jonnythan]

Otter,

When you cut the end of your weight belt, cut it in a V shape (so it has a pointy end), then run a lighter a couple inches under it til the ends melt a bit.

No more fraying, and the point on the end will make it easier to thread :)

[WreckWriter]

On this subject has anyone tried the OMS shears that look like garden shears? They look seriously heavy duty.

Tom

[k4sdi]

I used to dive with a blade, kept poking myself with it though......... Used to always think that EMT shears were kinda wimpy, till I saw the "cut a penny in half trick". Now thats all I carry!



Mark

[divedude]

I use shears and a knife... Why??
Here's a test for you all take a 10' length of 20 lb test teflon fishing line go under water then try to cut it free with a knife
or some stainless wire fishing line.
After the test.... I bet you go buy a pair of shears :D
Fishing line is the most common intanglement, at least it is here wreck diving.

[diverdown50401]

"It's better to have one and not need it than need it and not have it"

I usually carry two. However in some places only the divemaster is allowed to carry a knife or cutting device so if you get in a jam you have to rely on him/her to get you free. i.e. Mexico

[GP]

I have a Wenoka Squeeze Lock knife on my corrugated inflator hose and some Mares Shears mounted on my waist.

[tchil01]

I carry two knives and EMT shears too. The 5" blunt tip knife goes on the inside of my right calf and a 3" knife goes on the inflater hose. On my old BC I sewed the sheath to the shears to the pocket flap of the BC. It worked great and they were always where I needed them. Since I changed over to the Transpak II I haven't quite figured out where to mount them.

Ty

[Uncle Pug]

Love them EMT shears for zipping the britches off of a patient...
And they work great for diving too... if I ever need to...
Well I carry them anyway... clipped off in my left pocket.

Have a nice little knife.... sharp enough to shave with...
It is a little victornox curved blade paring knife that I ground the tip off... carry that on my singles rig.

Have another knife that I carry on my doubles rig... it used to have a longer blade but I scored it with a file and then whacked it with a hammer and now it is just right... ground the blade guards off of the plastic handle so it fits in the scabbard better... razor sharp too.

btw... I keep a short length of clear vinyl tubing shoved onto the business end of the shears... keeps them closed almost as good as rust.

[DEEP SEA]

When I dive around a jetty or rocks, I like to find anchors. You first see a rope which usually leads to chain then the anchor. Sometimes a knife or scissors can't cut the rope. Other times it is easier to unscrew the shackle. Having a pair of pliers and dikes really come in handy!:idea:

[martinjc]

Sea Snips (EMT shears) clipped to my BC harness just below the shoulder on my right side.

[LilmanHSU]

I have a two hand broad sword strapped to a sheath next to my tank.

Just kidding..

I use a 5 inch serrated on one end, sharp on the other.

Nice blunt handle too so i can bang my tank if necesssary.

So far, haven't needed it much except to chop up some food for a fish feeding frenzy..

[scuberd]

Its always nice to have a reliable broad sword at your side, you never know when you might have blue faced sea-scots attacking you

[tholt576]

I like my shears. They're usable one handed and will cut through most anything. I do have a large blunt tipped dive knife, but I don't strap it on very often.

[Ari]

A small BC mounted 3", blunt tip knife and shears.

Ari :)

[Butch103]

a difference in the two types of shears..EMT and regular diving shears...and if there is soundsw like the EMT shears are the way to go.....Second question is where would one get the EMT shears up here in Canada, Ontario specifically.....??? Inquiring minds want to know ?
:confused:

[Butch103]

I currently have a "machete" as OD calls it strapped to my inner calf..........:D

[tholt576]

Originally posted by Butch103
a difference in the two types of shears..EMT and regular diving shears...and if there is soundsw like the EMT shears are the way to go.....Second question is where would one get the EMT shears up here in Canada, Ontario specifically.....??? Inquiring minds want to know ?
:confused:

Actually, I'd say that EMT shears are the regular ones and the big springloaded ones are the exception. However, I do agree that EMT shears are much more popular. I've got both on my website for a good price. You also should be able to find them at your LDS. I will ship to Canada, even though my FAQ page says I'm US only.

[doll_fins]

I dive in cold water :eek: - are the finger holes on the EMS shears roomy enough to fit thick-gloved fingers?

[tholt576]

Originally posted by doll_fins
I dive in cold water :eek: - are the finger holes on the EMS shears roomy enough to fit thick-gloved fingers?

The holes in the regular sized shears are pretty large. I think they would work with thick gloves. Especially since, IIRC, you're female and probably don't have huge hands to begin with. I wouldn't recommend the mini-shears for use with gloves unless you have really small hands.

[AquaTec]

I have several tools in my tool box. I generaly take any two on a dive depending what is involved.

6" knife
Z-Knife or line cutter
Rescue shears
Leatherman

I would like to try the new OMS shears, they are supposed to cut cable nicely.

The only one I have needed in an emergency was something to cut small braided cable, I didn't have the leatherman which ment i needed to remove all my gear in the confines of a small passage way inside a wreck. since then i have used the leatherman as it holds up to the rust well.

the OMS shears if not to big look good for this

[Big-t-2538]

I carry a 6in. leg knife and a small BC mounted knife on my dives, but I'd like to get a pair of trauma sheers b/c those things will cut through just about anything.

[SwimJim]

I carry both a shears and a knife. We occasionally run into down rigger cable around here. The shears will cut them like butter. I use my knife more as a tool then a cutting intrument. However It cuts well if called upon.

[ericfine50]

EMT Shears and a small knife on the waistband. Love the EMT Shears. The OMS ones look funny and to big.

Eric

[-BlueHole-]

I use a line cutter, in the next future will probably buy also the oms shears

[rgerman95]

Another vote for shears. =-)

They are commonly available at medical supply houses around here - for those who asked where to get them.

The only problem is that the sheaths are a bit harder to come by, so if you want the sheaths too you'd be better off buying them through an on-line scuba merchant - most carry them. And, of course, your favorite LDS will probably have them too.

Uncle Pug had a great hint about using the clear plastic tubing to keep them closed. Then, they can easily hang from a snap hook clipped to a harness D-ring. ;)


Rich

[SLJ]

Just one small knife. Only cave diving though. For wrecks with high entanglement possibility I would probably carry shears.
SLJ

[ElectricZombie]

I always carry a knife and will sometimes add EMT shears.

I used to carry a multi-tool with me underwater but I kept having problems with it rusting to the point that it ceased to function.

If you spray your knife, shears, etc with a coating of clear Rustoleum, you will have very few rust problems.

[KeyLargoBrent]

(nt)

[C_C]

Usually covers everything I would encounter in my normal diving.

C_C

[MgicTwnger]

EMT shears in a sheath w/lanyard hung off a D-ring and a folding titanium dive knife in a sheath hung from my BCD's belt.

[Dryglove]

I carry a small knife on my waist strap and a z-knife and shears in my bellow pocket

[tinman]

If you carry nothing else, I'd want my buddy to have shears. They cut entanglement hazards such as rope in no time and they are less risky to be using near you or your buddy's gear, no sharp tip or exposed blade to damage gear. They are more versatile as a safety tool IMO (I would welcome other's views on this); the knife is more of a treasure hunter's tool if you're in the mud or sand digging and the blunt tip is nice as a screwdriver when needed.

I carry my shears on my BC cummerbund and a blunt tipped knife on the outside of my left BC pocket, both in easy reach. I have considered moving the shears higher into the golden triangle but I've got a long reach and there is enough mission critical stuff there now.

I'm sure cavers and the Men in Black would have more to say about cutting devices. I'm met divers with four cutting devices and two in the golden triangle within easy reach of left or right hand in case of heavy entanglement. Next knife purchase would probably be one with an edge that can cut metal wire/pipe...

[Groundhog246]

k4sdi once bubbled...
I used to dive with a blade, kept poking myself with it though......... Used to always think that EMT shears were kinda wimpy, till I saw the "cut a penny in half trick". Now thats all I carry!

Mark

Need to add a "Both knife and shears" category to the poll.
I saw that ad with the penny. Had to try it and see AND, they quite easily cut a penny in half. I have a small blunt tip knife, with the sheath on a permanent atachment to my BC (no forgetting it) and often clip on the shears, but haven't yet found a great place/method of carrying them.

[Groundhog246]

divedude once bubbled...
I use shears and a knife... Why??
Here's a test for you all take a 10' length of 20 lb test teflon fishing line go under water then try to cut it free with a knife
or some stainless wire fishing line.
After the test.... I bet you go buy a pair of shears :D
Fishing line is the most common intanglement, at least it is here wreck diving.

My knife has a nice "notch" on the back with a sharp edge, that hooks nicely onto fishing line and goes through it quite easily. Requires less aiming than shears. Get the blade against the line on that side of the blade and pull. That said, cuts more easily when it's under tension and I frequently carry shears also. Still seeking a better sheath/location for the shears.

Kent

[tholt576]

Groundhog246 once bubbled...


Need to add a "Both knife and shears" category to the poll.
I saw that ad with the penny. Had to try it and see AND, they quite easily cut a penny in half. I have a small blunt tip knife, with the sheath on a permanent atachment to my BC (no forgetting it) and often clip on the shears, but haven't yet found a great place/method of carrying them.


I had to try the penny thing when I first got my shears too. I was quite amazed at how easy it was.

[Scubaroo]

Being the proud new owner of an attached drysuit pocket as of last night (yay!) I've added a second set of shears to my kit in lieu of a knife. I cut about 5" of 5/8" clear PVC tubing left over from the spring strap debacle, punched a hole in one end, and ziptied a bolt snap on. The PVC is just the right size to use as a mini-scabbard for the shears.

Two tips:

1. Even though the shears are stainless, the hinge pin is not - smear some silicon grease on it on both sides. It WILL rust.

2. Buy the shears from the local hardware shop instead of an LDS - I bought my last pair for $8.50 from Ace Hardware, versus $18 at an LDS. At least the LDS ones come with a webbing pouch, but the hardware shop is a good source of replacement shears should you lose a pair or need a second pair.

[ckharlan66]

www.galls.com has shears for 2.99 to 3.99 (depending on size)but the savings might be negated by shipping.

Chad

[lobsterguy]

These EMT Shears were origionally designed for deeper wrecks. The best part is that you can't lose them!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1979762739

[Dr. Jay]

I just use a sharp knife attached to my BC, at least for now. I've considered getting a blunt tip, along with a pear of EMT shears. Never know when you're going to need them.

The sharp knife works fine for me now. It's perfect for prodding unsuspecting marine life and manatees on Crystal River........

....okay, just kidding about the prodding part.

:whack:

[kcanty]

as the regular sea snips with the center
that rusts like hell ( replace it with a SS
nut/bolt )

you're not selling those are you??

Kell

[Rickoz]

OMS Shears :)
DiveRite Small Z knife :)

[ColdH2Odvr]

EMS Shears on bungee in left drysuit pocket, 2” serrated on left waste strap, 3” no frills sharp as hell knife on right drysuit pocket sheath. I use the no frills knife all the time surface and below. I tend to forget about the EMS shears even though they would probably work better than the knife.

I like the PVC sheath idea, I’ll give it a shot.

[quimby]

When it came to cutting devices I used to wonder WWMND
(what would Mike Nelson Do?) now it depends on the goal
Machette, bolt cutters, prima cord or C-4 or Thermo-neuclear device............

[ScubaJewel]

I'm, into the medical Shears.

Julie

[ba_hiker]

I carry an older scubapro knife on my belt and a diverite z-knife on my harness.

Another thing to consider is that commercial fishing outfits are going to kevlar and other high tech lines for fishing gear. kevlar lines and nets currently seem to be used widly.

These are hard to cut, spectra (which isnt used yet i think) is VERY hard to cut with any sissors but a knife works if sawed through. Kevlar cloth (for laminating with epoxy or bullet proof vests and related to kevlar fishing line) will destroy a set of emt shears, or heavy sissors in inches. It is well beyond the abilities of the z-knife.

I am considering adding some shears to my kit. OMS makes some that look good (i think they are hinkel).

[ba_hiker]

The proper cutting tool depends on what you want to cut/do with the tool. baed on my experience...

1) clean fish best a fish cleaner tool and thin blade knife. A dive knife (particularlly with serations on the back) makes a good second choice.

2) spreading stuff on bread at lunch time, a kitchen knife works well,as does a spoon. In a pinch a dive knife works.

3) cutting nylon, polypro, cotton fishing/other line, sissors or a knife, the line hook on some knives works well.

4) cutting steel leader (this is used for commercial fishing for sharks and other toothy fish), shears (emt shears are fine). a knife is a poor second place. the line hook is of little use.

5) Kevlar line. I have limited experience with kevlar line, i have used kevlar yarn (cloth) and webbing (climing loops). Use a knife with a sawing action. Sissors may work for a bit.

6) spectra line. I have not actually dealt with specta line, my expereience is with spectra yarn (as in cloth) and flat webbing. Use a knife with a sawing action. Sissors are useless. common household sissors will not cut webbing ever. heavy special sisors with seramic cutting edges work though.

7) Steel cable, chain etc. Use a cutting tourch, hydralic , pnumatic or explosive cutters. Sissors and knives are useless...

[Ari]

I was just wondering what people use for cutting devices under water, personally I take a knife and a pair of scissors, I'm taking no chances around this kelp

I use a small BC knife (from Tusa) and a pair of shears.

Ari