Do I even need a dive knife

[alexxred]

Hi,

Just a question. I've got a line cutter, if I get some shears, do I even need a dive knife? I don't see any need for any of the larger knife's, so figured that a line cutter and shears would be more than enough.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

A knife is an important tool. I carry a small BC knife with a serated edge (for sawing a large line) and smooth edge. Also I prefer the blunt tip. It also comes in handy for cracking open clams.

 

[J75]

It sounds like you have the cutting aspect covered, but you may still want to consider a BC knife. As rapidiver mentioned, a small blunt tip knife comes in handy for those occasions when you need to pry or dig. Pointed tips have a tendency to break off when pressure is applied. And don't spend a fortune on a knife. In my experience, it's only a matter of time before the ocean claims it, so I buy the cheapest knives I can, that are made by a reputible dealer. I also don't see the need for a huge knife. I often see divers at the local quary with 12" knives strapped to their legs. I have no idea what they're doing with those things, except impressing each other.

 

[Humuhumunukunukuapua'a]

I carry a small blunt BC knife and OMS shears. I've never had to use either, but in the scenario I can most easily envision (entanglement in fishing line), I'd reach for the shears for sure. Those things will cut through just about anything. My brother tried them out on a bottle cap and it was like butter.

I really can't envision a scenario where I'd reach for the knife, but it's very small and I have it attached to my cummerbund, so it really isn't a hassle either way to carry it.

I would think, if you really *needed* to pry things (for your safety, not just to mess with stuff), you could use the shears. I haven't ever needed to pry anything, and I can't really figure out why I would need to.

Take a look at those OMS shears if you haven't gotten shears already. They are burly.

 

[do it easy]

I carry a small knife, shears, and a z-knife.

I think you need a knife, you just don't need a big pig sticker knife.

 

[EricJ]

I have a small bc knife. In my over 200 dives, I've never needed to use it.

Well, I did let someone use it to cut their zip tie once.

I became entangled in kelp once, but I found it more effective to simply break the kelp.

 

[ShakaZulu]

http://www.scubapro.com/products/accs/k3_knife/k3_knife.asp

I heard this is the one you need, I must still get one. I have one of those GW Shark hunting knifes, but I never take it with me. I'll just use my buddies knife......not sure for what though, there is lot of underwater thieves in my area, I may need to start carrying it?

 

[Dive-aholic]

A cutting tool is all you really need. However, I once got entangled in some fishing line that I probably would have had a harder time getting out of if it weren't for my BC knife. Like has already been mentioned, small and blunt tip is the way to go.

 

[ProfessorAronnax]

I carry a small knife, shears, and a z-knife.

I think this is the perfect combo. All bases covered

 

[Jim Lapenta]

I carry a blue tang on my inner left leg sometimes and my lttle gerber chameleon folder in a sheath on my inflator hose strap. Have used the blue many times for cutting buns after the dive and for cake it works good also. But underwater I reach for the gerber every time. removing fishing line from guide ropes, gentle digging in the bottom, and sometimes cleaning my nails. I'll be getting a pair of shears soon but they are not a priority. I may regret those words! Anyway I've seen lots of them from 9.95 & up. with me price of dive gear is usually not a concern (9k in 1yr so far) but what shears do most of you recommend?