Knives: How to Wear?

[SeaCoaster]

Let me admit my ignorance. I am not sure how to wear a dive knife. I am a recreational diver, doing a trip each year to the Carribean. For several years I rented all my equip., and never had a knife. Now that I am buying my own equip., I have a knife but am not sure of the best way to wear it. So my questions are: do you wear a knife? If so, where do you wear it? What do you use to strap it on? I'm sure there are a few approaches, so I'm hoping for a range of ideas. Any hints appreciated.

 

[Ladydiver]

Hi SeaCoaster,

I do wear a knife when diving. I have a small to medium sized knife that I wear around the lower part of my right leg (right-handed). It is attached with 2 bands of industrial strength velco at the top and bottom of the sheath, so it's adjustable.

I have heard of people wearing them on their arm or on their BC also. I guess it just depends on what you are most comfortable with.

Cheers,

 

[Dee]

I have a small knice that I wear on the cumberbun of my BC, left side. I also have a set of shears and a small 1" knife blade, in a cordura case that attaches to my right shoulder strap.

I've never liked a knife on my leg. Seems no matter where I put it, it provided a good spot for entanglement. Especially if you dive in lakes where you come across fishing line, like I do.

 

[SeaCoaster]

Thnks for the info. I had thought of mounting a small knife on my BC, but couldn't find a place that was accessable.

 

[OKI_GI]

Don't waste time w/ a knife--leave it on shore and go with a pair of medical shears. Keep them in the pocket of your BC on a dummy cord.

 

[Nathan]

I have a mid sized knife that I attached to the left shoulder strap on the BC (Dive Rite Transpac II) in an upside down position. I never liked the concept of putting it on my leg. Just a personal preference though.

 

[Swamp Rat]

I have a folding Knife that has a belt/boot clip on it. I attach it on a D ring on my left side. I can reach is with both hands. And I plan on getting another knife to put at the waste level on the right side.

 

[Pixurman]

I carry a small blunt tip knife mounted to my cummerbun. I would like to add a pair of medical shears.
My Reasoning:
1. Must be able to reach knife/cutter with either hand.
2. Hard, but not impossible, to cut metal fishing leader with a knife. Shears can do anything including wire.
3. Blunt tip knife is less likely to poke a hole in my $500 BC. What do I need to stab anyway? And it makes a good screwdriver.
4. I can drop one and still live to buy another.

Also, anything that I can drop I have in a bright color that will be easier to find with or without a mask. Dropable items include knife, flashlight, wreck reel, Mask, snorkel (which is usually not worn).

Regards,

 

[Madder_Than_Hell]

I personally prefer to wear my knife on the inside of my lower leg. I find it very easy to reach for and I have never had it hung up on anything being on the inside. I also like to wear it on my left upper arm. It just depends on the mood. I also carry a small knife on the left shoulder strap of my BC. I've seen all different ways, you'll find what's most comfortable for you. I highly recomend any cutting device.

 

[darkwing]

SeaCoaster:

I did most of my diving on the west coast. I wear my knife on the inside of my right calf. It is a big knife but it is a combo, knife/ pry bar. Good luck, GOOD DIVING