Why Do You Need a Dive Knife<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you are new to diving or snorkeling, you might be wondering why you would even need a knife in the water?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In my opinion, ALL <\/em>those who venture into the water, whether it be diving deep in the oceans exploring shipwrecks, snorkeling for lobster in the Florida Keys, or even looking for scallops in Florida\u2019s Gulf Coast waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe reason to carry a knife is primary for safety reasons. You just never know what could go wrong in the water and it\u2019s better to be as prepared as you can right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A dive knife can be a lifesaver if you or your gear happen to get tangled around an underwater object. This could be anything from a shipwreck, coral, kelp beds, fishing lines, and even old fishing nets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another instance when I\u2019ve heard a dive knife coming in handy is when the current gets too strong. Some divers will use it as an anchor by inserting it into the sea bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Having a dive knife handy will also give you the ability to free a sea turtle, or some other friendly sea creature that is tangled in used fishing line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, and this is one that a lot of divers and snorkelers don\u2019t like to talk about, but a dive knife can serve as a way of protecting yourself against marine life, such as sharks, sea lions, goliath grouper, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re on the fence about whether or not a dive knife is necessary, think about it this way…it\u2019s better to have one and not need it as opposed to needing one and not having it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What Makes a Good Dive Knife<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nFor the most part, the same qualities that make a good hunting knife, fillet knife, or even chef’s knife apply to a dive knife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blade<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nSince you will be wearing your dive knife in the water, it\u2019s imperative that the blade\u2019s metal be made from a non corrosive material such as titanium or stainless steel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep in mind that just because something is stainless steel does not mean that it won\u2019t rust! You will have to wash it off with freshwater and dry it after each and every use. It might even be a good idea to apply a light coat of oil to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Titanium on the other hand is virtually corrosion resistant! This is why in most cases, you will pay more for a titanium blade, which is why all the knives on our list are made from stainless steel. Most titanium dive knives will be over $100.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another thing to consider is the length of the blade and whether or not you want a pointed tip or a blunt tip. There are advantages to both, which I highlight below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As far as the length of the blade\/knife, this really is a matter of preference. However most divers go with either a small (2-3 inches of blade) or medium (4-5 inches) knife. Anything larger is overkill and can be dangerous to the diver wearing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The chances of you needing a large knife to defend yourself against marine life are slim to none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember that a dive knife is primarily there in case you need to cut yourself free from fishing lines, nets, kelp, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The blade of your dive knife should also be serrated on one side just in case you need to saw your way through something like rope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lastly, the knife should have a full-tang blade! This basically means that the knife\u2019s blade metal extends all the way through the handle, making it one solid piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A knife that\u2019s not full-tang will be made from two separate parts – the handle and blade. This construction can create a weak point where the blade and handle come together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n