If you are an enthusiast of diving, then I bet you are aware of how the underwater world does not always treat you with mercy, instead she is full of surprises. So the divers have to be well prepared with multiple gears, such as snorkel, fins, wetsuit, scuba tank, and a dive computer. And among them, a dive knife is a no less crucial piece of gear to provide safety.
A dive knife is an emergency tool, as things may not always go however you want to underwater, there remains a chance of getting caught in something, say an abandoned fishnet, or plants with the tentacle-like branch, you can use the knife to cut yourself free, and many more.
The market has an abundance of models of dive knives. But the concern is which model is best for you? Well, I am here to guide you a bit in that regard. You might wonder why you require to assist in this, well, as I’ve already mentioned there are too many options to choose from, and each possessing sets of features that are unique to another. The knives differ in the materials of which they are made, design, agility, weight and the price range also make a considerable difference. Hopefully, this review will be helpful to find the best dive knife for you.
Best Knives for Scuba Diving
- Spyderco Atlantic Salt Lightweight Folding Knife
The salt series of Spyderco has won many hearts since they have been on the market. The Atlantic Salt model is an elegant addition of the series, made with quality materials from top to bottom. The 3.68 inches’ blade is built with nitrogen-based steel and the quality of the handle is also consistent with the blade, the material is called FRN (Fiberglass Reinforced Nylon) which provides a strong grip even underwater.
You’re gonna love the hollow grinded SpyderEdge feature, it consists of a two-step serration pattern on the edge of the knife, there is nothing underwater that it cannot cut through. You won’t have to worry about the rusting either, this brilliant piece is 8.27” in length, and despite having a strong grip it is fairly lightweight. This knife is designed to serve you one-handed operation, so even with the scuba gloves on you’ll find no complexities to open it. The round hole is there to make sure you can equip it with your suit, otherwise, you can use the titanium clip to attach it securely.
If this dive knife fits your budget, then, by all means, go for it, this has the confidence of almost all the users all around the world, and it’s worth every penny. Most importantly, it does what it advertises.
Pros:
- Built with quality materials – rustproof.
- Comes with a back lock.
- Features a one-hand operation.
Cons:
- Not quite made for precision cutting.
- The locking mechanism appears to get loose with time.
- Aqua Lung Squeeze Lock Titanium Tanto Tip Dive Knife
This model from Aqua Lung is a great choice for beginners and professionals alike. This compact knife features a squeeze lock system, which enables the knife to spring out as you pressurize the side tabs. The blunt tip ensures the capability to avoid danger, as you squeeze the knife open, also such tips are great for digging and prying, also you can’t accidentally injure yourself or your suit by a blunt tip dive knife.
This model is available in titanium and stainless steel. It uses 304 series for stainless steel and high-category beta alloy for titanium, their blade is rust-resistant, so one less worry for you. It has both flat edge and serrated edge; the patented squeeze lock system secures the knife into the plastic sheath. The package includes locking belt clips that you can use with the designated slots in the molded strap and hose mounting straps to secure the knife.
Titanium or stainless steel. you can go either way. Most people would lean on toward titanium as it’s hard to rust, but the stainless steel used on it is just as good, it’s not prone to rust and lasts very long, it’s almost half the price of the titanium model.
Pros:
- Features good engineered blunt tip.
- Double edge blade – both serrated and flat edge.
- Excellent release design.
- The titanium model is just as lightweight as the stainless steel model.
Cons:
- Unlike the knife, the straps are lacking in quality.
- Leg straps aren’t flexible enough to be used by people of different sizes.
- Promate Scuba Dive Snorkel Titanium Knife
As a diver what do you look for in a knife? That it’s sharp enough to be used in emergencies, lasts long, but doesn’t weigh more than it should, and also it stays strapped in your Buoyant Compensator Device. Promate has designed their dive knife based on exactly those things, the 4.45” blade is made with titanium and you can use it however you want, it will neither break nor get rusty. The molded rubberized handle makes sure you have no problem in gripping, be it above or underwater.
The knife comes with a sheath with adjustable straps, extremely helpful when you’re carrying a knife but want to keep your hands free, also keeping it close enough to reach in times of need. At the bottom of the knife, you get an uncoated titanium butt that can be used in hammering, tank bangers, etc. this too is resistant to rust.
Pros:
- Blunt tipped titanium sharp blade.
- Titanium end butt.
- Strong gripping handle.
- Low maintenance.
Cons:
- The sheath doesn’t tightly secure the knife.
- Poor quality control.
- TUSA FK-940 X-Ppert II Titanium Dive Knife
You will love this one from Tusa if you’re looking for some knife to handle heavy-duty jobs. Built with alpha-beta titanium alloy (6-4Ti) that ensures a high ratio of strength to weight, is resistant to any kind of corrosion. They also show resistance to heat and elasticity along with excellent strength. The blade is 4.5 inches long, consists of a full blade with a pointy end that can be used as a line cutter, and the serrated edge to do the heavy cutting.
The ergonomic grip in the handle is a nice user-friendly addition to the knife. You’ll feel the grip sit with or without the gloves on. the quick release mechanism allows the knife to come out with a single switch on the sheath. The adjustable strap that comes with the sheath is easy to buckle up for divers with all shapes and sizes.
You’ll find the maintenance to be quite effortless too, as this unit is very easy to disassemble, making the cleaning work easier, enabling you to be able to clean up every part.
Pros:
- Built to last – resists corrosion.
- Excellent balance.
- The leg strap fits perfectly.
- Easy to take care of – fights dullness.
- Strong titanium blade.
Cons:
- Disappointing quality control.
- Unclear instruction to disassemble.
- Promate Barracuda Sharp Tip Titanium Diving Knife
Another product worth checking out from Promate. So, what is the difference you may ask, while the quality is consistent with Promate, this knife provides you with ultimate agility. The 5-inch knife is constructed with high-quality solid titanium, with a plastic handle. The sheath is designed with an adjustable rubber strap that has a quick-release system. You can secure it with your BCD, leg, or wrist, however you want, its quick-release mechanism lets you get a hold of it within moments in times of emergency. The titanium full tang blade is equipped with a full edge and a serrated edge. They are suitable for line cutting and sawing, respectively.
Maintenance is also very easy in this case, and since it is titanium you won’t require to clean it after every dive. After a few diving trips, you can disassemble it which is a very straightforward process and clean it thoroughly, this way it’ll last long, likely till the end of your career.
This model is suitable for professional divers, as it covers both the sharpness and lightweight department and also for the sturdy build. It also has a titanium end that you can use as a hammer and also making a bang on their tank to signal other divers.
Pros:
- The metal ended knife.
- Easy maintenance.
- Ensures a secured knife lock system.
- Exquisite engineering.
Cons:
- The strap design has room for improvement.
Final Verdict:
As we have reached the end of the review, hope I was able to reach you. Even if you caught one or two new things from this post, that counts as my success. Among the sea of products out there in the market, I have chosen these 5 models above based on many aspects and both positive and negative feedback from customers.
However, you’re free to check and compare as much you can to find the best dive knife that suits your needs. Because when you go underwater you are on your own, no easy way to get something that you thought unnecessary before, as it is a matter of your safety, do not compromise with it. Wishing you all the best from your next dive onwards!
