NRS-Co-Pilot-Knife

Top 10 Dive Knifes in 2021

Why does a Diver or Snorkeler need a Dive Knife? Back in the days it was a tool nowadays it’s for something different! Read here what its for!

For a diver or a Snorkeler and especially for Marine life there is a giant big enemy (no not sharks) it is man made! The fishing net, mostly hangs cut and abandoned on the reef in the corals, kills marine life long after it has landed there! Fish and corals suffocate from it. Therefore it is important to remove these nets.

Here you can watch a video of a huge abandoned fishing net that we recently removed by us. We usually don’t use Knifes we use scissors. More details in the Video.
You can find more about this on our marine life conservation website

Sometimes a diver does not see the almost invisible fishing line or the fishing net and can become entangled in it. But if the buddy is far away or does not take care of his buddy, this incident can quickly become an emergency and therefore it is important to have a knife with you to free yourself from the net or the fishing line.

You can also use the knife as a signaling tool by tapping the tank with the blade.

Some knifes also have a knob at the end of the handle, which is made of metal, which of course can be hammered against the tank for acoustic signaling in order to get attention. However, a diving knife is not a substitute for safety-relevant signal means, in particular surface signal means.

What is important and what to consider before buying a diving knife

Handle construction

Cressi-Versatile Dive knife

The construction of the diving knife handle should be shaped and largely non-slip. Slip-proof is usually guaranteed with a wishbone before the blade.

Material handle

The material of a dive knife handle can be made of very different materials. Some examples are stainless steel, titanium, plastic. The shape and size of the dive knife handle must also be easy to handle with gloves.

Material Blade

The material of the blade can also be made of different materials, steel, brass, ceramic, titanium or even stainless steel.

Steel

it is the cheapest option, but it also rusts very quickly and is not as durable as the other versions.

Stainless steel

is less prone to corrosion but also softer than steel

Titanium

is lighter than stainless steel and just as unbreakable. At the same time, titanium is characterized by a high level of corrosion resistance in salt water. (For me the best solution).

Ceramic

Knives are comparatively expensive and ceramics are brittle and easily broken.

Corrosion

Even with “rustproof” blades, it should be noted that the majority of stainless steels in seawater are definitely at risk of corrosion.

Blade grind

The blade should have a strongly sharpened, smooth edge on one side and a serrated edge on the other to make it easier to cut through fibrous material.

Often, good dive knifes also have a special sack-like cutout for cutting rope and fishing lines called a Line cutter.

As you can see on the Picture to the left on this blade.

Intended use

The dive knife is just a tool, contrary to popular belief, sea creatures cannot be repelled effectively with a dive knife. There is never a need for it either!

Locking of the dive knife in the sheath

The locking of the dive knife in the sheath should be intuitive and simple, preferably audible with a click, so that you can be sure it’s locked securly without looking at the dive knife, so you do not lose the dive knife if it is not properly engaged. There are also sheath of fabric with a flap that are covered with Velcro to prevent them from falling out.

Attachment

The attachment of the dive knife is particularly effective at two points, but it also depends on the size of the knife.

One possibility of attachment is on the leg with two rubber bands that hold the sheath. Or on the BCD where you sometimes have prefabricated holes to attach the knife or you can also attach it to the Inflator hose or corrugated tube with cable ties. But it shouldn’t be too big.

Safety string

In addition, the dive knife should have a safety string so that it does not sink irretrievably into the depths or into the bottom sediment if it falls out of hand.

You can also attach it to a lanyard, which increases the range.

Size of a dive knife

This is also everyone’s taste. The knives are available in all sizes from “toothpicks” to “dive knife machete”.

Jackknife

Folding dive knifes are knifes that can be folded up and can therefore be stowed in a BCD pocket without a sheath. You have to note that these are very difficult to unfold with gloves and usually need both hands to do so due to a locking system of the blade.

Blunt or pointed end of the blade

The blunt end can usually be used as a flathead screwdriver or as a lever to open something.

The tip of the blade can be used for impaling or drilling holes. So it depends on what you mostly need the dive knife for or what kind of blade end you prefer.

Line cutter

Rope or Line cutters can either be purchased as a single product as shown in the picture on the left.

Or are often integrated into the blade of a dive knife. This can be recognized by a special sack-like cutout at the top of the blade.

Scissors

The alternative to the dive knife is scissors.

Since we often have to deal with abandoned fishing nets that are entangled in the corals, we use scissors instead of dive knives as they are much gentler on the corals.

Since many corals grow like antlers called branching corals, it is quite difficult to get between the coral branches with a knife. If you try anyway and want to cut the net, you have to pull on it, which in turn can damage the coral even more. With a pair of scissors, you gently cut out the net and get into the smaller corners of a coral.

There are also dive knives that have both scissors and a knife combined.

However, it should also be said that scissors are not as robust and durable as a dive knife.

Care and cleaning

After diving in salt water, fresh water or in a swimming pool, you should always rinse the dive knife with fresh water and then let it dry outside the sheath. You should also press the buttons on the lock while washing so that the remaining salt water or dirt is rinsed out.

Insider tip

After a dive is before a dive and a good insider tip is always to smear the blade with silicone grease as it protects the blade from rusting a little better! If there are rust spots, depending on the material of the blade, you can work them on with a fine sandpaper and then smear them again with silicone grease.


Top 10 Best Dive Knives on the Market in 2021


Number #10

Scuba Choice Scuba Diving Compact Black Stainless Steel Blunt Tip BCD Knife

Stainless-Steel-Blunt-Tip-BCD-Knife
  • 420 Stainless Steel
  • 2.3″ Blade
  • Total length: 7″
  • Moulded nylon grip for comfort

Number #9

Cressi Giant Knife

  • Cressi is a REAL diving, snorkeling and swimming Italian brand, since 1946.
  • Japanese 304 stainless steel blade, blunt tip version
  • One side of the stainless steel blade is straight-edged, the other one is serrated right along the blade
  • It is separated from the blade by a small techno polymer thumb tab
  • Sheath with locking mechanism to allow one-hand release

Number #8

Promate Point Tip Scuba Dive BC Knife (3″ Blade)

Promate Point Tip Scuba Dive BC Knife 3 Blade
  • The Lima is a great emergency knife for scuba diving and a very desirable knife for the spear fisherman.
  • It is very small and compact.
  • This allows it to be conveniently attached to the diver’s gear.
  • Small and versatile tool for diving snorkeling
  • 304 stainless steel blade
  • Single action button locking system sheath
  • Sharp at the point and one side of blade and serrated edge on the other side.
  • Small notch toward the handle to cut line safely

Number #7

Cressi Versatile Diving Knife Stainless Steel

Cressi-Versatile-Diving-Knife
  • The grip Titanium is a small-sized knife with a Stainless Steel blade that last longer and is easier to handle and wear
  • Stainless Steel blade is rust resistant and it features a high precision sharpened tip
  • One side is an extra rigid serrated blade for sawing, the other side is a skillfully crafted knife blade
  • It features an ergonomic non-slip handle grip and a Hole for a lanyard (not included)
  • The knife Comes with a sheath that can be attached at the bcd shoulder strap or at the inflator hose. It has a lock mechanism that secures the knife

Number #6

Atomic Aquatics Titanium Ti6 Scuba Diving Knife

Atomic-Aquatics-Titanium-Ti6
  • Corrosion-resistant full-tang Titanium blade
  • Elegantly curved 4-inch cutting edge
  • Serrated edge and large line-cutting notch
  • Quick-adjust sheath straps

Number #5

NRS Co-Pilot Knife

NRS-Co-Pilot-Knife
  • The blunt tip design protects against unintentional puncture of your gear or yourself. Also doubles as a flat-head screwdriver.
  • The unique sheath firmly locks the knife in place and only lets it go when you squeeze both sides of the release.
  • The comfortable rubberized grip wraps around the contoured handle, giving you maximum control of the blade.
  • The sheath clip attaches firmly to a PFD lash tab.
  • Also included in the handle are a bottle opener and an oxygen tank valve wrench.
  • Blade length: 2.25″
  • 5 different colors

Number #4

Atomic Aquatics Titanium Ti6

Seac TItanium Knife
  • Seac Titanium is ideal partner for those looking for a very lightweight underwater knife for scuba diving. Total blade + handle: 3. 52 oz
  • 3. 66 inches blade made of titanium, with a smooth edge and a serrated edge. Total blade + handle: 8. 26 in.
  • The handle is flat with a practical symmetrical “Double Release System” to release and engage Seac Titanium with any hand and from both sides.
  • Two straps included in the package to fasten the scabbard of the diving knife on the calf or on the forearm.

Number #3

Promate Scuba Diving Stainless steel knife

Promate-Scuba-Diving-Knife
  • 304 stainless steel blade
  • Stainless steel hammer on handle bottom
  • Quick release and adjustable straps and sheaths
  • Easy disassembling for cleaning and maintenance
  • Overall Length: 10.5 inch (27 cm), Blade Length: 5 inch (12.5 cm)

Number #2

5” Titanium Dive Knife

5-Titanium-Dive-Knife-with
  • GET A GRIP: This sharp scuba knife has a fatter, rubberized grip than most other knifes, making it feel like it was made for you.
  • Ergonomic to say the least. Whether you’re fishing, snorkeling, or scuba diving, it will feel just as comfortable in your hand at the end of the day as it did the first time you took it out of the sheath.
  • ALLOY MATEY! Well you may have never used the phrase, “Ahoy Mate”, but we’re referring to something else here. The blade on this diving knife is manufactured from titanium alloy, known for its’ strength, light-weight feel, and corrosion-resistant properties. Truly an excellent accessory to have on any underwater excursion.
  • ALWAYS WITHIN REACH: With its’ longer straps, this titanium dive knife can easily be strapped at the thigh so it’s never far from your grasp. It can be utilized in several different ways, including cutting fishing lines, nets, kelp and the blunt tip version is also great as a prying tool.
  • BANG THE TANK SLOWLY: So what do you do when you want to get your dive buddies’ attention when you’re thirty feet underwater and he’s ten feet away from you? Well, you’re in luck, this scuba knife with sheath has a titanium end cap that can be used to tap on your tank to get another divers’ attention. It’s not Morse code, but it works.
  • NOW THAT’S A DIVE KNIFE! So just to review, the blade of this dive knife is made from titanium and, for those of you who have ever dived at Monastery beach, has sand drainage on the locking mechanism to prevent jamming. For divers, this is an extremely beneficial feature for a professional snorkeling knife. Lastly, the end cap also works as a tank banger and it fully dismantles for easier care
  • Also available with blunt tip

Number #1

CRKT Apoc EDC Folding Pocket Knife

CRKT-Apoc-EDC-Folding-Pocket-Knife
  • Fast Opening: IKBS ball bearing pivot deploys the blade fast
  • Exceptional Grip: G10 handle provides grip in all conditions
  • Brute Strength: Frame lock utilizes a thick lock bar to secure the blade
  • Designed by Eric Ochs in Sherwood, Oregon
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty covers any defects in materials or workmanship, see company site for details

Additional or alternative dive knife equipment


Dive Rite Trauma Shears, w/DC Sheath

Dive-Rite-Trauma-Shears-with-Sheath
  • Heavy-duty 420 stainless steel blades and hinge bolt
  • Marine Grade stainless steel to resist corrosion
  • Nylon webbing sheath (Red) with velcro lanyard
  • Mounts on standard 2-inch waist belt
  • Also mounts onto ALL Dive Rite DC pockets

Tbest Twin Line Cutter

Line-Cutter
  • Ceramic blade provides an incredibly effective cut
  • You never need to sharpen the blade!
  • Two sided rust-free cutting action
  • Compact, convenient, safe to use Includes replacement blades

Gear Keeper Compact Console Retractor

Gear-Keeper-retractor
  • Essential: Best way to carry your console…Grab your console, use it, let it go… It retracts back everytime!
  • When diving, our 18” extension and 24oz retraction force allows the retractor to overcome the stiffness of the high-pressure hose.
  • Retractable Tether, Prevent Loss: Ideal solution for any console, ensures it’s easy to find and use. Compact unit for attaching a console in the chest area with enough extension to read the gauges, always in the same place and easily accessible.
  • Ease of Use: Quick Connect-QC-II connector allows the console to be easily connected and disconnected. Snap clip attaches to D-ring and the lanyard accessory as a secondary option.
  • Keeps you streamlined and your console is always right where you need it.
  • Heavy-Duty Design: Strong enough to hold any console while providing full arms extension for navigation. Always close at hand and never dragging on the reef.
  • It also features our patented self-flushing system that removes sand, salt and debris.
  • Trusted Brand: Designed for SCUBA with over 20 years of experience, Hammerhead Industries is the name you can count on!
  • Gear Keeper features retractable tethers to suit every need. If you have any questions, let our team know.

Stainless steel scissors with soft grip without sheath

Scissors like these come without a sheath. I cut a garden hose a little too long to the appropriate size and attached the scissors to it with a retractor so that the scissors wouldn’t damage the BCD.

Stainless steel scissor
  • DURABLE Strong Stainless Steel Rust Resistant Blades: Forging press manufacturing process enables high-density steel that makes 3 times harder than normal stainless steel and are smoother cutting.
  • ULTRA SHARP and ALL-PURPOSE: Easy for cutting more than 16 layers of fabrics. Ideal for sewing, tailoring, quilting, dressmaking, cutting patterns, alterations, hand craft, home and office use etc.
  • MULTI-COLOR TITANIUM coating blades. They are strongly resistant to rusting and to adhesives such as glue and tape, making them ideal for almost any kinds of tasks.
  • SOFTGRIP handle: Ergonomic design for precision control and max comfort.
  • LIFETIME: Every Product is independently tested and selected to ensure the performance you expect, for everyday low price. The result is a quality item backed by our commitment to your satisfaction.

Let us know in the comments if you are also interested in a scissors guide and we’ll write one!


This was our Equipment Guide and list of the Top10 Best Dive Knifes in 2021! We hope you enjoyed the article. Please share it with your friends or on your social platforms or leave us a Comment we would appreciate it a lot!

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