A dive knife is a vital safety accessory that every scuba diver should own. Knives designed for underwater use have a few key features that separate them from traditional knives for land-based activities. In fact, many dive knives are so specialized that some divers prefer to carry two or more knives on each excursion, so they’re ready for any situation.
Common Materials for Dive Knives
Most diving knives are made of either stainless steel or titanium. Many divers prefer titanium because it will never rust. Titanium is also stronger than stainless steel and weighs a bit less.
However, if you’re on a tight budget, you may prefer stainless steel because of the price differences. Stainless steel knives are more common, but there are a few variations to consider. You’ll notice a few different grades of stainless steel as you shop for a dive knife, including 304-grade, 316-grade, and 420-grade.
The least durable option is 304-grade steel, so if you buy a knife with this grade of steel, you’ll need to sharpen your knife more frequently to preserve its sharp edge. By contrast, 420-grade steel is considered quite durable, so it can stand up to most underwater cutting applications.
Folding Knife vs Sheath Knife
Most day-to-day pocket knives feature a folded blade so you can safely tuck them in a pocket and unfold them for use. If you choose a folded blade, it’s best to have a spring-assisted knife so you can open it one handed.
Sheathed dive knives feature a blade attached to a handle and protective sheath for safely storing your blade. These knives are easy to use and access single handed.
Common Knife Tip Styles
Scuba diving knives feature either a blunt tip or a pointed tip. Blunt-tip knives can double as a pry tool or screwdriver underwater for added functionality. Pointed knives are a helpful accessory if you spearfish or carry your knife as protection from underwater predators.
Find the Right Diving Knife for You
In unexpected situations, your scuba knife can be the difference between tragedy and a positive outcome. That’s why it’s so important to invest in a high-quality dive knife. With durable, grippable handles, strong blades, and helpful features like line cutters, serrated back edges, and harness mounts, diving knives from Cressi, Akona, Blue Reef, Gear Aid, and Mares are always a good choice.