Dive Knives - The Essentials
Posted 10/03/2017
The topic of dive knives, and whether they are a must have, is
widely debated. Some are against the idea of carrying a dive knife suggesting
that they serve no real purpose, whilst many claim that it’s an essential
accessory.
For us, it’s a vital emergency tool that might just save
your life, should you end up in a sticky situation.
Doubtlessly, a massive number of people will have dived with
one to hand - time and time again - and have never needed to use it. However, being
prepared for any possible scenario underwater, is the safest approach. The same
logic is applicable to, for example, wearing a seatbelt whilst driving. You’d never
dream of driving without wearing one, and would pray you never actually need
it.
What Are Dive Knives Good for?
Dive knives are good for a lot of different things, and
keeping you mobile – even in the most unfortunate of circumstance – is the
thing that it’s best at. Divers becoming entangled in nets, fishing line or underwater
plastic waste is, sadly, not uncommon. Many have had it happen to them, and it
can be a terrifying experience. As a result a host of experienced divers
wouldn’t dream of diving without one.
A dive knife helps you get free, allowing you to cut away
anything that may have you ensnared, and simply swim away. They are also useful
for setting free any marine life that may have become entwined, in a similar
predicament.
Dive knives also offer the advantage of providing additional
leverage, allowing divers to pry things open whilst submerged; as long as you
have a strong, blunt ended knife.
What Sorts of Dive Knives Are Available?
There are a range of different dive knives available on the
market, and many differ in design and ergonomics. Sizes are, of course, the
first thing that differentiates dive knives with the most common - and arguably
most practical
dive knife – being sized at 11 or 12 centimetres, although this
is down to personal preference.
Many dive knives are blunt tipped, as – for the most part –
there is simply no need to have a sharp point, in most scenarios. A narrower,
sharper tip makes them less useful at prying things open. However, the most
important thing for any dive knife is to ensure that they are sharp enough to
cut rope, and that you can grip it comfortably in your dive gloves. Using a
knife underwater with your gloves on can be tough, so ensuring you have a knife
that will provide you with enough leverage, to get you out of any dangerous
scenarios, is of the utmost importance.
Are There Other Alternatives?
There are other alternatives that serve a similar purpose.
You can pick up a pair of dive sheers, or dive scissors that will also cut
rope/kelp/fishing line should you get entangled, but it is always best practice
to dive with multiple cutting tools on you. Diving with sheers/scissors, and a
dive knife, is the best way to ensure that you’ll stay safe while diving,
allowing for a backup plan for any emergency.
Are you fully equipped for your next dive? We have a range
of high quality
dive knives to suit every purpose.
