If you plan on entering dangerous territory (and the entire ocean would qualify), be prepared to encounter hostile marine enemies or equipment malfunctions. Diving is a sport that requires vigilance and preparation plus training. Knives help you if you happen to get caught among a cluster of long plants that obstruct your view or try to wrap around your legs. Weapons help protect you from fish with teeth. A scuba knife is a useful tool that can get you out of a sticky situation, but the main rule of thumb is to stay calm at all costs. A scuba knife won’t do you any good if you happen to drop it due to nerves.
Tips for Buying and Wearing a Scuba Knife
The best way to wear a scuba knife underwater is to strap it to your calf that is opposite to your dominant hand. This seems to be the universally safest way to access it quickly. Do not purchase a scuba knife that has a blade longer than five inches. The reason is that it gets awkward to use the longer it gets. A short, very sharp blade is all you need in most cases. A blunt tip is good to have for prying open equipment, but it won’t help you much against sea life attacks. If carrying a knife bothers you, a pair of “sea scissors” is a good alternative.
Scuba Knife Quality
Think about the quality of knife you want to own. Stainless steel is cheaper, but tends to rust if you don’t rinse it off and oil it properly. It’s also easier to sharpen than a serrated knife or different kind of metal. Titanium scuba knives are ideal if you can afford one. They don’t rust, and they are extremely sharp, strong, and light when compared to stainless steel. EVO makes a line of titanium knives that cost less than $100.
Tags: blade, knife safety, scissors, scuba, serrated knife, stainless steel, titanium knives