SCUBAPRO X Cut Tauchermesser

Best 10 Dive Knife in 2020

The diving knife or dive knife is an important tool and emergency equipment for a diver.

For a diver 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.
You can find more about this on our marine 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

SCUBAPRO Maco Tauchermesser

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

Cressi Orca Tauchermesser

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

SCUBAPRO Maco Tauchermesser

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

POSEIDON - SQRMesser Apollo Titan

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 knifes are available in all sizes from “toothpicks” to “dive knife machete”.

Jackknife

Klapp Tauchermesser
Folding Dive Knife

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

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.

Edelstahl Schere

Since we often have to do with abandoned fishing nets that are entangled in the corals, we use scissors instead of dive knifes 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 knifes 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 2020


Number #10

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

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, Black-Silver

Cressi Giant Knife, Black-Silver
Cressi Giant Knife, Black-Silver
  • Black Coating blade treatment
  • Japanese 420 steel
  • Pointed tip knife
  • Complete with sheath and leg straps
  • Straight edge/partial serrated

Number #8

Cressi Lima

Cressi Lima Dive Knife
Cressi Lima Dive Knife
  • 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.
  • The blade is made of Japanese stainless steel 304, very resistant to the salt Sea water.
  • The knife is 6.3 in (160 mm) and the blade 2.44 in (62 mm).
  • One-hand release sheath mechanism.
  • Back clip for attaching it to the BCD strap or to the weight belt.
  • Hose holder available allowing to attach the sheath to the BCD hose that makes the knife really easy to extract.
  • A lanyard is included in the package that can be used to secure the knife to the sheath.

Number #7

Cressi Versatile Diving Knife Titanium

Cressi Versatile Diving Knife
Cressi Versatile Diving Knife
  • The grip Titanium is a small-sized knife with a Titanium blade that last longer and is easier to handle and wear
  • Titanium blade is rust resistant and it features an high precision sharpened tip
  • One side is an extra rigid serrated blade for sawing, the other side is a skillfully crafted
  • Straight blade It features an ergonomic non-slip handle grip and a Hole for add 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 secure the knife

Number #6

SCUBAPRO Mako Dive Knife

SCUBAPRO Maco Tauchermesser
SCUBAPRO Mako Dive Knife
  • Scuba rust-resistant titanium blade is incredibly strong and has the hardness to take and hold a sharp edge.
  • The multi-function 3. 5-Inch blade Includes a serrated edge for sawing through rope, a conventional edge for making clean slicing cuts, a line-cutting notch, and a bottle opener.
  • Grip the knife securely with the large handle, which includes plenty of gripping area and a thumb guard to keep the knife from slipping.
  • A unique locking mechanism on the sheath makes it easy to release the knife with one hand.

Number #5

SCUBAPRO – X-Cut Titan Diving Knife

SCUBAPRO X Cut Tauchermesser
SCUBAPRO X Cut Tauchermesser
  • Knife and Sheath Scubapro
  • X-Cut Titanium TEK Knife
  • Blade: Alpha (hardened) Titanium Designed for Tech Divers
  • Specially Designed Scubapro Shaped Blade

Number #4

Atomic Aquatics Titanium Ti6

Atomic Aquatics Titanium Ti6
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
  • Lightweight locking sheath with push-button release

Number #3

Scubapro K-6 Knife

Scubapro K-6 Knife
Scubapro K-6 Knife
  • Quality stainless steel blade with a fine hollow-ground cutting edge on one side, a serrated edge on the other
  • 6.1in/15.5cm stainless steel blade
  • stainless hammer in the ergonomic grip handle includes an injected molded sheath and two quickadjusting buckle straps.

Number #2

5” Titanium Dive Knife

5” Titanium Dive Knife with
5” Titanium Dive Knife
  • 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 knive. Lastly, the end cap also works as a tank banger and it fully dismantles for easier care

Number #1

Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Knife Edition

Gerber Outdoor-Messer, Bear Grylls Edition
Gerber Outdoor-Messer, Bear Grylls Edition
  • ½ Serrated High Carbon Stainless Steel Drop Point Blade
  • Ideal for edge retention and cutting rope Ergonomic Textured Rubber Grip
  • Maximizes comfort and reduces slippage Stainless Steel Pommel
  • At base of handle for hammering Fire Starter
  • Ferrocerium rod locks into sheath, striker notch incorporated into back of knife blade
  • Nylon Sheath
  • Lightweight, military-grade, mildew resistant

Additional or alternative diving knife equipment


Cressi Alligator Scissor Knife

Cressi Alligator Knife Scissor 9 cm
Cressi Alligator Knife Scissor 9 cm
  • Knife-scissors very practical for all types of operations under water.
  • Ideal for scuba diving and spearfishing.
  • Built-in scissors can cut-it-all.
  • High quality Japanese 420 stainless steel blade.
  • Special treatment on the blade for rust prevention.
  • With respect to other similar knives, it has the advantage of its contained size and its full use and ergonomics without having to open it to cut efficiently using it as a knife.
  • The Alligator is designed by Cressi and made in Taiwan. Cressi is an Italian brand pioneer in scuba diving, snorkeling and spearfishing equipment. Built-In scissors can cut-it-all

Tbest Twin Line Cutter

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
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.

Edelstahl Schere
  • 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 adhensives 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 me know in the comments if you are also interested in a scissors guide.


This was my Equipment Guide and list of the Top10 Best Dive Knife in 2020! I hope you enjoyed the article. Please share this artical with on your social platforms website or leave us a Comment.

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