Best Diving Knives – Buyer’s Guide

Scuba diving is one of the most practical ways for humans to interact directly with the deep seas’ unknown world. Despite the thrill and satisfaction that comes with it, diving also comes with its perils. So, there’s a need to venture into the abyss with a good diving knife at hand.

For instance, many years ago, a friend of mine embarked on a scuba diving mission and got entangled in an old fishing net. While struggling to untangle himself, he damaged his diving gear and speargun. Fortunately for him, he had a diving knife that assisted him in getting out of that situation. If he did not have this vital piece of gear, the whole ordeal could probably have been catastrophic.

In this review, we are going to look at 6 best diving knives you should consider buying.

1. The 5-inch Promate Barracuda Sharp Tip Titanium Diving Knife

With a full tang titanium blade and a sturdy, well-designed ABS sheath, the Promate Barracuda diving knife is one tool that provides high-quality service underwater. Its razor-sharp blade comes with a saw-toothed alongside a flat edge necessary for all your cutting needs.

Whether you’re a professional diver or just starting up, this titanium dive knife promises to serve you for an extended period with little or no issues. Like most scuba knives, the Promate Barracuda does not require maintenance to ward off rust. But be sure to quickly rinse the blade under tap water to leave it clean and ready for its next assignment.

You don’t have to be considerably concerned about accidentally cutting yourself owing to its sharp pointed tip. Its ergonomic handle is large and thick enough to allow a firm grip. Also, the knife’s sheath is well-built to let you pull the Promate Barracuda out with one hand without raising any attention.

The Barracuda diving knife’s sheath comprises a rigid material that handles and keeps your knife well locked up. It is also has a titanium butt that acts like a banger when you need to attract your fellow diver’s attention. Besides that, the knife is relatively easy to disassemble, allowing you to clean and maintain it whenever necessary with considerable ease.

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2. The 5-inch Titanium Dive Knife with Leg Strap and Sheath

This 5-inch titanium diver’s knife design caters to a professional diver or outdoor enthusiast needs. The blade strength, grip, and handle design are all fashioned to give you a stress-free experience. With the blade measuring 5-inches and forged from titanium, this dive knife can withstand harsh conditions and water damage.

From our interaction with it, the blade is considerably sharp, sturdy, and easy to maintain. All you need to do to ensure this blade remains of good quality is keep it dry and clean. The knife comes with an ergonomic handle that is suitable for multiple uses.

The handle ensures you have a secure and comfortable grip while interacting with the knife. Notably, the 5-inch Titanium Dive Knife can feel a little bit bulky if it’s the first time you’re using it; even so, after some time, you get used to it.

While using and turning the blade, you can use the titanium hammer found at the handle’s bottom to knock on the balloon to attract attention. This dive knife’s blade is straight on one edge and serrated on the other with a carve. As for the tip, it is very sharp and sturdy, allowing you to pierce through and cut anything that comes into contact with you.

The knife comes with a protective sheath that incorporates a quick-release button. The sheath is easy to operate, and it keeps you safe from accidents.

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3. The 5-inch Promate Scuba Diving, Snorkeling Sharp Tip Stainless Steel Knife – Best Overall

As it has become the norm for Promate to dish out high-quality and significantly large-sized knives, the Promate Scuba Diving Knife is another large blade knife in its long list of quality knives. For this reason, we have selected another Promate knife in our review.

The 5-inch blade is fashioned from high-grade stainless steel and has a sharp Barracuda tip. It is multifunctional as you can use both sides of the knife.

When you take a look at one side of the knife, you will notice a razor-sharp serrated edge that is effective during spearfishing. On the other side is an equally sharp straight edge that has a curve close to the handle. Either side of the blade boasts stain and rustproof properties.

When you look at the Promate Scuba knife’s handle, you will notice its design boasts of soft rubber and some plastic material elements. These features allow you to have a comfortable and firm grip on the knife, giving you flexibility wherever you use it.

The handle also has a lanyard hole that is designated for attachments. A diver can use the stainless-steel cap at the knife’s base to knock on the balloon to attract attention.

The knife also has an adjustable strap and sheath that provides for a storage area for the knife. It supports the quick release of the blade during an emergency.

In case you want to clean the Promate Scuba, the knife provides an easy way to disassemble. Like it is the norm with other diving knives, it is advisable to rinse it with fresh water and dry it with a clean cloth. The Promate Scuba is amazingly inexpensive in comparison to other Promate knives.

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4. Scubapro Mako Titanium Diving Knife

We could not have done justice to this list if we had left the Scubapro Mako diving knife out of this review. As a small, lightweight knife, the Scubapro Mako is a perfect blade for fish line cutting, traveling, and other light activities.

Although its blade is relatively small, the Scubapro diving knife design integrates a high-quality titanium that ensures it remains resistant to rust and corrosion while maintaining a light and robust feature. The two sides of the blade feature both serrated and smooth edges with a rope cutting curve. The knife’s tip is sharp, but not entirely, as it also features a blunt edge that supports versatility of use.

Its compact nature and thin handle allow it to rest in a shallow profile against the BCS strap or the leg. The handle supports both right and left-handed people, while the knife’s base acts as a bottle opener and a tank banger.

On the sheath, you will notice easily adjustable straps and a secure push-button release for personal safety. Small yet reliable, the Scubapro Mako is an efficient knife in the diving community. Despite its relatively high cost, this diving knife is an excellent tool to have in your pocket every time you venture into the underwaters.

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5. TUSA FK-940 X-Ppert II—Titanium Dive Knife

The Tusa FK-940 is an outstanding knife to consider for your scuba diving activities. Besides being rust-resistant, the titanium dive knife features a drop blade of about 4-inches. Moreover, Tusa FK-940 is a durable and reliable blade that withstands harsh environments such as salty water.

The uniquely designed handle is ergonomically built with a rubberized grip to give you a comfortable grip that does not limit your wrist movements. The blade design uses German stainless steel that gives it a smooth edge and serrations and can deliver excellent results when cutting rigid materials such as wires.

So, how about the ease of cleaning this knife? The Tusa FK-940 is easy to disassemble, allowing you to clean it with little or no hassle. What about the sheath? Its plastic sheath has a push-button release functionality that ensures the knife is in place, making it safe and reliable. The sheath also includes adjustable buckles and straps that provide you with a comfortable fit.

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6. Aqualung Squeeze Lock Stainless Steel Knife – Coolest Dive Knife

The Aqualung Steel Knife has achieved an impressive reputation in the market due to its Aqualung Squeeze knife design. It will capture your attention with its outstanding blunt tip design, charming performance, and durability at first sight.

Its 3-inch blade has both flat and serrated edges with an in-built rope cutting notch for versatile use. Its patented secure locking system secures the knife while allowing you to release the blade naturally by gently squeezing the handle.

The locking system’s unique build allows for easy operation even with one hand during insertion and removal of the blade. The handle is also accurately designed to offer a comfortable and firm grip.

How about cleaning? For hassle-free maintenance and cleaning, it is possible to unscrew the titanium pommel and completely disassemble it.

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Factors to Consider When Buying a Dive Knife

Outside the kitchen, knives are considered dangerous weapons, especially in the hands of the wrong people. It is essential to know what you are looking for in a knife and how to use it to protect yourself and others.

Although different people have different preference when it comes to diving knives, there are some specific factors you might want to know before settling on a dive knife:

Length and size of the blade

An enormous knife can be bulky underwater and substantially unnecessary. If you are an above-average individual, you would want to settle for a blade that is no more than 5-inches. Anything bigger than this will overburden you. If you happen to be of average body size and below, you would want to stick to a knife that has a blade that is 3 to 4-inches maximum.

Large knives are inconvenient to use underwater.

Material

Regular knives have a hard time standing up to the harsh environments of the ocean. Not all materials can withstand the effects of humidity and saltwater.

At present, there are two primary materials used to forge these diving knives, titanium, which is rust and corrosion free and stainless steel, which is a bit inexpensive. It would help if you stuck to buying knives that are made from these two materials as anything less typically rust and do not last long.

Cutting edge

There are two primary types of edge on your knife, a straight edge and a serrated edge. A serrated edge is suitable for cutting larger diameter ropes, while a straight edge will come in handy when cutting through smaller diameter ropes and plastics.

Typically, one side of the knife is serrated while the other is straight. Ideally, settling on a blade with both sides will go a long way in making life more comfortable.

Blade design

It is advisable to settle for a knife with a serrated edge, a straight edge, and curve for cutting small cords and fishing ropes for diving knives. You might also want to consider a blunt end knife since they significantly reduce accidents and puncture.

Cutting ability

The primary responsibility of a knife is to cut things. As such, you would want to have a sharp blade to cut through things underwater with a lot of ease. A knife that needs resharpening every time you go on an underwater expedition might prove to be cumbersome and a nuisance.

Handle design

The design of the handle is a critical aspect that dictates the success of a knife. Even so, the suitability of the handle is based solely on preference of a diver alongside their different sized hands. Each kind of diving knive may have unique handles designed from various materials to cater to the different shapes and sizes on demand in the current market.

Nevertheless, the most important thing to consider when buying a diving knife is how comfortable you feel working with the blade underwater.
Also, it is prudent to consider buying a diving knife with a handle coming with a lanyard hole for better safety and security when wielding the knife.

Handle guard and visibility

Have you ever seen some diving knives having bright and colorful colors? It is not for fashion purposes; instead, it helps you locate these knives whenever they are lost. Considering their small size, dive knives are highly susceptible to getting lost, especially underwater. By having a bright and colorful handle, you will be able to locate it from a distance.

Equally important is the handle’s guard. The guard is the feature that protects your hand from sliding into the blade while handling the knife, giving you a safer grip and superior protection.

Durability

When it comes to knives, durability is a significant attribute. You do not want to be stuck with a knife that will fail you when you are entangled in an old fishing net while diving in the deep sea. Diving experts will often recommend a full tang blade as it will never snap at you. You should also consider a knife built with the best possible type of rust and corrosion-resistant metal. A firm and long-lasting sheath are equally essential as you do not want it to pop open and drop your knife in the middle of a diving expedition.

Corrosion and rust-resistant

It would help if you always remember to purchase a knife that’s capable of cutting things underwater and one that can also withstand saltwater. Therefore, apart from having a blade that satisfies the other factors’ criteria, you should settle for a diving knife that can resist the destructive effects of immersion. Both 420 stainless steel and titanium-based blades are a good fit as they are naturally resistant to corrosion and rust.

Ease of use

Although what is accessible to one person might not be so easy to another, the best diving knives do not fumble. They rest firmly in their sheath securely, popping out quickly when needed while providing a firm and sure grip.

Grip

Different types of diving knives offer different kinds of grips. The knife you choose depends precisely on how your hand reacts to the knife’s texture and shape. Whether the knife’s design comprises of plastic, genuine rubber, paracords, or even bare metal, the most important thing is it fits and feels right in your hand.

What Are the Types of Diving Knives?

At present, the market enjoys the service of two types of diving knives. These are:

• Pointed tip diving knives: The tip of these knives are sharp and pointy, preferred by those who enjoy spearfishing. These knives usually facilitate easy cutting, and they require a decent amount of experience to use them underwater.
• Blunt tip diving knives: Basically, this type of blade has a blunt tip that helps prevent puncturing your inflatable or poking someone or yourself. Although people of different experience use them, this type is ideal for hacking and cutting things open. It’s also an excellent tool for your chiseling needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does someone use a diving knife?

As we have covered in this review, a diving knife is not a weapon; instead, it is a tool used to help divers get free from entanglements around marine life. Furthermore, a diver can utilize it to knock on tanks to get the attention or respond to your diving friend while underwater.

How does someone clean a diving knife?

After going for a diving expedition, especially in saltwater, it is essential to clean your knife afterward. And the best way to clean your blade is by washing it thoroughly with some fresh water and subsequently drying it with a clean cloth. Once you have done this, you can apply some lubrication before putting it back in its sheath. If the blade has any dirt on it by any chance, you can use soapy water to clean it.

How do you sharpen a diving knife?

Regardless of how sharp and sturdy the blade is, you will need to sharpen your knife at some point. Thankfully, resharpening straight edges tend to be a walk in the park, while resharpening serrated edges can prove cumbersome. If you are a beginner, it is advisable to let a professional sharpen your serrate edge blade as it requires time and special attention. On the other hand, sharpening a straight edge requires a two-step process that entails both honing and grinding. It is not necessary to rub your knife every time you hone it. Most whetstones come with both a honing side and a grinding side.

Where is the best place to attach your diving knife?

The leg or the belt is the best place you can attach your diving knife. All you need to secure your knife is a simple clip.

Final word

As scuba diving is quickly emerging as a good pass time and hobby, it is highly advisable to take all the necessary precautions possible. While it is considered a harmless sport, it is essential to dive prepared with the right gear that includes the right dive knife. Having the right diving knife not only allows you to cut your way free from old nets and ropes when underwater, but it also allows you to double it as a fisherman’s knife.