For the adventure junkie, few things are as exhilarating as plunging into the deep blue sea. Whether you’re scuba diving, snorkeling, or simply swimming for fun, exploring the underwater world is an experience like no other. And while you might think that all you need for a great time is a wet suit and some fins, there’s one piece of gear that’s absolutely essential for every water adventurer: the dive knife.
The Best Dive Knives
Spyderco Aqua Salt
Do you love the ocean but hate rusting your favorite knife? The Spyderco Aqua Salt is the perfect solution!
This knife is made of H1 steel, which is highly resistant to rust and has a black finish that won’t reflect any light. The blade is 4.69 inches long, and the overall length of the knife is 9.33 inches.
The handle is made of fiberglass-reinforced nylon, and the knife also features Spyderco’s trademark circles for an elegant touch.
This knife is proudly made in Japan and embodies the ethos of perfection and high-quality craftsmanship.
So don’t let the fear of rust keep you from enjoying your time by the sea -a Spyderco Aqua Salt knife is the perfect addition to your arsenal!
Blue Reef Folding Titanium
Looking for a top-quality diving knife that can tackle any underwater situation? Then check out the Blue Reef Folding Titanium.
This tough little knife is made of durable titanium and features a drop-point blade with a partially serrated edge. It also has a line cutter and a spring-loaded safety lock, making it perfect for use in a variety of dive environments.
Plus, its small size means it can fit easily into your BCD pocket. This Blue Reef Folding Titanium will have you prepared for anything the underwater world throws at you.
Gerber River Shorty
The Gerber River Shorty is a great knife for anyone who wants a versatile tool that can handle a variety of tasks. This knife is built to last with its high-carbon stainless steel blade and glass-filled nylon handle.
Premium materials mean that this knife can stand up to anything you throw at it. The molded sheath has a quick-release mechanism, making it easy to access your knife when you need it on the go.
Additionally, the blunt tip is perfect for safe use around water. You won’t have any incidences of accidental punctures with this knife. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty, so you know it’s a quality product.
Made in the USA, the Gerber River Shorty is the perfect knife for any outdoor enthusiast!
Boker Plus Steel Mariner
The Boker Plus Steel Mariner is a diving knife that is super versatile and extremely durable! This superb blade is made from 440C stainless steel, meaning it’s built to last.
The oval-shaped cutouts help distribute weight, while the G10 scales provide a great grip. Plus, it comes with a titanium coating for added durability.
The Boker Plus Steel Mariner also comes with a KYDEX sheath and belt clip adapter, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go.
So if you’re looking for a top-quality knife that can handle anything, then the Boker Plus Steel Mariner is a perfect choice.
TUSA Mini
Looking for a small and lightweight knife that can handle anything you throw its way? Meet the TUSA mini. This versatile blade is made from 304-grade stainless steel and features a drop-point tip that’s perfect for piercing and slicing.
The partially serrated edge comes in handy for sawing through tougher material, while the squeeze-activated safety lock ensures that your knife won’t accidentally deploy when you’re not using it.
Best of all, the TUSA mini is available in multiple colors to help you make a statement underwater. Plus, it includes an adapter for hose mounting so you can keep it within easy reach. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned diver, the TUSA mini is a great option.
Cressi Alligator
Looking for a versatile and durable knife? Check out the Cressi Alligator! Made of 420 stainless steel, this blade is built to last. The 3.2-inch blade features both a blunt tip and a drop point tip, making it perfect for a variety of tasks.
Plus, the included adapter allows you to mount it on your hose for easy accessibility. The best part? The scissor-like design makes it more than just a knife – it’s a true multi-tool. When you’re done using it, simply engage the safety lock to keep it securely in place.
Whether you’re diving, camping, or hiking, the Cressi Alligator is the perfect companion.
Aqua Lung Big Squeeze
The second Acqua Lung knife on this list, The Aqua Lung Big Squeeze, is the perfect knife for anyone who wants a little extra power behind their blade.
With a blade made of 304 series stainless steel or beta alloy titanium, it can handle any task you throw at it. The handle is made of nylon and fiberglass for a comfortable grip, and the knife comes with a belt clip and lanyard for easy carrying.
The Aqua Lung Big Squeeze also features a partially serrated edge, line cutter, and multiple blade tips to choose from. Whether you need a blunt tip, drop point tip, or sheepsfoot blade, this knife has you covered. Plus, the spring-loaded safety lock ensures that your knife will stay closed when you’re not using it.
So whether you’re diving for sunken treasure or just exploring the local reefs, the Aqua Lung Big Squeeze is a handy tool to have by your side.
XS Scuba Fog Cutter
Looking for a knife that can handle anything the ocean throws your way? Meet the XS Scuba Fog Cutter!
Made with a black oxide-finished 420 stainless steel blade, this scissor is perfect for a variety of tasks, from cutting through fog to opening cans. The chromate-treated blade prevents rust and the latching scissor safety keeps you safe when not in use.
The squeeze-activated safety lock is an added bonus, making sure the scissor stays put when you don’t need it. Plus, the lanyard loop means you can keep it close at hand for those unexpected moments.
So whether you’re diving in treacherous waters or just enjoying a day at the beach, the XS Scuba Fog Cutter is a great tool to have on hand.
Scubapro X-Cut
The Scubapro X-Cut is a top-of-the-line knife designed for professional use. It features a titanium blade and handle for durability, as well as a comfortable grip and ergonomic handle. The nylon storage pouch and velcro attachment point make it easy to keep on hand, while the lanyard loop ensures it stays securely in place.
The webbing mounting system is perfect for attaching to your BC or hose, and the knife also features a line cutter and serrated edge. So whether you’re cutting through rope or slicing through fish, the Scubapro X-Cut is up for the task.
Atomic Ti6
Looking for a top-quality knife to take on your next diving adventure? Check out the Atomic Ti6 diving knife.
This is a premium blade with a hefty price tag. It has all the usual bells and whistles, and then some. The blade is made from titanium, and the handle is made from injection molded plastic. The blade is 4.0 inches long, and the handle is medium-sized.
The knife comes with your choice of a blunt or sharp tip and features a squeeze-activated safety lock. The handle is also removable for easy cleaning. There is also a lanyard loop that you can use to keep the knife close at hand. The Atomic Ti6 is a top-quality knife that is perfect for any diving enthusiast. Don’t let the price tag scare you away, this knife is worth every penny.
Aqua Lung Wenoka
The Wenoka by Aqua Lung is the perfect knife for any underwater adventurer. This versatile knife can be easily attached to your weight belt or calf for easy access and features a partially serrated edge and line cutter for added convenience.
The squeeze-activated safety lock ensures that the knife will only deploy when you want it to, making it safe and easy to use. Whether you’re diving for fun or for work, the Wenoka is the perfect knife for any situation.
Eezycut Trilobite
Looking for a small, lightweight line cutter that you can easily attach to your gear? Check out the Eezycut Trilobite!
Made of durable 440A stainless steel, it’s perfect for cutting lines or webbing in a pinch. The user-replaceable razor blade means you’ll always be prepared, and the velcro attachment point makes it easy to keep within reach.
Plus, the Trilobite comes in multiple colors so you can find the perfect match for your gear. The Eezycut Trilobite is truly a versatile and essential tool for any diver.
Why You Need a Dive Knife
Dive knives serve a number of purposes. First and foremost, they’re a safety tool. If you’re ever entangled in kelp or seaweed, a sharp dive knife can help you cut yourself free.
Likewise, if you find yourself being nibbled on by a curious fish or harassed by an overly friendly octopus, a quick flash of your blade will usually send them swimming in the other direction.
In the worst-case scenarios where your life could actually be in danger, a dive knife could be the difference between life and death. Many a diver tell of their encounters with sharks, and how having a knife at hand helped them to fend off the attack.
Of course, dive knives can also be used for more mundane tasks, like opening oysters, slicing open packages of food, tearing open sealed bags of air when needed, or even cutting through fishing lines. If you’re the sort of person who likes to be prepared for anything, a dive knife is a must-have item.
A dive knife is an essential piece of gear for every water adventurer. Not only can it help you defend yourself from curious sea creatures, but it can also come in handy for slicing open packages of food or cutting through thick ropes and fabric. With a dive knife by your side, you’ll be prepared for anything the underwater world throws your way!
How To Choose The Perfect Dive Knife: What To Look Out For
Before you go about selecting a diving knife, there are a number of things you need to consider.
Consider Your Water Activity
If you are going to be doing a lot of reef diving, then you will need a knife that can do it all–from opening oysters to slicing through the fishing line and prying away coral. In such a case, you’re probably better off choosing a premium knife that’s made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or titanium, and that has a sharp serrated edge.
However, If you are just a casual swimmer going to be doing a lot of open-water diving, then you will need a basic knife that can handle a few aggressive fish and other animals.
Corrosion Resistance
A lot of diving will obviously be taking place in water, which means that your knife will be constantly exposed to moisture. This is why it is important to choose a knife with good corrosion resistance. Materials like stainless steel and titanium are good choices as they can withstand salt water and moisture. This is especially important if you are going to be diving in the ocean or other saltwater bodies.
Sheath
Dive knives are usually attached to a diver’s thigh or leg. This is not only because you need to be able to keep your knife close at hand when you are diving, but also want to make sure that it is securely stored away when you are not using it.
The sheath should be made of a durable material like plastic or rubber that is durable. It should also have a way to attach it to your dive belt or BCD so that it is always within reach.
Blade Shape
Another thing you need to look at when choosing a dive knife is the shape of the blade. You want a blade that has a pointed tip for precision cutting but is still wide enough to provide good stability.
The best shape for a dive knife is a drop-point blade. This kind of shape provides a good balance between a sharp point and a wide cutting surface.
You might also want a knife with a serrated edge. This is because a serrated blade can easily saw through things that are likely to trap you like seaweed, fishing line, and coral
Handle Material
The next thing to consider is the handle material. You want a handle that is comfortable to hold and provides a good grip, even when wet. The most common materials for dive knife handles are rubber and plastic. These materials are great because they don’t get slippery when wet and they provide a good grip.
Blade Material
The material of the blade is also important. You want a blade that is strong and durable but still has a good edge. Stainless steel is a great option as it is durable and can withstand salt water. Titanium is another option, but it is often more expensive.
Fixed Vs Folding?
You also need to decide if you want a fixed blade or a folding blade. A fixed blade is going to be more durable, but it may be more difficult to carry.
A folding blade is going to be easier to carry, but it may not be as durable. Folding blades tend to have weaker points where the blade folds, so they may not be able to withstand as much abuse.
Size
The size of the knife is also important. A smaller knife may be easier to carry, but it may not have the same cutting power as a larger knife.
A larger knife may be more difficult to carry, but it will be able to handle more challenging tasks. So the key here is balance.
You want a knife that is big enough to be useful, but not so big that it is cumbersome. The best size for a dive knife is between 4 and 6 inches. A good rule of thumb is to choose a knife that is about the same size as your palm.
Budget
Finally, you must decide how much you are willing to spend on a dive knife. Dive knives can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. It is important to find a knife that fits your budget and your needs
When selecting a dive knife, make sure to choose one made from high-quality materials like stainless steel or titanium. Additionally, pick a knife with a sharp edge that can be easily serrated and an ergonomic handle that fits snugly in your palm even when wet. With these factors in mind, you should be able to find the perfect dive knife for your needs.
Closing Thoughts: Diving Knives
There you have it! The best knives for divers. Whether you’re looking for a knife to take on your next diving adventure or just need a versatile tool for everyday use, one of these knives is sure to fit the bill.
A diving knife is an important piece of safety gear for any diver. It can help you free yourself from entanglements, cut through ropes or nets, and defend yourself against predators. With so many great options on the market, it’s important to do your research and find the knife that best suits your needs. We hope our list of the best diving knives has helped you narrow down your choices.
