What Is the Maximum Size of a Scuba Diving Knife?

September 24, 2022 4 min read

Before you buy a Scuba diving knife, it's important to consider its size and if it's legal in one country. Generally, a medium length blade is sufficient for recreational divers. However, a large blade may prove a hindrance. A good rule of thumb is that the length of the blade and the grip should be roughly equal.

Blade Length

Scuba diving knives come in a variety of sizes. Those made for recreational diving usually have medium-to-large blades. Larger knives may be cumbersome or uncomfortable to carry. Also, the blade and grip length should be about the same. The blade should not be more than 4 inches long.

Divers should choose the knife that suits their style and needs the best. If they plan to use the knife primarily for cutting and prying, a blunt tip knife would be a better choice. The sharper blade may be used accidentally to cut through the BC, but the blunt tip would be less likely to harm the diver or the BC. Still not sure what's better to choose, pointy or blunted dive knife? Keep reading us to find out.

Some knives have serrated edges to cut through thick ropes more effectively. Serrated edges are safer than big saw teeth, which can snag the rope fibers. A dive knife with serrated edges should have serrated edges on one side or near the tip of the blade. Some knives also have a line-cutting notch, which can be used to cut monofilament.

Blade Edge

The blade edge of a Scuba diving knife is a crucial tool for Scuba divers. The blade should have two distinct edges: a straight edge for cutting soft materials, and a serrated edge for cutting tougher materials. Unlike normal knives, dive knives need to be durable to withstand the salty environment of the ocean. The blade should be made from a material that will not rust or react with salt, such as titanium.

The blade edge of a Scuba diving knife must be strong and sharp to pierce tough materials. The Tusa FK-850 was our clear winner when it came to cutting hard materials. However, the Spyderco Pacific Salt was a close second. Keeping the blade edge sharp requires post-dive maintenance.

Blade material

The blade of a Scuba diving knife should not be larger than three inches. This is because sand and saltwater will corrode the blade easily. Choose a knife made of corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel or titanium. While stainless steel is a better choice for a blade, it will require frequent cleaning after each dive. It also rusts and dulls easily. Titanium is more durable than stainless steel, but can also rust. This makes it less convenient for scuba diving.

A blade with a tanto tip is a hybrid between a pointed blade and a blunt blade. It has an angle in the tip, and is sharp for cutting. In addition, the material of the blade also plays a role in the knife's durability. Steel is the most common type of blade material for a Scuba diving knife, but titanium is also an option. Stainless steel will rust slowly and requires less maintenance than plain steel, but it will require regular cleaning. It is best to rinse the blade after each dive, and let it dry completely outside the sheath. If you're going to store it for a long time, you should consider applying mineral oil to the blade. This will prevent rust and protect it. Read here about the number of cutting devices diver can use at once.

Blade Corrosion Resistance

A dive knife's blade corrosion resistance is an important feature to consider. Many dive knives are made from stainless steel. This material is rust-resistant, but it can also rust when exposed to prolonged periods of water. For this reason, it's best to invest in a higher-grade stainless steel. Titanium blades are an excellent choice, but they are also prone to chipping during certain tasks.

One knife we tested had an exceptional blade corrosion resistance. The Tusa FK-850 proved to be the clear winner when cutting through tough materials, but the Spyderco Pacific Salt was not far behind. To maintain blade sharpness after diving, make sure you perform post-dive maintenance.

Sheath Design

A good knife should be ergonomically designed and easy to carry. Generally, dive knives will have single or double-edged blades and a blunt or pointed tip. They also usually slide into a rubber or plastic sheath and have a locking mechanism to prevent accidental loss. Most diver knives are made of stainless steel, but titanium and chrome/molybdenum models are available. Diver knives may feature rubber handles, serrations, a line-cutting notch, or scissors.

The TK15 knife's blade is made of marine-grade stainless steel with a chrome finish. The blade is nearly four inches long, with serrated edges that tend to snag on smaller lines. The blade also tested well when cutting manila and hollow poly line. The titanium blade is almost four millimeters thick. The handle is not very comfortable for use while wearing gloves, but the included hand strap helps protect your hands. It is easy to remove and re-lock the knife from its reinforced fiberglass sheath.



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