If you are looking for the perfect dive knife, you came to the right place! First of all, it is an essential tool and probably the most important part of your spearfishing arsenal, as it will help you in various situations. All sports involve risks so you should take some precautions.
The dive knife is a must-have item that most people overlook until they really need it.
Today, spearfishing is one of the greatest outdoor sports that gained in popularity. Honest confession, I cannot dive without my knife.
Many years ago, I got trapped in an old fishing net and while I was fighting to get out of there, I damaged my speargun.
Spearfishing is a fascinating hobby that can be potentially dangerous. It goes without saying that a knife is not a weapon (and should not be used as a weapon), but it can help you out in many circumstances.
Being a mad spearo since I was very young, I managed to learn lots of things about this incredible hobby. I will give you all the answers to all the questions you are asking right now.
There are ample products on the market and it might be quite tricky to make the right decision. Don’t worry fellow spearfishing enthusiasts! We prepared a detailed list with the 7 best dive knives that will bring you to the next fishing level!
List of Top Dive Knives
- Best Low Cost Dive Knife: Cressi Skorpion Dive Knife
- Best Beginner Dive Knife (Blunt Tip): AquaLung Squeeze Lock Knife
- Best Stainless Steel Dive Knife: Promate KF510
- Best Titanium Dive Knife: Promate KF593
- Best Foldable Underwater Knife: Spyderco Pacific Salt
- Best Spearfishing Knife: Riffe Terminator
- Best Cutting Tool: DGX Sharp Cut
- Best Hybrid Dive Knife: Alligator Scissors & Knife
Why Do You Need a Dive Knife?
- You can avoid entanglements
- You can cut discarded fishing lines, ropes or nets
- You can protect yourself
- You can use it as a hammer
Just to start out with, it is not an uncommon scenario that you get tangled in fishing line, rope or old fishing nets. However, you cannot use a traditional knife as it is not able to withstand the harsh elements of nature.
Consequently, you will have to go with a dive knife that will meet your expectations. Well, you might ask yourself: why should I use a special dive knife and not a typical knife? What’s the best blade material?
The detail makes the difference.
Whether you are freedive or scuba dive spearfishing, you will need something sharp that is able to cut lines, nets or ropes. It is the only tool that can help you avoid entanglements and also protect you from aggressive fish like amberjack or marlin.
Some types of monofilament lines or lead core line are nearly impossible to cut with a simple knife or trauma shears. Regardless of what you want to cut, the dive knife is the only tool that will help you out.
Beyond these things, the dive knife is a multi-purpose piece of equipment! Most knives have a large handle that you can use as a hammer. Another thing that you should take into consideration is the fact that most dive knife blades are black or dark grey. Why?
The experienced fisherman knows the answer!
Well, shiny objects, flashes and generally speaking light colors attract some species of fish which could be extremely dangerous especially if you are after big bloodthirsty predators!
On the other hand, it can scare away small fish. Moreover, most of them come with a case or cord which you can attach to your calf or weight belt J
Dive Knife Features
Spearfishing rule number one: A dive knife will always come in handy. Before you make any decision, you should learn the parts of a dive knife. It consists of a blade and a handle and they come with a convenient sheath or you can just attach them to your belt with a strap.
A fixed blade dive knife is larger than a folding knife and it is a huge perk if you need to cut something quickly. These knives come with a solid sheath where you can store them safely. You should keep in mind that the sheath is the only thing that keeps your knife close to you.
A folding dive knife is the safest option when it comes to spearfishing. It is a compact knife and you can find it with different locking mechanisms. The only downfall here is that it is not really convenient to open a folding knife with one hand.
- Dive Knife Blade Type
Dive knives come in either with a blunt point, pointed, serrated etc. The blade shape depends on you, but we would recommend a stiletto dive knife. A suitable blade for the right situation. Let’s analyze them one-by-one.
Pointed Tip: Since you are spearfishing, you will definitely come across predatory fish and some of them are really dangerous. You will need something to kill them before they hurt you.
Most spearos use pointed tip knives to kill their catches humanely so that they do not suffer. All we avid anglers who respect our hobby, kill our fish quickly.
Blunt Tip: On the other hand, a pointed tip knife is extremely dangerous because you can accidentally stab yourself or ruin your wetsuit. A blunt tip knife is the right tool if you need something to cut lines, ropes or clean your boat.
Stiletto Knife: The majority of spearfishing knives are stiletto knives which translates into high blade penetration and sharpness. They are extremely lightweight and handy. The stiletto blade is quite thin and has a needle-like point.
Serrated Edge Knife: True to its name, this knife utilizes a serrated, tooth-like edge. When it comes to spearfishing, a serrated edge knife is absolutely necessary as it is more efficient than a plain edge knife. It works like a small saw and it is able to cut thick ropes. Generally speaking it works great on hard materials.
Dive Knife Locations
Without a doubt almost all spearfishing enthusiasts carry a knife as it is a huge perk for different tasks. However, when it comes to practicality the mounting locations play an important role as you must be able to reach it easily. It depends on your own preference and what you are most comfortable with.
Ankle Knife
The majority of us attach the knife to the ankle with a strap but you should know that there is no reason to do that! Certainly, it is a convenient place to keep it out of your way but sometimes it may be difficult to reach it.
Thigh Knife
Some people prefer to strap their knife around their thigh especially if they are freedive spearfishing. It is comfortable and you do not have to sacrifice maneuverability but you must be careful if you are using a stiletto knife.
Waist Belt Knife
If you are diving or spearfishing in weedy or rocky environments, attaching the knife to your waist belt is the only way to avoid entanglements. If you are using a knife with a sheath, you can run through a cord and attach it to your waist belt. Just make sure that you secured the knife.
Titanium Knife vs Steel Knife
That’s a real dilemma amongst the spearfishing community! The dive knife blade is made of either titanium or stainless steel. Well, both materials have pros and cons but they have one thing in common. They are saltwater corrosion resistant.
Titanium Diving Knife: Good Saltwater Knife
First of all, titanium is a lightweight and hard like a tank material. Personally, I use a titanium dive knife because I forget to take care of my equipment. I rarely sharp it and it is super comfortable when I have to cover long distances.
Moreover, it is slightly better for saltwater conditions as it is considered to be a better material than steel. However, titanium knives are far more expensive than steel knives. This is the main reason why most people purchase steel knives.
Stainless Steel Knife
It is scientifically proven that stainless steel is less strong than titanium but it is an affordable material. If you take care of your steel knife, you will have it for many years. Stainless steel knives are quite heavy and they are not recommended for many hours of spearfishing.
Plus, you will have to sharp it after two fishing trips. On the other hand, stainless steel knives are sharper than titanium dive knives.
Navy Seal Dive Knives
In the military we were taught that the knife is the most important piece of gear. Carrying a knife is a matter of death and life and sometimes it might be useful to protect our own or a buddy’s life.
Seven years ago, some Somali pirates hijacked a yacht and killed four Americans until a member of the US special operations boarded the yacht and killed one with a knife. (Source https://www.cbsnews.com/news/4-americans-on-hijacked-yacht-dead-off-somalia/).
The Navy Seals use a navy dive knife to protect themselves as it is a multi-purpose tool.
Best Scuba Knives
The first thing that all scuba divers would definitely take with them before hitting the water is the scuba dive knife. A scuba divers knife is the only thing that could save his life. Being trapped in something is a bad experience especially if you are a newbie scuba diver!
We would like to underline the fact that the knife should not be used as a weapon! Consequently, most divers prefer blunt tip knives.
The mounting options are ample but this depends on your personal preference. Whether you are going to store the knife in your BCD pocket or anchor it to your belt, you can be sure that you will not lose it. A scuba diver might not use the knife on every dive, but it must always be there in case of an emergency situation.
Dive Knife Brands
Benchmade
If you are looking for a knife that focuses on innovation and quality, a Benchmade knife is the perfect fit for you. With a rich history of constructing the perfect knife, they managed to create durable products and even supply the military.
This brand dominated the market since 1979 and most people put trust in Benchmade knives as they are made to last a lifetime.
Atomic Aquatics
Atomic Aquatics.. A brand dedicated to create the best diving equipment that will bring you to the next diving and spearfishing level. They use exceptional materials and cutting-edge technologies. The result?
Extremely versatile knives. The founders say that their equipment is a reflection of their personal philosophy.
Aqualung Dive Knife
Furthermore, since we are talking about top brands, we should definitely mention Aqualung which dominated the market since 1943. The Titanium Squeeze Stiletto knife is one of their most popular and best seller products.
This well-known brand ensures you that their products will pass the test of time.
Cressi Dive
Snorkeling.. Diving.. Spearfishing.. All these great activities and memories are associated with one brand and it is Cressi. Cressi is an Italian brand and designs quality gear. It has established a good name in the spearfishing community and to create revolutionary and affordable products.
Tek tite Dive
When quality meets innovation, Tek-tite is always there to prove that you will invest your money in a high-quality product. It is an American company that designs diving lights and diving equipment. They are not only concerned about creating really good products but also dedicated to protect the environment.
They use 20% pre-consumer plastic scrap and recyclable packages.
Scubapro
This is a widely-known brand for distributing scuba masks, fins, snorkels, gear bags, scuba accessories and divewear. They have a good reputation and gained many loyal customers. All Scubapro knives utilize a really sharp blade and a superior design that will meet every spearfishing enthusiast’s expectations.
Spyderco
Fourty years ago, Spyderco created their first folding knife that changed the history of folding knives. Since then, Spyderco managed to create numerous knife types and equipped them with extraordinary features that you will not find in other knives.
They pay special attention to the details and make sure that every product will have an exceptional performance. All Spyderco knives come with a warranty and so you will be sure that you will have it for many years.
Dive Knife Buyer’s Checklist
Choosing the best dive knife is not the easiest thing in the world. The numerous options on the market may confuse you but don’t worry! We are here to help you out.
We have done some research and found the five top dive knives that will bring you to the next spearfishing level. We reviewed them step-by-step and prepared a short buying guide. These are the things that you should take into consideration before purchasing a knife.
Length
Firstly, you should ask yourself where you are going to anchor your knife. Size does not play an important role but if you want a long knife, you will be not able to attach it to your belt. A medium size, approximately 3.5-inch blade is absolutely ok. Gone are the days when spearfishing lovers used long knives strapped to their leg.
Material
Secondly, a good knife material is something that you should definitely take into account. We talked about the blade material (titanium vs steel) and now it’s time to choose a handle material.
Most handles are made of heavy-duty plastic and they are covered with ergonomic anti-slip rubber grips. Moreover, there are many handle butts that can be used as a hammer. The choice depends on you. As far as the blade is concerned, titanium is the best material but if you are on a budget you can choose a steel knife.
Remember that you get what you pay for. Investing in a high-quality knife is the best thing that a spearfisher could do as it will pay him off.
How to Care For Your Dive Knife?
Lastly, taking care of your dive knife is a process that you shall not overlook. Saltwater is a factor that can ruin your equipment completely. Luckily, there are several steps that you could follow in order to prolong your knife’s life.
After Every Dive: Rinse not only your knife, but also your sheath and dry it properly. You can apply a special silicone coat that protects the blade.
How to Clean A Dive Knife: Before using the knife, you will have to inspect it carefully. If you see any rust mark, you can remove it with a toothbrush and apply some non-petroleum base coat.
How to Sharpen a Dive Knife: If your knife became dull, it’s time to sharpen it. You will face this situation with stainless steel knives as they tend to be softer than titanium knives. There are two ways to sharpen your knife. You can sharpen it either with a sharpener or a whetstone.
Do not forget that almost all whetstones should be submerged in water before using them.
Dive Knife Reviews
Best Low Cost Dive Knife:
Cressi Skorpion Dive Knife
This is a great value product made of Japanese stainless steel. It is able to withstand saltwater corrosion and the elements of nature like a real warrior. The Cressi Skorpion knife is not only sharp, but also practical as it comes with a high-quality sheath.
PROS
Just to start out with, the sheath is a huge plus as it utilizes a special locking mechanism which allows an easy release with only one hand. The blade is extremely sharp and it is almost impossible to rust. While you are spearfishing, you will need a sheath that does not imply the use of both hands to release a knife.
The price is also a fact that will put a big smile on your face.
CONS
The handle has some square edges and it might be not comfortable especially if you have small hands. Whereas the blade is designed with perfection in mind, Cressi did not pay close attention at the grip.
Best Beginner Dive Knife (Blunt Tip Knife):
AquaLung Squeeze Lock Knife
This is a small Aqualung dive knife with a blunt tip. We would recommend it to all beginner divers or spearfishing newbies as it is a great tool to start out with. If you are looking for a stainless steel dive knife, you should definitely consider this Aqualung Squeeze model.
PROS
The squeeze release mechanism is a must for everyone as you can release the knife with only one hand. It can be used as a BCD knife and it is able to cut almost everything. Not bad for a 3” blade knife!
Another fact that we would like to underline is that it is made of high-quality stainless steel which translates into high saltwater corrosion resistance.
CONS
The package does not come with straps so you will have to buy them separately. Additionally, the blunt tip is not really useful for a spearfisher.
Best Stainless Steel Dive Knife:
Promate KF510
If you are looking for a high value product that will pass the test of time, the Promate KF510 will not let you down. This is a multi-purpose dive knife with extraordinary and useful features.
PROS
You should know that this is a 5-inch blade knife which is considered to be a large knife. If you consider that it combines multiple features and a good price, you will definitely realize that it is the best stainless steel dive knife.
The serrated edge, the line cutter, the butt hammer, the extra sharp blade and the ergonomic handle are some reasons to select this product. In addition, the quick-release sheath is a huge perk for spearfishing.
CONS
The only drawback is that you will have to rinse the knife after every spearfishing trip. It goes without saying that you will have to rinse every piece of gear thoroughly, but especially this knife should be rinsed and dried properly.
Best Titanium Dive Knife:
Promate KF593
What is not to love about this titanium blade knife? If you choose this knife, you will definitely forget the word “maintenance” as it is a heavy-duty knife. It comes in different colors and you can select between a blunt or pointed tip.
PROS
Surprisingly, it has a titanium hammer and the package includes an acrylonitrile butadiene sheath with two lockable leg straps. The blade is absolutely rust free, meaning you will be able to use it for many years.
Since it is a long knife, the best location to secure the knife is your leg that’s why they included two leg straps. It is a reliable knife that will help you in case of an entanglement.
CONS
The sheath might be super convenient, but there is a huge downfall. It is made of poor quality ABS plastic and you may have to replace it.
Best Foldable Underwater Knife:
Spyderco Pacific Salt
A folding knife is the best thing since sliced bread! If you take a closer look at this Spyderco Pacific Salt tool you will realize that it is not just another typical knife. It utilizes a new steel material called H1 and Spyderco promises that it will never rust.
PROS
It has been made to last and offers great performance especially when it comes to spearfishing. There’s also a belt clip which you can easily attach to your weight belt. The exceptional blade will give you a great spearfishing experience as it is able to cut everything.
Whether you are going to cut fishing lines, kelp or nets, this buddy will always be there for you.
CONS
Like all folding knives, the Spyderco Pacific is not easy to unfold. You will need both hands to open the knife. Moreover, some people complained that they had to sharpen the knife before the first use.
Best Spearfishing Knife:
Riffe Terminator
With this riffle terminator spearfishing dive knife, you will definitely forget the threat of entanglement. The 420 stainless steel blade is sharp and allows you to cut various materials. It is a good quality and excellent value-for-money knife with a 4.5-inch blade.
PROS
Overall, this package provides everything. Three mounting options, a handy tool for removing reef shafts, a sturdy sheath with high-quality straps and many other benefits. You will be able to dispatch your catches quickly and it is designed with creativity and functionality in mind.
CONS
Some people suppose that it is quite short, but I think that it does not a serious drawback. It depends on your personal preferences.
CONCLUSION
Finally, it is not all about the gear, right? Spearfishing is one of the most adventurous outdoor activities! Make sure that you mark your spot with a float and you are ready to spear fish!
As far as the best dive knife is concerned, we would recommend the Riffle Terminator Knife as it is not only versatile, but also includes a convenient sheath. The blade seems to be extra sharp and the sheath is also self-locking.
Thank you for reading our article. We would be more than happy to hear your opinion. If you are ready to share your ideas or comments, please do not hesitate to leave a comment in the comment box below.
Written by,
Stavros Steve Alex