Do you carry a knife?

[RikRaeder]

I carry a small knife, but only when I'm diving.

 

[pinoiryder]

always carry 3 knives.. one on the leg.. two on the BC.. i dive mostly around kelp beds and equipment gets tangled.i put them to use..

 

[Garrobo]

I quit carrying a knife when I learned how to kill with my bare hands.

 

[CamG]

Greetings Ardy, great question. Dive knives / cutting devises are a critical peace of practical gear just like your BCD. It is optional in many places and can be a difficulty in travel but when needed all the trouble seems like nothing!
I personally carry a calf mounted 5 inch knife and a D.I.R. knife on my harness.
In the near future a line cutter will be mounted to my harness also.
I have personally witnessed the use of cutting tools and would recommend that every diver choose some sort, whatever they feel comfortable with. Always carry a back up to! Just like lights do not skimp.
I have found that my favorite cutting tools are actually on the cheap side. I love knives and have been collecting them since childhood but all the $100. 00 dive knives I gathered are really cool but really not practical. Both of my favorites together cost around $40.
I think that new divers sometimes are uncomfortable or fear damaging there expensive
gear with cutting tools. The big thing is to find what fits / is comfortable for you.
Unless you dive only in a diving quarry that has been cleared of hazards, all divers need some sort of cutting tool! Like others have mentioned local lakes can be entanglement hazards just like both east / west coast!
While I was in Mexico on dive #15, I became entangled in a fishermans line with a big hook on it! Guess what no cutting tool! It took about 10 min. to untangle and remove the hook. Learn from my newbie ignorance, that is why soon a I will be carrying 3 cutting tools! Always check your travel plans as to what they will allow, but PLEASE CARRY SOMETHING!
Good luck and dive safe!
CamG Keep diving....keep training....keep learning!

 

[vtxkev]

Is there some type of site that will show you what is allowed / not allowed when you dive at these different locations?

 

[spoolin01]

BTW, double edged knives, like the Riffe Silencer, are illegal in california -- a felony with up to (i believe) 6 years possible, though 1 is more common, for simple possession. enjoy them, just dont get caught with them here :-(

Don't believe this is true - there's nothing in Cali law that I've seen regarding one vs two edges. Only rule is it can't be disguised to look like something else (cane knife, air-gauge knife), and you can't conceal a fixed blade knife when you carry it - no carry of dirks or daggers. A lot of 'strapped' divers get stopped by various law enforcement for F&G issues, never heard of a problem with their dive knife.

 

[spoolin01]

I quit carrying a knife when I learned how to kill with my bare hands.

 

[Nemrod]

I have noticed that over the last 5 or so years many divers are not carrying a knife.

When I learnt to dive this was a basic, never to be left behind, piece of equipment. I am interested in why newer divers are not using one.

If you are not carrying a knife what are your thoughts?

regards

Ardy

Yes.

N

 

[Wayward Son]

I carry a knife, a Z knife and a pair of shears. Something can be reached by either hand if needed. I may add a 2nd kinfe on the other leg.

In the FL panhandle, most of our dive site are artificial & people fish them. Entanglement is not a risk, if you dive enough it's a certainty. You need to be able to cut your way out when necessary.

 

[ssidiv3r]

Currently I've got a UK Blue Tang but have stopped wearing it because I'm diving in a dry suit now. I will be getting a pair of EMT shears and I guess a sawed-off steak knife. I'll look at mounting options after I have them and have a BP/W (also want to purchase in the near future