Bringing dive knife to SoCal

[Zog]

I see your point about a cutting device such as EEZ cut not having wide enough opening to allow a bull kelp stalk through it, but has anyone ever gotten entangled in bull kelp? Seems unlikely, but I have no idea.

 

[robertarak]

This has been said already, but..... ALL divers should have a cutting device when they dive, preferably more than one. The type and style should be appropriate for the environment. In CA I carry a small knife on my waistband and shears in my pocket. I require all students to have a cutting device on all dives.

To your question, yes...bring it.

 

[fisheater]

I see your point about a cutting device such as EEZ cut not having wide enough opening to allow a bull kelp stalk through it, but has anyone ever gotten entangled in bull kelp? Seems unlikely, but I have no idea.

Yes. On the Sonoma Coast. Not exactly uncommon.

 

[Peter_C]

has anyone ever gotten entangled in bull kelp? Seems unlikely, but I have no idea.

I have numerous times been caught up in kelp. We also lose abalone divers regularly, and I know of one that was caught on the kelp by his knife sheath and there have been many others found just a few feet from the surface...dead.

Although I fear fishing line more and have been caught by a fisherman inside a marine reserve. Shears worked great for cutting a decorator crab loose.

 

[fnfalman]

The el cheapo trauma shears work great for cutting fishing lines. Cheap and non-offensive to the sheepeoples.

As far as kelps go, don't get entangled. You should be able to glide effortlessly between the stalks.

 

[WhiteSands]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll pack my dive knife then, don't feel safe without a cutting instrument around me.

---------- Post added November 5th, 2013 at 11:33 AM ----------

Most California divers take dive knives on their dives. Sizes vary greatly. Don't worry, bring it without hesitation.

Hi,
May I know how to make a similar knife? What do you use to cut it, and grind the rounded corner? I don't have any electrical tools to help though, but I'd really like to make something like that.

 

[vladodessit]

Thanks for the input everyone. I'll pack my dive knife then, don't feel safe without a cutting instrument around me.

---------- Post added November 5th, 2013 at 11:33 AM ---------


Hi,
May I know how to make a similar knife? What do you use to cut it, and grind the rounded corner? I don't have any electrical tools to help though, but I'd really like to make something like that.

I wasn't the one that posted it but will answer anyway. As far as I know this is a DIR or hogarthian knife. Originally, those were steak knives with tips broken/cut/ground off. Most dive shops that cater to DIR/tech/cave divers will have those for sale (for example Cutting Tools - Dive Gear Express). If you ask me, something like Sea Elite Knife - Blunt Tip would work just as well. At sea but above water I always liked Spyderco products. So, if you want to go really cool (just for the sake of cool), something like this would work Spyderco Caspian2 Salt

 

[Peter_C]

I use a small 3" die grinder, or if setup already and it is handy a 4.5" grinder with a cut off wheel. Then a sander of some kind gently smooths the tip. All of it could be done with manual hand tools. With power tools I can modify a knife in about a minute.

For the first knife you might as well buy one pre-cut so as to get the sheath too. They typically sell for around $20. Making the sheath takes a very heavy duty sewing machine, which usually has a walking foot.

 

[WhiteSands]

Ok thanks. I was thinking $20 for a sawed off steak knife was daylight robbery! lol! But guess I don't really have a choice..

 

[ScubaNoey]

Alternatively you could just get an EezyCut | emergency cutting toolsEezyCut | emergency cutting tools or similar cutting tool, which may be more useful in the long run, depending on your needs

I use shears which work great.