Dive Knife and Wrist Compass

[PfcAJ]

A compass is a really good tool to have, hopefully you'll learn a lot about in in your class. I prefer a wrist mounted version.

For the knife, something small will do just fine. As others have said, a pointy end is not as practical as a blunt tip. Its a great way to poke a hole in you or your suit/equipment. Now, if you're spearing, thats another story.

I've owned a z-knife, and they tend to rust. Rust metal will break at the most inopportune time, and I don't want to mess with it. When I need it, I want it to work. Also, I've found many z-knives, probably from the wearing out of the velcro. Once again, when I need it, I want it to be there.

A good knife (scubapro k3 is what I use) will cut through webbing and line in very short order. Never any rusting, and I'm real pleased with it.

 

[cmburch]

Do not depend on a knife or any cutting device to free oneself from kelp. Some have dropped their knives while using. Good luck on finding it unless it has a bright handle. And after dropping must depend on some other means to untangle kelp.

If possible, do not dive during low tide when the surface mats are thickest. When surfacing in kelp, look for an opening or sparse surface mats and lead with your hands. We normally submerge and surface on the edges or outside the kelp beds. The last couple of years the kelp is so thick there seems to be no edge at times.

If stuck in Kelp:
Look and feel what is hung up. Stay calm. Do not rotate and wrap it around more. It is normally enough to back-up a little to loosen the kelp for removal. A buddy can sometimes assist. Individual stipes can be broken easily with hands if need be. Some use their teeth on individual stipes. Bull kelp stalk is too thick to break.

Take note of what got hung up and try to minimize items that stick out such as knife on calf, large non-bending snorkels, fin buckles, etc.

Sometimes a new diver with uncontrolled buoyancy will surface in a thick surface mat of kelp. Some divers will do the rotation trying to loosen while swimming though the kelp forest only making it worse. Some divers try to surface swim on their backs through kelp mats.

 

[oly5050user]

we require the student to provide compass and a cutting tool for their ow training dives...how is the student to demonstrate required compass use during their training dive if they do not own one? Remember that the student will hopefully be diving without a dm/instr once certified and will need this equipment . Start good habits early on and do not take shortcuts.

 

[diver00014]

Lots of good advice here so i will throw mine into the pool as well.

Both of the above mentioned items fall into the { Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it } category for me.

I pride my self in the ability to find my way back where i started without the help of another. As for the knife, it's small, inexpensive and easy to carry.

Now haveing said that, In over 1000 dives i have never had to use my knife for anything life threatening [entanglement ect...] but i use the compass on every dive.

 

[Buoyant1]

I always have both....I'm not great at navigation, but a compass is a necessary piece of gear. If you get tangled in something, it's always good to have something to cut yourself out of it...I hope I never need it, but knowing it's there works!