jrdivagrl:
I am a jr. ow diver and i am taking the advanced ow course. It requires that all divers have a dive knife. I am 13 and this will be my first knife. I want the dive knife to be a medium size and to last a long time, (and look cool obviously
. I would very much appreciate anyones input on knives that fit my description!
Sweetie: Even though you feel it is, looking cool ain't important. Sharpness, high strength, and reliability are what count. Color means nothing. The SEAL's are issued the SOG knife-you'll find it on the net under SOG. Randall Made Knives, Orlando, Florida are handmade, expensive, worth every penny, and have been used in combat for 60+ years. Probable too high for you until you have saved some money, but they are what I use.
Gerber and Kershaw are good too, as are some of the others previously recommended to you. Ocean Master is hard to beat for the money, especially the Titanium. The people who really know (and teach) diving will judge you by your behavior and the quality of your equipment, not your sense of fashion.
You are investing in a tool that someday you may have to use to save your own or someone else's life. Don't try to get by cheap--knives that are cheap are cheap for a reason, and that is because they are made of low quality materials and with poor workmanship. The SEAL's don't go in the water with junk, and neither should you. The EMT shears should be pro quality, like the others have said. You need one knife befitting your physical size for a leg or your belt, and a small one to put on an arm.
This isn't a dress-up dance you're going to. Water is an absolutely unforgiving environment, and in or on it you are staking your life on the equipment you have with you. A $15 or $20 knife instills false confidence-would you fly in a $15 or $20 airplane? I don't think so!! If you're 100 feet down and desperately need your knife, a "look cool" appearance won't be at the top of your "things to do list", will it? Now, keep your wits about you, and go have fun!!!
With love from Iowa,
an old River Rat (and "once upon a time" Marine)