Knife Use and Size

[Kohanbash]

Hi all
2 Questions.

1. Based on actual situations is there a good reason to carry a 5" knife (or larger) as opposed to a smaller 3" small dive knife?

2. What are situations that require a knife that a basic line cutter (such as trilobite line cutter) does not handle?

Thanks

 

[KevinNM]

Prying is the only use I can think of. I'd say in general EMT shears are more likely to be useful than a knife for anything you need to cut, but trilobites are great for typical lines.

 

[MAKO Spearguns]

For spearfishing, a pointy knife to dispatch a fish can be very important.

As mentioned, a large heavy knife can be useful for prying things, but that should be pretty rare for most divers.

Addressing fishing line is probably the most important function of a diver's cutting device - and for this there are better choices than a knife. However, there is the possibility that you may have to deal with rope and for this application, a serrated knife is probably the best tool.

Fighting off dangerous marine creatures is so far down on the list, it is should not even be a consideration.

Dive Safe
dano

 

[2airishuman]

Rope and vegetation are the things that come to mind, but I don't carry anything more than a line cutter and haven't wished for more on any dive.

 

[rabe]

It doesn't matter how big or long, what is important is the blunt end*.
I find it very useful in so many occasion, and especially when I need a quick fix on my rig.

I have a Tusa FK-920 https://www.scubastore.com/f/109/1096914/tusa-fk-920-x-pert-ii-blunt-tip.jpg
It's good, but the blade tends to rust...






*(a "That's what she said" joke is appropriate here)

 

[rongoodman]

I carry a Trilobite on my waist belt and a folding Spyderco with a serrated blade as a back-up, but I've never used either one for anything as far as I recall.

 

[Russoft]

1.) yes

2.) Cutting open coconuts (true story)

 

[TMHeimer]

Haven't used the knife in my 12 years. My brother used a real big one for digging up clams. Last year he lost it and his old spear gun busted the same day.

 

[PfcAJ]

Small blunt tip knife for me. Never once had to pry anything or fight off sharks or assassins.

I'd have a pointy knife (in addition to my standard-issue blunt knife) if I was a spearo.

 

[CuzzA]

I'd have a pointy knife (in addition to my standard-issue blunt knife) if I was a spearo.

and EMT shears for the lionfish.