Do i need IT?

[TAH 73]

I feel that some sort of cutting device is about as manditory as a mask/fin's/snorkel.
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<DIV>On my OW checkout diveI actually got nto some fishing line.</DIV>
<DIV>I panicked slightly, but the DM had some sea-snips and had me freed up in a jiffy. Since thenI have always carried a couple of cutting devices.</DIV>
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<DIV>Fiancee just got her Sea Snips.</DIV>
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[diver_daver]

You should have either a knife or cutting shears as part of your basic scuba kit. One of the main reasons for a knife is that the place scuba divers like to dive is also the same place fishermen like to fish! You don't usually see fishing line until your very close.

Now, you don't need the big 15" shark sticker strapped to the side of your leg either. Take a look at some of the mounting options, inside of leg, shoulder strap of your bc, belt or waist pocket of your bc, inside a pocket, etc.

[Illini_Fan]

I just started diving about 7 months ago and, outside of BCD, regs, wetsuit, type stuff, I've purchased:

- save a dive kit -- this was more an assembly of items than a single purchase
- lights, both a primary and secondary. I like have a small light attached to my BC even during scuba park dives, it comes in handy
- safety whistle and safety sausage
- knife
- slate
- simple first aid kit
- tarps and ropes for setting gear on at the scuba park

[Wolfie2012]

I would agree with carrying some kind of cutting utensil with you. You'll probably find more fishing line in a smaller body of freshwater than you would in the ocean. I know that most that I've seen have been in freshwater quarries &amp; lakes.
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<DIV>If you don't want to carry a knife, or can't justify the cost, pick up a pair of emt shears which you can get for a couple dollars on ebay or elsewhere. The shears will generally cut fishing line more efficiently anyway.</DIV>

[medic001918]

I have to agree with others. A knife should be included in anyone's kit. It doesn't need to be a large knife. In fact, mine is rather small (leave the joke's alone guys). But it's there and it's accessable should I need it. You never know what you may encounter under the water...There's all kinds of fishing line, ropes, etc that you may need to cut through for a number of reason's.
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Shane</DIV>

[ertechsg]

Buy a pair of cheap emt shears, then you don't have to worry aboutslicing the bladder on your bc.

[HoosierDaddy]

I think the dive knife or some form of cutting tool is the most important accesssory you could have.
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<DIV>You may never need it, but it sure is nice to have it when you do. Ropes, fishing line, nets... There are all kinds of things you could get caught in and an knife or shears would help you get out, maybe save your life.</DIV>
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<DIV>I need to look into EMT Shears... </DIV>

[cummings66]

I've had to use my knife 3 times in 2 years. I think I could have probably gotten out of the entanglement without it but we'll never know since I used it.
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<DIV>My rule of thumb is I'll try and break the line with my hands first, failing that I cut it. Unless it's obvious I can't get out without cutting like some thick 3/4 inch stuff I got hooked on once.</DIV>

[frankc420]

You can go to Walmart and buy a cheap SS knife, the fold out kind would be preferred if your going that route.

[techgnostic]

Between a small blunt tipped knife and EMT shears, you should have all your bases covered, both on shore and in water. (The shears never fail to come in handy pre/post dive, for non-rescue situations...)