excessive for a dive knife?

[michaelray]

before i went out and purchased a knife specific to diving I wanted to see if one of my existing fixed blades is considered "too much" for diving. I'm not really afraid of having to defend myself, but the thought of carrying a blade only a couple of inches long doesn't sit well. One of my backpacking knives that i'm considering for use is a SOG Tigershark: SOG Tigershark . Too much? Maybe not too much, but too intimidating for fellow divers?

cheers - michael

[Scuba Pete]

The knife will work, but it might be a little overkill. The only thing you really need a knife for underwater is to free yourself from monofilament or neting. I know some people that only carry shears and no knife. You know, different strokes for different folks.

[michaelray]

fair enough. i sorta thought it might be, but didnt want to go out and buy something new if it was within "normal". i guess the fact that most dive-specific knives are between 4 and 6" would have been an indicator.

[Dive Rong]

The SOG should work just fine. Don't get caught up in the 80's "PADI vs NASDS soft lingo" when they started calling a dive knife a "dive tool". Its a knife... and a knife is a weapon. Real men carry weapons. I carry a 7 3/4" blade USD Sea Hawk (overall 12.5") on my right thigh, and a 5" titanium drop point on my left calf. Yes... a lot of people "snicker" on the dive boats... but they think that I'm a "wacko" and always move away giving me plenty of room to gear up.

[scubadiver888]

As Scuba Pete said, many people only carry shears. They are better at cutting plus less chance of slipping and cutting yourself or your equipment.

Personally, I carry a 3.5" blunt tip blade. It has a slot to act like a Z-knife, a serrated edge and a straight edge. I haven't been diving in the ocean yet but when I do I'll add a set of medical shears.

[fire diver]

That is serious overkill for a diving tool. AS stated already, a knife is there to cut you free of small entanglements. Beside, if you go carrying that on dives, you will quickly become the butt of jokes from the other divers.

[navyhmc]

If it works for you, go for it. But think about tis before you take under: Is this a knife you're comfortable loosing? This is why my dive knife costs under $50. In fact my current knife is $20. Granted, I have only lost 2 knives over the years, but the risk is still there.

[Zeagle Eagle]

Originally Posted by navyhmc

If it works for you, go for it. But think about tis before you take under: Is this a knife you're comfortable loosing? This is why my dive knife costs under $50. In fact my current knife is $20. Granted, I have only lost 2 knives over the years, but the risk is still there.

I am with you. I must have lost 20 knives over the years. I gave up wearing one, no matter how sexy I look wearing it. Now I just make sure my buddy has one.

[michaelray]

all valid points worth considering guys, thanks! i'm definitely partial to SOG and Muela knives as both have served me well in wilderness excursions. i might look for something half the size (and probably half the price).

[Splitlip]

Originally Posted by michaelray

before i went out and purchased a knife specific to diving I wanted to see if one of my existing fixed blades is considered "too much" for diving. I'm not really afraid of having to defend myself, but the thought of carrying a blade only a couple of inches long doesn't sit well. One of my backpacking knives that i'm considering for use is a SOG Tigershark: SOG Tigershark . Too much? Maybe not too much, but too intimidating for fellow divers?

cheers - michael

Yeah, more than you need. I am not one however to judge a guy by the metal he carries.

I used to wear a big old gladius on my thigh, but just not needed. I have a number of good blades for dry land and a few for the water.

I even wear a Spyderco H2 Salt folder clipped off in my board shorts on the wax comb loop when I swim or surf. (rule # 9. Never go anywhere without a knife)

When I dive, I have a spyderco folder clipped off in a pocket as well as shears. On my BC, I have a <$10.00 knife (the one most likely to be used and lost) in a sheath on my waist. It is very sharp and I have several spares. Also have a $10.00 Z-knife on the shoulder.