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Department of Homeland Security Warning Notice |
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| Dive knives are offered in a variety of
materials, sizes and shapes, and when purchasing one it
is important to remember that dive knives are tools, not
weapons. Below are a few tips that will help you make an
informed decision on what kind of dive knife will best
suit your needs as a diver. |
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Size |
| Large Knives (over 5 inch blade): Although many
people think "the larger the knife the better,"
large dive knives can be awkward and can easily cut
you or puncture you BC. You should buy a knife that
will be useful to you as a diver- not an underwater
warrior. |
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Medium Sized Knives (4-5 inch blade): The most
practical dive knives are medium sized ones which
are small enough to mount onto your BC, leg, or arm,
but large enough for you to grip securely. A dive
knife with a four to five inch blade and similar
sized handle is easily managed and can be a very
useful tool once underwater. |
| Mini Knives (2-3 inch blade): If buying a
mini knife
(which can be small enough to clamp onto a hose)
make sure that the handle is longer than 2-3 inches
so you can grip it securely, especially with gloves
on. |
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Shape
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| Straight vs. Serrated Edges:
Straight edges cut plastic better- this includes monofilament
fishing line and nylon rope- while serrated edges are more
efficient at cutting natural fiber rope and kelp. With a serrated knife, serrations should run almost the entire length
of the blade, making it possible to use a good sawing motion.
Many dive knives have both straight and serrated edges,
making them great in a variety of situations. |
| Sharp Tip vs. Blunt Tip:
Sharp
tips most commonly used for spearfishing purposes. For other
purposes such as prying, digging, hacking, and chiseling,
however, it is easy to break a sharp tip off- this is where a
blunt tip is useful. Sharp tips can also cut you or puncture
your BC, so for a safe and effective tool, a blunt tip is the
best. |
| Line Cutting Notch: You should
also look for a line cutting notch, which can come in handy when
cutting small lines. |
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