Best Dive Knife

If you scuba dive, go spearfishing, or even snorkel, it’s always a good idea to carry a knife. Contrary to what a lot of non-divers may think, a diving knife is not a weapon, which is why so many models have a blunt tip. Instead, it’s a tool that could save your life.

But which is the best dive knife?

Divers use knives to cut lines, free themselves or their buddy from fishing nets, or free marine life tangled in the same predicament. Knives can also be used for “tank knocking” to get your buddy’s attention while underwater. You can even use your knife as an anchor, a bit like a climbing piton, on slippery rocks or sand.

Diving knives come in a range of designs, sizes, and colors, and bigger is not always better. Many divers carry two knives – a primary knife for big cutting jobs and a smaller one as a back-up.

For this article, we’ve reviewed 12 popular models so you can buy the best dive knife for your needs.

Best Dive Knife

1. Promate Barracuda

 

Titanium is one of the best materials for making dive knives. Titanium knives are very light, strong, and corrosion-resistant. They also hold their edge really well. On the downside, they can be harder to sharpen. This 5” titanium dive knife is easy to deploy, use, and clean, and should provide many years of faithful service.

Key Features

• Full-length solid titanium blade
• Serrated rope cutter
• Line cutting notch
• Hammer built into the handle
• Full-width tang (thumb guard)
• Supplied with a plastic sheath and quick release attachment straps
• Handle loop option for added security
• Textured non-slip rubber handle

This product has everything you need for diving. The point, main blade, line cutting notch, and serrated edge are all made of ultra-hard, super-sharp titanium, giving you lots of cutting options. It can be worn as an ankle knife, on your thigh, your belt, or even your BCD. Despite its lightness, this knife is all but unbreakable.

Pros

• Light and durable
• Can be worn almost anywhere
• Very sharp
• Several cutting options, including sawing
• Well-priced for a titanium knife

Cons

• Maybe too long for some users
• More expensive than similar stainless-steel knives

If titanium has a downside, it is that it’s expensive. That said, while this IS a relatively expensive dive knife, unless you lose it, it should last a lifetime and without needing any maintenance. In contrast, a cheaper steel knife will require more looking after, and may even rust.

2. Aqua Lung Big Squeeze

 

Most dive knives have a fixed blade. While this makes them easy to use, it also means they are long and aren’t always easy to wear. Some are too long to be taken on flights – even in checked baggage. This folding knife from Aqua Lung is easy to deploy, but is much smaller when folded, making it less obtrusive.

Key Features

• One-handed squeeze to open mechanism
• Blade locks in position for safety
• Integrated BC connection points – no sheath required
• 4 ½ inch blade
• Double-edged point, straight and serrated edge, and line cutting notch
• Available with a sharp or blunt tip
• Available with 304 stainless steel or titanium blade
• Nylon and fiberglass non-slip handle

This is not your average folding pocketknife. Instead, it’s a serious diving knife that also happens to be foldable. Ideal for travel, if you want a less obtrusive but still highly functional dive knife, this could be the product for you.

Pros

• Good choice of blade options
• Compact and easy to handle
• Can also be worn in the open position with a suitable sheath
• Very light

Cons

• Titanium can be hard to sharpen

This is an excellent alternative to a more traditional full-length diving knife. While some divers will always prefer an ankle sheath knife, it’s always nice to have the choice of an equally functional alternative.

3. Blue Reef Folding

 

When it comes to diving knives, size isn’t everything! After all, a knife is a tool for cutting lines and other similar tasks. This compact knife has a 3 ½ inch blade, but that should be more than big enough for most, if not all, cutting jobs.

Key Features

• Full titanium blade
• Sliding/locking lanyard for security
• Dual-edged drop point tip
• Line cutting notch
• Partly serrated blade
• Available in seven colors
• Can be opened with one hand

This nice-looking knife is an excellent alternative to longer, more expensive sheath knives. You can clip it to your waist belt or BCD for easy access and open it with one hand if necessary. It might not be the biggest, but it should be more than enough for 99% of the jobs you’ll face during a dive.

Pros

• Well-priced
• Light and compact
• Good looking design
• Easy to use

Cons

• Some divers will prefer an easier to deploy sheath knife
• Hard to open when wearing diving gloves

This compact, neat folding knife is ideal for use as a back-up, but also sharp and strong enough to be your primary knife if you prefer not to carry a sheath knife. Well-made and well-priced, this folder is highly recommended.

4. Punada Scuba Diving Knife

 

Diving knives can be expensive, but they don’t have to be. While it’s true you get what you pay for, this budget knife is a good alternative to more costly models and is supplied with a sturdy protective sheath. For the price, it’s hard to beat.

Key Features

• 440c stainless steel blade
• Wrapped paracord handle
• Double-edged drop point
• Serrated and straight cutting edges
• Click-in secure ABS safety sheath and secondary nylon sheath
• Supplied with four straps
• Can be worn on the upper or lower arms or legs, or on a belt

This is not a pure diving knife. The paracord handle, while useful on dry land in survival situations, will soak up water when immersed. It will hold water close to the metal of the handle, and that could lead to rust. That said, you don’t need to leave the paracord wrapped around the handle. Remove it, and you’ve got a functional diving knife for very little money.

Pros

• Very well-priced
• Easy to sharpen
• Supplied with two sheaths

Cons

• Paracord handle is not ideal for diving situations
• Won’t hold its edge for long

440c stainless steel is easy to sharpen because it’s soft. That means it will blunt easily too. You may need to re-sharpen this knife after every few uses. That small issue aside, for the price, this knife is a very budget-friendly option. While it’s probably a better bushcraft or kayak knife than a diving knife, it can be used for that purpose.

5. Tusa FK Mini

Drop-tip knives are very sharp and pointy. For divers, a knife is for cutting, and not stabbing. This mini dive knife from Tusa is also available with a blunt tip, making it safer and less likely to accidentally cause injury.

Key Features

• Serrated and straight cutting edges
• Click and release plastic sheath
• Short 2 7/8” stainless steel blade
• Built-in belt clip in the back of the sheath
• Non-slip handle
• Available in three colors and two-blade designs

This is a very small knife. Some divers prefer to carry something larger, whereas others like a more compact tool. At 6” long, including the handle, this knife is ideal for light cutting jobs, but may not be big or heavy enough for more heavy-duty tasks. It is an ideal second knife and can be attached to almost any strap for easy access.

Pros

• Very compact
• Good choice of colors and blade designs
• Holds an edge well
• Well-priced

Cons

• Maybe too small for some users
• No attachment straps supplied

This is a compact, basic knife that’s ideal for divers who don’t expect to do much heavy cutting. It’s light, well-priced, and stays sharp. However, it may not be big enough for your primary diving knife.

6. Atomic Aquatics Ti6

 

If you were asked to picture a diving knife in your mind, it would probably look a lot like this model. Made from titanium, this is a classically-styled design that can be worn on your lower or upper leg, or attached to your gear as preferred.

Key Features

• Four-inch blade
• Serrated and straight cutting edges
• Line cutting notch
• Locking plastic sheath with push-button release
• Supplied with two quick-release adjustable straps
• Textured, grooved handle
• Full tang
• Available with a blunt or drop-tip point

This product is ideal as a primary diving knife. It’s long and robust enough for most cutting jobs, but the line notch means it can be used for smaller jobs too. Light, easy attach to your gear, and made from rust-free titanium, this is a superior product that should last a lifetime.

Pros

• Well-made
• Very comfortable handle
• Lots of attachment/carry options
• Very secure sheath

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Not as sharp as a steel blade

If you are looking for one knife that does it all, this one is a good choice. Not too big, but not too small either, it’s a reliable tool that won’t rust and needs no ongoing maintenance. Titanium is a little harder to sharpen than steel, but it also tends to hold its edge for longer. All in all, this is a great product.

7. Aqua Lung Big Squeeze Blunt Tip

 

A lot of diving knives have a blunt tip. This might seem odd, but it’s actually a useful safety feature that will stop you from accidentally stabbing yourself. However, the cutting edge works just as you’d expect. This big dive knife from Aqua Lung comes with a sheath and is deployed by simply squeezing the handle.

Key Features

• 4 ½” blade
• Overall length 9 ½”
• Locking sheath system releases the knife with a squeeze of the handle
• Blade made from 304 stainless steel
• Cutting notch and semi-serrated blade
• Textured rubberized handle
• Supplied with leg straps
• The sheath has a built-in clip for attaching to your gear

Dive knives come in a variety of sizes, and this is one of the bigger models on review. If you anticipate having to cut ropes, this could be the option for you. But, if you only want a small tool for occasional, light cutting jobs, this may be too much knife for your needs.

Pros

• Well-priced
• Strong and sturdy
• Excellent sheath
• Excellent quality blade

Cons

• Maybe too big for some divers
• Very small tang

In some situations, bigger knives are more useful than smaller ones. They’re especially useful for cutting thick ropes or using as prybars. However, they can also be trickier to carry. If you need a bigger knife, this well-priced model is an excellent option.

8. XS Scuba FogCutter X Knife

 

When is a dive knife not a dive knife? When it’s a FogCutter X Knife! This unique diving tool can be used to cut almost anything as it’s not just a straight blade but a pair of heavy-duty cutting shears too. This unusual product could be the only diving tool you ever need.

Key Features

• 420 stainless steel blades
• Serrated and straight cutting edges
• Line notch
• Available with a drop-point or blunt tip
• Locking plastic sheath
• Full tang
• Built-in shears
• Supplied with leg straps with quick-release buckles

This knife turns into a pair of heavy-duty shears at the flip of a latch. The handle springs open, and you can then use the shears for tough cutting jobs, like cutting wire. With the handle latched shut, this product works like a regular dive knife. It’s a versatile tool.

Pros

• Easy to use
• Well-made
• Holds a good edge
• Can be attached to kit or worn on your upper or lower leg as required

Cons

• Has a tendency to slide out of the sheath

Because of a small design flaw, some users report that the knife sometimes slides clear of the sheath. Because of this, you should use a lanyard to avoid accidentally dropping your knife. That small issue aside, this is a good diver’s knife with the advantage of also being a tough set of cutting shears.

9. Cressi USA Alligator

 

Cressi is a well-known diving equipment manufacturer. Their gear is always good quality and fit for purpose. This multi-functional dive knife can cope with almost any cutting job, making it the ideal all-in-one knife solution for scuba, snorkeling, and fishing.

Key Features

• 420 stainless steel drop-point blade
• Serrated and straight cutting edge with line notch
• Shears function for heavy-duty cutting jobs
• Secure click-home sheath
• Supplied with leg straps

This knife converts quickly and easily from a knife into a pair of sturdy shears that are strong enough to cut through wire and plastic. Easy to deploy, and made from high-quality stainless steel, this product is a good option for divers who want to be prepared for any and all cutting jobs.

Pros

• Compact design
• Can be used for a wide range of cutting jobs
• Light and easy to use
• Holds a good edge

Cons

• Some users report that the shears rust shut

With more moving parts than a typical dive knife, there are reports of this product rusting shut. Avoid this problem by rinsing the knife in freshwater after use and oiling the hinge of the shears. If you do that, this cutting tool should provide years of trouble-free service.

10. EezyCut Trilobite Webbing and Line Knife

 

If sheath and folding knives have a disadvantage, it is that they can cut indiscriminately. A slip could result in serious injury. For that reason, a lot of divers prefer to carry a specialized line cutter that has no exposed edges and won’t cause accidents.

Key Features

• Twin stainless-steel blades
• Blades housed within a plastic molding for safety
• Clips onto your gear
• Very small and compact

Most diving cutting jobs involve cutting through lines. That’s why most dive knives have a line-cutting notch. This line cutter has no exposed blades, making it super-safe, but still perfect for your main diving knife needs.

Pros

• Very safe
• Easy to carry/wear
• Available in lots of different colors
• Several different mounting options available

Cons

• Only suitable for cutting lines and webbing

This is a good alternative for divers who are nervous about carrying a bigger fixed blade or folding knife. It’s also an ideal back-up for those times you may not be able to reach your primary knife. Safe and functional, this is a handy product.

11. Underwater Kinetics Remora

 

Diving knife blades are usually either drop-pointed or blunt. This knife offers a third option and has a slanted tanto point. Available with a hydroalloy or more expensive titanium blade, this knife is designed to clip and stay on your regulator hose for instant access.

Key Features

• 2” ultra-sharp blade
• Secure sheath
• Made from corrosion-resistant materials
• Serrated and straight cutting edges
• Supplied with a second sheath for clipping to gear straps
• Non-slip rubber inserts on the handle

This versatile knife is not just good for divers; it’s also suitable for kayakers, anglers, campers, and anyone else who needs a small but sharp cutting tool. The two sheaths mean you can attach this knife to almost any piece of kit, from a kayaking PFD to your diving BCA, to a rucksack shoulder strap.

Pros

• Very compact
• Both types of blade are very rust resistant
• Easy to deploy

Cons

• The titanium version is quite expensive

While the hydroalloy version of this knife is well-priced, the titanium version is almost twice as expensive and offers no real advantages over the cheaper model. This is a neat little knife that will always be ready for use, but the regular hydroalloy version is arguably the best option for most divers.

12. Scubapro Mako

 

Diving knives are tools and not weapons. It’s a myth that divers carry knives to fight off hungry sharks! The scubapro Mako has multiple functions, so you can use it for a range of cutting and other underwater tasks.

Key Features

• 3 ½” titanium blade
• Serrated and straight cutting edges
• Line cutting notch
• Bottle opener at the end of the handle
• Contoured, non-slip handle
• Large thumb guard
• Locking sheath to keep the knife secure
• BCD mounting straps supplied

Whether you want to saw through rope, fillet a fish, cut a fishing line, or open a post-dive beer, this knife does it all. The blade is arguably the ideal length for almost all cutting jobs and won’t impede you during your dive. Easy to deploy, this is a great product that will last a lifetime.

Pros

• Won’t rust
• Can be deployed single-handed
• Can be mounted on gear or carried on your person
• Has a hole in the handle to attach a lanyard

Cons

• Quite expensive
• Harder to sharpen than a stainless-steel blade

Titanium is invariably more expensive than stainless steel. However, it’s also lighter, stronger, and harder, so it holds an edge better. This knife is ideal for most diving situations, being rustproof, sharp, and light. Most divers don’t need a longer blade, and this high-quality knife should be more than enough for most cutting jobs.

Bottom Line

A good quality knife should be part of every diver’s equipment. They’re crucial tools that could save your life! Tangled in a fishing net? You’ll need to cut your way out. Need to signal your divemaster? A knife will help. Want to fillet and clean the fish you just speared? Grab your trusty knife and get to it.

Whether you scuba dive or snorkel, a knife is a very useful tool.

Now, you don’t need to carry a machete-sized knife. In fact, for diving, smaller is often better. Smaller knives are less obtrusive, easier to attach to your gear, or if you wear it on your person, less likely to impede your swimming or get caught on obstacles.

But, despite their smaller size, compact models have all the cutting power of bigger diving knives. Especially if you get one with a straight and a serrated blade. Serrated blades are better for sawing through rope, whereas straight edges cut more cleanly.

Whatever knife you choose, you’ll find the best one for your needs reviewed in this article.