Dive Knife — What It Is and Why It Matters

A dive knife is a cutting tool carried by scuba divers as a safety device for freeing themselves from entanglement in fishing line, kelp, nets, or other underwater obstructions. Modern dive cutting tools range from traditional fixed-blade knives to compact line cutters, shears, and Z-knives (hook-blade cutters) that are safer and more practical for most entanglement scenarios.

Dive knives are made from titanium (lightweight, corrosion-resistant, non-magnetic) or stainless steel (harder edge, heavier, requires more maintenance). Mounting locations include the BCD, thigh straps, arm straps, or console hose. Many divers carry a small line cutter as their primary tool and a larger knife as backup.