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Taking openwater scuba and need a knife
- Thread starter phungy
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Course syllabus says to cut ropes in case of entanglement. We're heading to the Florida Keys though, I've been there once when I was really young. I'm not familiar with the area.
phungy said:
Oh, well here's the links to the ads at the bottom.
http://www.allthingsscuba.com/?gclid=CLikmOzX4JACFScXagodOQblWA
http://www.divers-supply.com/?Click=12523&gclid=CJjKvarY4JACFQU6awodtEYjXQ
http://www.leisurepro.com/
I should have been more clear. I meant to ask if anyone had recommendations. I've already been to the sites that Cassie provided.
Oh, well here's the links to the ads at the bottom.
http://www.allthingsscuba.com/?gclid=CLikmOzX4JACFScXagodOQblWA
http://www.divers-supply.com/?Click=12523&gclid=CJjKvarY4JACFQU6awodtEYjXQ
http://www.leisurepro.com/
Thank you
I've been diving for about 5 years, so I'll try to give you some advice. First off, where to buy the gear. I'm extremely fond of www.scubatoys.com. Scuba Toys is an actual shop in Dallas, TX. I bought my first set of gear from a local shop, and have bought everything since then from ScubaToys. I've found that they have the best price (and if you find a better one, they match it). Also, if you are a member of their forums, or www.scubaboard.com forums, you get 10% off....so basically they have the lowest price around, then take some more off. (no, I don't work for them, never have)
As for a knife....you aren't going to be stabbing anything. Ever. Your knife is to cut fishing line or rope that may entangle you. I've found the best tool for this is a pair of EMT shears (http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=KN25) They don't look half as cool as a big knife on your leg, but their functionality is perfect. If you do decide you want a real knife, go with something with a blunt tip. You often can't actually see the holster underwater, so making it harder to cut/stab yourself is good. Plus the square tip can be used for prying and whatnot. (http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Oceanic_Titanium_Knife) Titanium is really nice if you get a knife...never have to worry about corrosion, which is a problem even with stainless steel.
As for a knife....you aren't going to be stabbing anything. Ever. Your knife is to cut fishing line or rope that may entangle you. I've found the best tool for this is a pair of EMT shears (http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=KN25) They don't look half as cool as a big knife on your leg, but their functionality is perfect. If you do decide you want a real knife, go with something with a blunt tip. You often can't actually see the holster underwater, so making it harder to cut/stab yourself is good. Plus the square tip can be used for prying and whatnot. (http://scubatoys.com/store/detail.asp?PRODUCT_ID=Oceanic_Titanium_Knife) Titanium is really nice if you get a knife...never have to worry about corrosion, which is a problem even with stainless steel.
Sage advice.
The key is to be comfortable with your equipment. Imagine using it when you cannot see for whatever reason and have to rely on feel. What would be the most functional device to help you get out of a jam when you are entangled.
But if you must have a knife for the class, then you might want to ask the instructor for their recommendation.
The EMT shears are a great suggestion and definitely get a blunt tip if you absolutely need to have a knife. I'm always amused (and annoyed) by the jackasses I seem to always run into that think they need a machete to dive in the open ocean.
Kelp forests and areas where fishing is prevalent, it's a good idea to have something to cut with. I've dived everything from the Great Barrier Reef to the Florida Keys; I've never been entangled and I've never seen anyone entangled, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.
Kelp forests and areas where fishing is prevalent, it's a good idea to have something to cut with. I've dived everything from the Great Barrier Reef to the Florida Keys; I've never been entangled and I've never seen anyone entangled, but that doesn't mean it won't happen.