The 7 Best Scuba Diving Knives: Stay Safe, Stay Sharp

Having one of the best scuba diving knives in your arsenal can make all the difference in an emergency. However, with so many options in the market, choosing one can be a daunting task.

Although a diving knife is more of a “better to have” than a “need to have, “it’s best to carry one. You can use it to free yourself from entanglements or cut a trapped animal out of a bundle of rope. It can also aid in clearing debris. Consider the blade material, grip, and sheath when buying a dive knife. 

This post will guide you through the best scuba diving knives. From the best scuba knife for beginners to the best budget scuba knife, we dive into various knives for scuba diving for different needs.

The Quick List – 3 Best Scuba Knives 

1. Best High-End Scuba Diving Knife: Scubapro Mako Titanium Knife
2. Best Scuba Knife for Beginners: Blue Reef Scuba Titanium Folding Knife
3. Best Budget Scuba Knife: TUSA X-Pert 2 Titanium Knife

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The Purpose of Scuba Dive Knives

While a scuba diving knife isn’t the most significant gear for divers, it’s worth carrying. You can use it to cut through ropes, netting, and other materials you get entangled in while diving. 

Additionally, dive knives can be used to deter marine animals. However, they’re not intended to be weapons but instead multi-functional tools. 

Also, you can use the blunt side of the knife to gently tap your buddy’s tank or regulator to get their attention in noisy environments. While your dive knife will remain unused on most dives, it’s best to carry it as a safety precaution in case of emergency.

Now, a dive knife and a dive tool are two distinct components in a diver’s arsenal. The latter refers to a broader category of equipment used for various tasks during diving. This includes shears, multitools, or line cutters, which serve specific functions like performing equipment maintenance. 

Therefore, although a dive knife is a type of dive tool, not all dive tools are knives.

7 Best Scuba Diving Knives 

1.  Scubapro Mako Titanium Knife

Our Expert Opinion: Best High-End Scuba Diving Knife

The Scubapro Mako Titanium Dive Knife combines every feature underwater enthusiasts could want on their adventures. It has a serrated cutting edge, a line cutter, and a tanto-type knife tip that adds precision to its design. Additionally, it comes with a high-quality sheath that holds the knife in place securely. Despite its small size and higher price tag, it’s one of the best scuba diving knives that combines functionality, durability, and convenience.

What You Need to Know

High-quality gear and Scubapro are synonymous, and the Mako Titanium Dive Knife is no exception. It offers lightweight and corrosion-free performance thanks to its hardened titanium construction.

The multi-function blade features a conventional straight edge for easy slicing through various materials. It also has a serrated edge for sawing heavier ropes and branches and a line cutter for lighter rope and fishing lines. 

Moreover, the Mako has an over-molded plastic handle that incorporates a full tang blade, ensuring durability. The handle also features an eyelet for attaching a wrist lanyard. And the durable plastic sheath is equipped with a unique locking mechanism, allowing for one-handed knife release. 

Specs & Features

• Price: $155.00
• Blade type: Partial Serrated-Edge & Straight-Edge
• Blade length: 3.34″ (8.5cm)
• Overall length: 7.48″ (19cm)
• Material: Hardened Titanium (Blade); Over-Molded Plastic (Handle)
• Sheath: Yes, Plastic w/Leg/Arm Straps
• Line cutter: Yes

What We Like

• Small and lightweight, so easy to carry and store
• Blunt and sharp tip
• Made from titanium
• High-quality sheath

What We Don’t Like

• Thin handle makes gripping difficult

2.  Blue Reef Scuba Titanium Folding Knife

Our Expert Opinion: Best Scuba Knife for Beginners

Blue Reef’s Folding Knife is an excellent choice for divers with a few dives under their belt. It’s cost-effective yet stands out as one of the best scuba diving knives on the market. Plus, it’s compact enough to fit inside your BCD pouches, whereas most larger knives can’t. While it can be hard to unfold initially, this dive knife can last for years. 

What You Need to Know

The Blue Reef Folding Knife is crafted from titanium, offering benefits such as rust resistance, non-magnetism, and low maintenance. It features a sharp drop point tip, a partially serrated edge, and a line cutter, catering to everyday cutting needs.

Moreover, the knife is equipped with a spring-loaded lock that ensures safety. And it comes with a slide-locking lanyard for added security. As a result, you can conveniently clip it to your BCD or harness for easy access during underwater activities.

Specs & Features

• Price: $29.95
• Blade type: Partially Serrated Edge
• Blade length: 3.5″ (8.9cm) 
• Overall length: 8″ (20.3cm)
• Material: Titanium (Blade); Plastic (Handle)
• Sheath: –
• Line cutter: Yes

What We Like

• Compact and lightweight
• Affordable despite titanium construction
• Designed with a sharp drop point tip, a partially serrated edge, and a line cutter

What We Don’t Like

• Unfolding the knife can be difficult
• Line cutter isn’t concealed when the knife is folded
• TUSA X-Pert 2 Titanium Knife

Our Expert Opinion: Best Budget Scuba Knife

Tusa’s X-Pert II diving knife is one of the best knives for scuba diving that won’t burn a hole in your pocket. It’s designed with a serrated back edge and a sharp front cutting edge. And it includes a line cutter to slice through lines efficiently. The best part of this knife is that it’s crafted from titanium. Therefore, it’ll stay sharper longer and resist corrosion from seawater. All in all, its thoughtful design, combining functionality and durability, makes it a reliable tool for various purposes.

What You Need to Know

The Tusa X-Pert II Knife is among the best scuba diving knives thanks to its high-quality construction using corrosion-resistant titanium. It sports a 4.5″ (11cm) serrated edge and a line cutter on one side, complemented by a full straight edge. As a result, it’s versatile.

The X-Pert’s handle also offers an ergonomic grip, crafted from durable rubber and plastic. It also features a counterweight for enhanced handling and an eyelet for attaching a wrist lanyard.

The knife has a sheath equipped with a single-button lock mechanism, ensuring secure storage. The sheath further offers comfort through adjustable buckles and straps.

Specs & Features

• Price: $109.00
• Blade type: One-Side: Full Straight Edge; One-Side: Serrated Edge
• Blade length: 4.5″ (11cm)
• Overall length: 10″ (25cm)
• Material: 6-4Ti (Ti-6Al-4V) Titanium (Blade); Rubber & Plastic (Handle)
• Sheath: Yes, Plastic
• Line cutter: Yes

What We Like

• Lightweight thanks to titanium material
• Comes with a high-quality locking sheath
• Features a serrated edge and a large line-cutting notch

What We Don’t Like

• Handle isn’t made from the sturdiest material
• Aqualung Argonaut Knife 

Our Expert Opinion: Best Heavy-Duty Scuba Diving Knife

The Aqualung Argonaut Dive Knife is one of the best scuba knives on the market, thanks to its durability. It has a smooth and serrated edge, allowing you to cut various materials. Although it’s only available in black and pricier than most, its handle ensures a firm grip and will accompany you for years. A meticulous combination of design elements makes the Argonaut Dive Knife a top-tier choice for divers seeking reliability and functionality.

What You Need to Know

Aqualung’s Argonaut Dive Knife stands out as a robust, high-quality tool crafted explicitly for durability and versatility. The knife is constructed from a single piece of 4mm thick titanium and features a butt, handle, hilt, and blade. Additionally, the Blunt version has a chisel-like tip and rounded serrations on an entire side.

A black EDP coating adds both style and protection. The handle is meticulously wrapped with a 5mm paracord, securing a 5″ leash. Plus, the paracord wrap sits 1/2″ from the hilt, so there’s a designated spot for your forefinger, enhancing sheath grip.

The sheath, made from 2mm thick Kydex plastic, undergoes a thermoforming process, incorporating 1/8″ grommets. Moreover, each knife comes with a 2″ belt loop and BCD Mounting Hardware.

Specs & Features

• Price: $230.00
• Blade type: Serrated & straight-edged
• Blade length: 4-7/8″ (12.38cm)
• Overall length: 4-7/8″ (12.38cm)
• Material: Titanium w/EDP Coating (Blade); 5mm Paracord Wrap (Handle)
• Sheath: Yes
• Line cutter: Yes

What We Like

• Outstanding rust resistance thanks to EDP coating
• Handle is double wrapped in 5mm paracord, providing a non-slip grip
• Designed for other activities like freediving and spearfishing

What We Don’t Like

• Black material makes visibility underwater difficult
• Atomic Ti6 Titanium Knife

Our Expert Opinion: Best Scuba Knife for Versatility

Atomic Aquatics’ Ti6 Titanium Knife stands out for its corrosion resistance, lightweight design, ergonomic features, and practicality. Therefore, it’s an excellent choice for divers seeking a reliable and efficient tool underwater. Although it could come in brighter colors for enhanced visibility, it’s among the best scuba diving knives. 

What You Need to Know

The Atomic Aquatics Ti6 Titanium Knife offers a superior alternative to stainless steel dive knives. It’s crafted from titanium, which exhibits greater corrosion resistance and is lighter in weight. As a result, the Ti6 is not only more durable but also more desirable for divers.

Boasting a well-designed ergonomic handle, the Ti6 offers a secure grip. And its low-profile design enhances its practicality.

Furthermore, the Ti6 features a beautifully crafted honed full tang blade ideal for cutting fishing lines or kelp. Plus, the knife’s design incorporates a serrated and straight edge and a convenient line cutter.

Cold-water divers with limited dexterity benefit from the lanyard hole. As a result, the knife remains within reach despite thick mitts. The lightweight and durable molded plastic sheath, accompanied by quick-adjust buckles on leg straps, complements the knife’s design. 

Additionally, the Ti6 is available in both blunt and drop-point tip models, providing versatility for various diving needs. 

Specs & Features

• Price: $145.95
• Blade type: One-Side: Straight Edge (Curved), One-Side: Serrated
• Blade length: 4″ (10.2cm)
• Material: Titanium (Blade); Molded plastic (Handle)
• Sheath: Yes, Molded Plastic
• Line cutter: Yes

What We Like

• Made of titanium, which is corrosion-resistant and durable
• Molded handle with finger grooves for a secure grip
• Features a serrated edge and a large line-cutting notch
• Lightweight locking sheath with push-button release and quick-adjust straps

What We Don’t Like

• Doesn’t come in bright colors
• Straps may be difficult to adjust
• XS Scuba Neuro Knife

Our Expert Opinion: Best Scuba Knife Under $50

The Neuro Knife, designed by XS Scuba, is the best scuba diving knife under $50 that doesn’t neglect quality. Expect a rust-resistant stainless-steel blade, a serrated edge for effective rope cutting, and a self-locking sheath. Overall, the Neuro Knife provides a versatile and robust tool for underwater activities.

What You Need to Know

The XS Scuba Neuro Knife features a stainless-steel blade known for its rust-resistant properties. It also boasts a clip-point style with a line-notch cutter, a serrated edge for efficient rope cutting, and a protrusion for hammering.

Strength is further enhanced with the full tang blade extending through the handle. Also, the Neuro comes with a self-locking sheath that ensures a secure fit with an audible confirmation click.

The knife has a wide hilt guard and an attachment point on the handle for added safety. It also includes two 22″ (560mm) rubber leg straps with quick-release buckles. And the plastic handle features ridges for a secure grip. 

Specs & Features

• Price: $44.95
• Blade type: Serrated & straight-edged
• Blade length: 4.5″ (114mm)
• Overall length: 9″ (228mm)
• Material: 304-Stainless Steel (Blade); Plastic (Handle)
• Sheath: Yes, w/Rubber Leg Straps
• Line cutter: Yes

What We Like

• Excellent ergonomics, providing a comfortable grip and ease of use
• Multiple colors available
• Full tang runs the length of the handle for strength and rigidity

What We Don’t Like

• May require more effort to cut through certain materials
• Underwater Kinetics Blue-Tang Titanium Knife

Our Expert Opinion: Best Safety-Oriented Dive Knife

The Underwater Kinetics Blue Tang Titanium Knife is one of the best scuba diving knives that prioritizes diver safety. This is all achieved with cutting-edge features, including a line cutter hook and a sharp, corrosion-resistant titanium blade. While it lacks a screw mounting system to attach to a BCD, it stands out for its long-lasting sharpness, incredible strength, and distinctive design.

What You Need to Know

Underwater Kinetics’ Blue Tang Titanium Knife is a multi-functional knife. It’s specifically designed to address safety concerns associated with entanglement in netting or fishing lines, featuring a line cutter hook. 

Furthermore, the sharp and corrosion-resistant titanium blade incorporates both straight and serrated cutting edges. A heavy-duty pommel end cap serves dual purposes, functioning as a signaling tool similar to a tank banger.

The knife boasts a drop-point tip design. It also has an ergonomic rubber handle with an extended thumb guard on the hilt for a comfortable grip. A quick-release sheath equipped with a locking mechanism prevents the knife from falling out underwater. 

Specs & Features

• Price: $146.40
• Blade type: One Side: Straight Edge; One Side: Serrated
• Blade length: 5″ (12.7cm)
• Overall length: 10.0″ (25.4cm)
• Material: Titanium (Blade); Rubber (Handle)
• Sheath: Yes, Plastic
• Line cutter: Yes

What We Like

• Handle is designed for a comfortable grip
• Easy to disassemble for cleaning
• Lightweight and durable

What We Don’t Like

• Does not have a screw mounting system to attach to a BCD

Key Features to Look for In a Scuba Diving Knife

Blade Material

Scuba diving knives are typically made of hardened titanium or stainless steel. Both materials are corrosion resistant, which is crucial for gear exposed to saltwater environments during scuba diving. However, they offer distinct advantages and drawbacks.

Titanium is favored due to its impressive strength-to-weight ratio, edge retention, and corrosion resistance. This makes titanium blades preferable over stainless steel counterparts in many situations. 

Stainless steel is considered a ‘softer’ metal. It’s generally more affordable and easier to sharpen but requires frequent maintenance. Still, the lower cost of stainless-steel knives makes them an attractive option.

A titanium knife is your best bet if you’re concerned about weight or travel with your gear. It’s significantly lighter. However, opt for a stainless-steel knife if you’re working with a tight budget. While the material is heavier, it’s still solid and durable.

Ultimately, the choice between titanium and stainless steel for a diving knife depends on individual preferences and the specific diving environment. 

Blade Edge

When selecting scuba dive knives, remember that the blade edge is crucial to their effectiveness. Many diving knives have both a straight and serrated edge. However, some also have a notch in the blade for cutting fishing lines.

A versatile and practical choice often involves a combination of a serrated edge for sawing through ropes. But also a conventional edge for clean slicing cuts, accompanied by a line-cutting notch.

Tip

Another consideration when choosing the best scuba diving knives is the tip type. The tip of a knife’s blade can be pointed or blunt.

Spearfishers favor sharp-tip knives for their efficiency in quickly dispatching speared fish. Additionally, a sharp-tipped knife provides a means of self-defense in rare situations where marine predators may be attracted to distressed or injured fish. 

However, sharp tips come with a risk of causing injuries or equipment damage if unsheathed accidentally. That’s why some divers opt for blunt knives. Blunt-tip knives are better suited for scuba divers engaging in maintenance tasks, such as boat cleaning or underwater welding.

The squared-off tip functions as an effective cutting tool. But it also is a powerful prying tool, making it suitable for various practical applications.

Grip

The knife’s grip is another feature to consider when choosing the best knife for scuba diving. It should be comfortable yet secure, especially when wet. That’s why textured handles are preferred because they offer a non-slip hold. 

Besides texture, consider the handle’s size. It should accommodate your hand comfortably. The material is also vital, as it should be corrosion-resistant since it’ll be exposed to saltwater. 

Sheath

The sheath is as important as the knife. Therefore, paying attention to it can make all the difference in how comfortable and accessible the dive knife is during a dive.

A good sheath should securely store the knife, protecting it from damage and ensuring it remains sharp and ready for use. It should also have a secure attachment method, such as leg straps, BCD straps, or air hose mounts.

The sheath material should resist corrosion, as it will be exposed to saltwater. And it should be easy to open and close, allowing the diver to access the knife quickly.

Visibility 

When choosing the best scuba dive knives, visibility is an important consideration. Having a highly visible dive knife can be crucial in low-visibility environments, such as those with potential entanglement hazards. That way, you can quickly locate and access the knife when needed. 

Knives with brightly colored handles or sheaths, such as those in neon yellow or orange, can significantly enhance visibility. They’ll be easier to spot in murky or dark conditions. 

Therefore, selecting a dive knife with high-visibility features can be a crucial safety consideration for divers, especially in challenging underwater conditions.

Takeaway

Scuba diving knives can be beneficial for various reasons, including freeing yourself or trapped animals from entanglements. Selecting the best scuba diving knife involves carefully considering multiple factors, including the material and handle.

Diving knives constructed of titanium are best as they are lightweight and more durable. Some noteworthy options include the Scubapro Mako and Atomic Ti6. However, stainless steel knives can be more affordable while boasting corrosion resistance similar to titanium. 

The handle’s comfort, secure grip, texture, size, and corrosion resistance are pivotal for a diver’s safety and effectiveness underwater. Therefore, consider a knife that knocks it out of the park in all areas. 

Ultimately, investing time in choosing a well-crafted and thoughtfully designed scuba diving knife can enhance the overall diving experience. It will provide both utility and peace of mind in the depths of the ocean.