Lesson 51

Lesson Two: Cutting Tools

Course Complete

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, I should be able to answer these questions:

1. Why do I have a cutting tool when diving (except where prohibited by law)?

2. What are the four basic types of cutting tools?

3. Where do I wear at least one cutting tool?

Cutting Tools

You have a cutting tool when diving for safety and convenience. You can use it, when appropriate, to cut line, saw, pry or pound. (Don’t use your cutting tool to harm aquatic life, deface a shipwreck etc., of course.)

Cutting tools’ safety role is to help you handle severe entanglement should it become necessary. It’s more likely you’ll use your cutting tool for convenience, such as to remove a bit of fishing line that’s polluting a dive site. Contrary to cinema and television fiction, they are not weapons for protection against aquatic animals.

There are four basic cutting tool types, each with options. Some areas regulate the types and sizes of cutting tools, so some variations may not be available or legal in specific locations.

Dive knife – This is a stainless steel or titanium knife, usually with a sharp cutting edge and a serrated (sawing) edge. They range in size from very compact to large. Larger knives are the most likely cutting tools to have legal restrictions.

Dive tool – This is generally a dive knife with the sharp tip replaced with a prying tool. Other than that, dive tools have the same general options as dive knives. Local authorities may or may not classify them as knives.

Shears – Dive shears are especially suited to cutting fishing line and net. They are popular with divers likely to encounter monofilament line and net, particularly on wrecks. These are not usually restricted legally.

Z-knives – Z-knives are hooks with a blade specifically for cutting fishing line or net. They let you cut quickly, and their shape reduces the risk of accidentally cutting yourself or your equipment. Because they’re not useful for heavy rope or other purposes, you generally carry a z-knife in addition to a dive knife or tool.

Mounting Cutting Tools

Cutting tools have sheathes you can mount many places based on your preferences, such as on your BCD hose, on a waist strap, strapped inside your leg, attached to the back of a console or on your wrist. Many divers like to have two – a dive tool and a z-knife. Wear your tool where you can reach it with either hand so it is accessible with either arm entangled.

Quick quiz