Best Dive Knife

When you’re dozens of meters underwater, you don’t need just any old diving knife. You want a knife that you can rely on for a sharp edge, a rugged grip, and metal parts that can stand up to the intense corrosive power of saltwater. So how do you find the best dive knife for your needs?

We’ve put together a list of the best dive knives available online, to help you out in your search. These 15 knives represent not just the best overall quality, but the best knives for specific tasks, as well as some reliable performers with solid features that make them worth adding into your kit. And, of course, we’ve looked for some good bargains.

Whether you need an all-purpose scuba knife to handle a variety of jobs, or a serrated spearfishing knife, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Now let’s check out some diving knives!

Best Dive Knives Available Online

1. Promate

The Promate Titanium Dive Knife is forged from titanium, which will never rust under any circumstances.

Key Features

• 5-inch rubber handle
• 4.45-inch titanium clip point blade
• Half-serrated back edge with fishing line cutter
• Hammer on bottom of handle
• Available in 10 colors
• Available with a blunt or sharp tip
• Includes ABS plastic leg sheath

The Promate Titanium Dive Knife is a full tang knife with a corrosion-proof titanium blade and a grippy rubber handle that’s easy to hold on to when you’re wearing dive gloves. The full tang makes the knife exceptionally tough, perfect for prying and other unconventional purposes.

This knife arrives only partially sharpened, so you’ll need to hone it if you want your blade to have a razor sharp edge. The sheath is also very powerful, which makes it hard to remove the knife one-handed. That said, it’s in the middle of the road price-wise, it’s durable, and it’s low-maintenance. All in all, a good value.

Pros

• Comfortable, rubbery grip
• 100% corrosion proof
• Full tang

Cons

• Needs honing on arrival
• Sheath retention is excessively powerful

This knife is a solid all-around choice for underwater emergencies, spear fishing, or rod and reel fishing.

2. Atomic Aquatics

The Atomic Aquatics Ti6 is available with a sharp tip for precision, or a blunt tip for added safety.

Key Features

• 4.5-inch rubber handle with lanyard hole
• 4-inch titanium spear point blade
• Half-serrated back edge
• Fishing line cutter at base of blade
• Hammer on bottom of handle
• Blunt tip and sharp tip versions available
• Includes nylon leg/belt sheath

The Atomic Aquatics Ti6 is a premium diving knife with a lot to recommend it. To begin with, the blade is forged from corrosion proof titanium, so you’ll never need to worry about rust. It also arrives razor sharp right out of the box, with no need for honing or any other maintenance.

The nylon sheath provides perfect retention, neither loose enough to allow the knife to escape accidentally nor too strong to release with one hand. The knife itself features a durable, full-tang design. It costs a little more than your average scuba diving knife, but it’s a good investment considering what you get.

Pros

• Arrives razor sharp
• Powerful sheath retention with easy, one-handed release
• 100% corrosion proof
• Full tang

Cons

• A little pricey

This titanium diving knife is a tough, rugged option both for emergencies and for everyday use.

3. Promate Barracuda

The Promate Barracuda arrives razor sharp, right out of the box.

Key Features

• 5-inch rubber handle with lanyard hole
• 5-inch titanium clip point blade
• Serrated back edge
• Fishing line cutter at base of blade
• Hammer on bottom of handle
• Available in 8 colors
• Includes ABS plastic leg sheath

The Promate Barracuda is a long, 5-inch knife that will never rust since it’s forged from titanium. This is a high-quality knife, which comes to your door with a razor sharp blade. That said, the sheath leaves something to be desired; it comes with flimsy leg straps, which you’ll need to replace if you don’t want your nice new diving knife to end up on the ocean floor.

The Barracuda features a large hammer on the bottom, as well as a beefy handle. Not only does this make it a good fit for larger hands, but it also makes it easy to use the hammer, since you’ll have a secure grip on the handle.

Pros

• Arrives razor sharp
• Long blade
• Large, durable hammer
• 100% corrosion proof
• Full tang

Cons

• Flimsy leg straps

This knife has a large, rounded hammer at its base, and the handle is beefy enough grip while striking with it.

4. Deep See Sheath

 

The Aqua Lung Deep See’s sheath can be carried on your belt or mounted directly on your buoyancy control device (BCD).

Key Features

• 3.5-inch ABS plastic handle with lanyard hole
• 3-inch 304 stainless steel blunt spear tip blade
• Serrated on back of blade
• Line cutter at base of blade
• Includes molded polymer belt sheath
• Includes mounting hardware for Seaquest and Aqua Lung BCDs

The Aqua Lung Deep See is a short, blunt-tipped dive knife that’s designed for slashing and slicing, but not for stabbing. It has a sharp, plain edge, and a serrated edge on the back of the blade, so you’ve got your choice of cutting implements.

This knife is designed specifically to mount on your BCD. While it can technically be worn on your belt, there are larger knives available for that purpose. The Deep See exists to cut your way out in an emergency, not for ordinary, everyday use.

Pros

• Designed specifically as a BCD knife
• Cuts lines quickly and easily
• Affordable

Cons

• Partial tang
• Requires regular cleaning and oiling

This knife is an ideal choice if you need a small BCD knife for cutting lines.

5. Cressi Skorpion

The Cressi Skorpion is an affordable knife with a wide quillion for safety.

Key Features

• 4.75-inch rubber handle with lanyard hole
• 4.375-inch 420 stainless steel clip point blade
• Half serrated back of blade with fishing line cutter
• Steel hammer on bottom of hammer
• Available in 4 colors
• Blunt and sharp tip options available
• Includes polymer leg sheath

The Cressi Skorpion is designed primarily for safety and comfort. Not only does it have a soft, comfortable rubber grip, it also features a wide quillion, which prevents your fingers from slipping forward over the sharp blade, even if everything is slick from gutting a fish.

This knife comes in both a sharp tip for cutting and a blunt tip for prying and emergency use. As a result, it can serve a variety of purposes, depending on what exactly you’re trying to do with your dive knife. It’s also reasonably-priced, which is uncommon for a well-designed knife.

Pros

• Wide quillion
• Full tang
• Blunt tip version is good for chiseling
• Easy, one-handed holster release
• Affordable

Cons

• Needs honing on arrival
• Requires regular cleaning and oiling

The blunt tip version of this knife isn’t so much blunt as it is chiseled, perfect for chipping away at a rock or prying an oyster out of the sand.

6. Cressi Orca

The Cressi Orca is an unusually long, 7-inch diving knife.

Key Features

• 4.82-inch nylon handle
• 7-inch 400 stainless steel clip point blade
• Serrated back of blade with line cutter
• Steel hammer at base of handle
• Includes ABS plastic belt/leg sheath

The Cressi Orca is specifically designed for spear fishing, with a full-length serrated edge on the back of the blade for cutting rope or line. And we do mean “full length”; the blade is a full 7 inches long. This knife also features a steel hammer on the base of the handle, with a handle and grip that are beefy enough to stand up to a powerful impact.

The Orca is made from steel, not titanium, so it will need to be cleaned and oiled from time to time. Thankfully, the handle unscrews easily, allowing for easy access to all metal parts, so you’ll be able to perform regular maintenance in only a few minutes.

Pros

• Great choice for spear fishing
• Very long blade
• Easy to disassemble for maintenance
• Full tang

Cons

• Requires regular cleaning and oiling

The long, serrated back of this knife is perfect for cutting a spear fishing line.

7. Aqua Lung Argonaut

The Aqua Lung Argonaut Stunt Knife is a compact dive knife that can be attached to your calf or tied to your BCD.

Key Features

• 4-inch paracord-wrapped handle
• 3-inch 420 stainless steel spear point blade
• Serrated edge on back of blade
• Pointed hammer on bottom of handle
• Blunt and sharp tip options available
• Includes Kydex belt sheath with 5 grommets

The Aqua Lung Argonaut is a small dive knife that comes with a secure Kydex sheath. Not only can you carry this knife on your belt, but you can also use the grommets to lash it to your BCD, calf, or neck. No matter what carrying option is most convenient for you, this knife will work with your arrangement.

This is a steel knife, so it will require regular maintenance. That said, it’s a good value even at the moderately high price point. Not many knives include an emergency paracord supply as well as a tough hammer on the handle?

Pros

• Tough sheath with excellent retention
• Built-in emergency supply of paracord
• Arrives razor sharp
• Single-piece design

Cons

• Requires regular cleaning and oiling
• A little pricey

The paracord on this knife’s handle can be removed and used for other purposes in an emergency.

8. Aqua Lung Argonaut Titanium

The Aqua Lung Argonaut Diving Knife is designed to be equally well-suited for slashing and for cutting a line.

Key Features

• 4.875-inch paracord-wrapped titanium handle
• 4.875-inch titanium spear point blade
• Serrated edge on back of blade
• Pointed hammer on bottom of handle
• Blunt and sharp tip options available
• Includes Kydex belt sheath with leg strap holes and 5 grommets

The Aqua Lung Argonaut Diving Knife is a larger, corrosion-proof version of the Argonaut Stunt Knife we just reviewed. As a result, not only will you not need to do any regular maintenance, you’ll still get the same great features, including the razor sharp blade and the paracord handle. You’ll also get a similar Kydex sheath, with excellent retention.

That said, the Argonaut is by far the most expensive knife on our list. It’s the best quality, but you’ll need to pay a steep price if you want to own one.

Pros

• Tough sheath with excellent retention
• Built-in emergency supply of paracord
• 100% corrosion proof
• Arrives razor sharp
• Single-piece design

Cons

• Expensive

This knife features a sharp hammer at the base of the handle, ideal for breaking solid, brittle materials like glass or shale.

9. Mako Shark

The Mako Shark Dive Knife is a lightweight stainless steel dive knife that will get the job done.

Key Features

• 4.625-inch 420 stainless steel handle with 5 large holes
• 4-inch 420 stainless steel spear point blade
• Half serrated, half standard blade
• Includes molded polymer leg sheath

The Mako Shark Dive Knife is designed to be light and easy to carry. It has several holes through the handle, to reduce weight without compromising structural integrity, and its single-piece design provides plenty of durability despite the low price point.

That said, this is a budget knife, and it has a couple of issues. The handle may be lightweight, but it’s smooth and straight, and not easy to grip. And the entire knife is made from stainless steel, so you’ll need to polish it after every trip. But it’s still a fantastic value for the price.

Pros

• Lightweight construction
• Single-piece design
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Handle is not ergonomic
• Requires regular cleaning and oiling

This knife is an ideal choice if price is your primary concern.

10. Blue Reef

The Blue Reef Scuba Titanium Folding Knife features a guthook on the back of the blade for cleaning your spear fishing catch.

Key Features

• 4.5-inch polymer handle with lanyard
• 3.5-inch titanium drop point blade
• Half serrated, half standard blade
• Guthook on back of blade
• Available in 7 colors
• Folding design

The Blue Reef Scuba Titanium Folding Knife is, as its name implies, a folding knife. As a result, it’s compact, and can be carried both on your BCD as well as in your pocket on dry land. It features a titanium blade and hardware, so it won’t rust no matter how much saltwater you expose it to.

This is a budget-rate knife, so don’t expect it to last forever. But it’s easy to carry, easy to store, and easy to attach to your diving gear. All in all, a good value.

Pros

• Small and lightweight
• Comfortable, textured grip
• 100% corrosion proof
• Affordable

Cons

• Flimsy construction

This folding dive knife can double as an everyday pocket knife.

11. Aqua Lunge Micro Squeeze

The Aqua Lung Micro Squeeze Knife is a miniature dive knife that clips into your BDC.

Key Features

• 1.75-inch nylon handle with X 3.5-inch nylon extension strap
• 2-inch 304 stainless steel serrated blade
• Guthook and bottle opener on back of blade
• Includes Kydex sheath with drain holes
• Includes mounting hardware for Seaquest and Aqua Lung BCDs

The Aqua Lung Micro Squeeze Knife is a miniature dive knife that’s designed for emergencies, not for everyday use. It measures only 2 inches long but features one serrated edge and a second edge with a guthook. It also features a bottle opener, since needing a beer after a long dive definitely counts as an emergency.

This knife is small and lightweight and mounts easily to your BCD. However, it has a very short blade, so it’s not a convenient tool for everyday tasks. Use a bigger knife for standard duty, and save the Micro Squeeze for emergencies.

Pros

• Small and lightweight
• Attaches directly to your BCD
• Good sheath retention with easy release
• Affordable

Cons

• Very short blade
• Requires regular cleaning and oiling

Drain holes in the sheath keep the Micro Squeeze dry when you get out of the water.

12. Spyderco Pacific Salt

The Spyderco Pacific Salt Plain Edge Knife features a large hole in the top of the blade, which makes it very easy to open.

Key Features

• 5-inch fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle
• 3.75-inch H1 stainless steel standard point blade
• Hole in back of blade for easy opening
• Available in black or silver
• Folding design
• Includes reversible titanium belt clip

The Spyderco Pacific Salt Plain Edge Knife is manufactured from H1 stainless steel. While this material isn’t 100 percent corrosion resistant – no steel is – it’s one of the saltwater metals that aren’t titanium. The blade arrives razor sharp right out of the box and includes a large hole in the top so you can open the knife easily.

The fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle is textured for an easy grip, even when you’re wearing a pair of diving gloves. It’s on the pricey side for a folding knife, but all in all, it’s one of the best on the market if you’re not willing to spring for true titanium.

Pros

• Compact and lightweight
• Textured nylon handle
• Large blade hole
• Razor sharp upon arrival

Cons

• Requires regular cleaning and oiling
• A little pricey

This knife’s textured nylon handle provides a secure grip.

13. Spyderco Serrated

The Spyderco Pacific Salt Serrated Knife features a reversible belt clip, which makes it a good choice for both left and right-handed divers.

Key Features

• 4.875-inch fiberglass-reinforced nylon handle
• 3.8-inch H1 stainless steel serrated blade
• Hole in back of blade for easy opening
• Available in black or yellow
• Folding design
• Includes reversible titanium belt clip

The Spyderco Pacific Salt Serrated Knife is similar to the knife we just reviewed, with nearly-identical measurements and the same easy-to-hold textured nylon handle. It also features the same large hole in the blade, which makes it easy to open one-handed.

This knife is not made for slicing. It’s serrated along its full-length, so it’s only useful for cutting rope. That said, it’s exceptionally good at its job, and worth considering if you’re a spear fishing enthusiast.

One thing we really like about both of these Spyderco knives is the belt clip. Not only is it reversible, but it’s also manufactured from titanium, so it will never rust out on you.

Pros

• Cuts through rope like butter
• Compact and lightweight
• Large blade hole
• Textured FRN handle

Cons

• Requires regular cleaning and oiling

Not only is this a solid diving knife, but it’s also a great choice for anyone who needs to cut any kind of rope.

14. Aquatec T-Rex

The Aquatec T-REX’s trailing point makes it very effective at making straight, accurate cuts.

Key Features

• 4.25-inch rubber-padded titanium handle
• 3.5-inch titanium trailing point blade
• Half serrated, half standard blade
• Line cutter on back of blade
• Includes Kydex leg sheath
• Mounts to most BCDs

The Aquatec T-REX is a vicious-looking little knife that packs a lot of value into a small package. To begin with, it features the only trailing point blade on our list, which is perfect for slicing. However, the bottom half of the blade is serrated for cutting rope, and the back features a line cutter. Whether you’re scuba diving for pleasure, spear fishing, or fishing from a boat, the T-REX has you covered.

This knife features a wide quillion to protect your fingers, and a single-piece design that’s rugged enough to be used for prying, twisting, or anything else you can think of doing with a flat piece of metal.

Pros

• Comfortable grip
• Wide quillion for safety
• 100% corrosion proof
• Single-piece design

Cons

• A little pricey

This knife excels at cutting rope, fishing line, and just about everything else.

15. Punada

The Punada Scuba Diving Knife with Leg Straps comes with both a flexible nylon sheath and a durable ABS plastic sheath.

Key Features

• 4.13-inch paracord-wrapped 440c stainless steel handle with lanyard attachment
• 3.85-inch 440c stainless steel clip point blade
• Half-serrated back of blade
• Includes nylon and ABS plastic leg sheaths

The Punada Scuba Diving Knife with Leg Straps is designed to be used both above and under the water. It includes a locking ABS plastic sheath and a flexible nylon sheath with a basic snap-down retaining strap. It’s also protected by a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

The knife itself is well-engineered, with a sturdy, single-piece design. However, it’s made of steel, so you’ll need to clean and oil it regularly to keep it from rusting. The ABS sheath is also difficult to release single-handed, but it’s still a great value considering the rock-bottom price.

Pros

• Built-in emergency supply of paracord
• Single-piece design
• Lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
• Inexpensive

Cons

• Locking sheath often sticks
• Requires regular cleaning and oiling

This knife comes with a lifetime manufacturer’s warranty, which is unusual on a budget-rate option.

Bottom Line

As you can see, not every scuba diving knife is equally well-suited for all tasks. For example, a serrated blade is an excellent choice for cutting a rope or line as quickly as possible. However, it’s a poor choice for slicing, carving, or any other worth that requires precision. Similarly, a large blade is useful for jobs that require a lot of force or speed, but as with a serrated blade, it’s not going to be able to make precise cuts.

It’s also important to think about how you plan on carrying your knife. For a larger knife, a belt or leg sheath is going to be your most reliable option. For a smaller knife, carrying around your neck is also a viable option.

We hope we helped you find the perfect dive knife for your needs. Even if you choose to go another direction, we hope you’ve learned enough to make a better-informed purchase.