Hey all, I think this might actually be my first post here... don't remember.
Anyway, I'm getting into diving, so this forum is very helpful. My question here is this: for those of you who recommend shears as part of your dive rig, where and how do you carry them? Do you have a sheath setup for them? Where are they easily accessible? Etc? Pictures of carry options would be very helpful as well.
Thanks,
-Dave
Per my earlier post, I carry 2 shears and 2 small knives. I carry one each on the left and right so that I have the ability to grab the needed cutting implement with either hand.
My shears (in nylon pouches as shown in syntaxerrorsix's post) are attached to my BC in the pectoral region using plastic tie-wraps.
I carry the MacNett knives mounted horizontally on straps I have attached to the front of the BC. Actual position changes as BCs change,
Hobby Diver by myself - Using a Spyderco Salt now for over 60 Dives in Salt Water - no Issues, no Rust . I think the basic question is what you want it for: Working (cutting Ropes...) under water or as a Backup. I´m happy with what i have and never needed it under water so far.
Question to all the Divers reading this: Anyone tried a pruning shear as a dive Knive replacement? Heard some rumors - should be perfect under water in case of emergency to cut Rope of fishnet and they are cheap
Andi
The problems I see with pruning shears:
-cheap metal that WILL rust even with decent care
-extra weight. Most pruning shears with any strength of construction are also fairly heavy.
-will not work (well, if at all) on baling wire, small cable, fishing leaders, barb wire fencing
The medical shears will cut all of the above. They are light weight and most of the blades are a stainless steel of some sort. They will rust eventually but not at the drop of a hat like pruning shear will.
The negatives I have experienced with the medical shears is that:
- when, not if, they get dull, they are difficult to sharpen properly.
- while the BLADES are stainless, not so the pivot. THOSE rust just looking at them. In fact, EVERY medical shears failure I have experienced has been the pivot failing after becoming corroded. Another reason I carry 2 pair. If one craps out, you still have another pair. Same 2nd reason for 2 knives - if you loose one, you still have one. Hung up on fishing line 2 feet under the water is just as bad as 100 feet.
With diving, redundancy in safety equipment is a must as anything can and will fail.
EVERY student I have ever worked with has had this beaten into their skulls.
