Recommendation? Folding knife for diving

Therom

Therom

Joined
Nov 13, 2013
Messages
2,570
Hello

I am used to dive 15-20 times a year
So for I used to pick my salt 2 with me but I use this knife only when diving

considering the native salt and the spydiechef I think of changing my salt 2 for one of those
What do you guys think?
 
I'm no expert but isn't that where what we generaly think of here as Emerson folders were born ?
Seal Team work ?
 
FYI:

Hi Sharkfisher,

Welcome to our forum and I'm sorry for your disappointment. The model you are using is not designated as a "Salt" model. It is only using LC200N steel for the blade. For your activity, I would suggest an actual Salt model like the Pacific Salt, and I would suggest a serrated version. I would also suggest that you do not believe everything you see/hear from Youtube testers.

Where are you located?

sal
Click to expand...

https://forum.spyderco.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=85160&sid=ca8a009f83fd00d2430e3548421e379b

*I know Spyderco lists the Chef as a salt series knife but if you read the thread linked it appears it is not and the verbage on the website is incorrect. Kind of threw me for a loop but it is what it is.
 
Therom said:
Hello

I am used to dive 15-20 times a year
So for I used to pick my salt 2 with me but I use this knife only when diving

considering the native salt and the spydiechef I think of changing my salt 2 for one of those
What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

What you already have is good, but if you wanted something else, look at the Caribbean.

Wowbagger said:
I'm no expert but isn't that where what we generaly think of here as Emerson folders were born ?
Seal Team work ?
Click to expand...

LOL! :rolleyes: Only if you believe the bull that comes out of that guy's mouth. Stolen valor and all that... :poop:
 
The Caribbean are quite over my blade length limit
I was considering the native salt since I prefer the ergos of the native over the delica

is it really good for diving of shall I stay on the salt 2
 
My knives are in my dive bag. Both spyderco salts (atlantic and pacific, I think). I'll have to dig them out for pics; but I highly recommend them.
 
SpyderPhreak said:
LOL! :rolleyes: Only if you believe the bull that comes out of that guy's mouth. Stolen valor and all that... :poop:
Click to expand...
Good to know. Closest I ever got was a Kershaw CQC 4KXL.
I flirt with the idea of getting a "real one" because I've read the scales (scale?) is a fair amount grippier which I would like.
Oh well I'll stop now.

OP : for what it is worth if you see one of the knives mentioned here that is too long, and you REALLY like it one option is to shorten the blade or get it shortened. I do that all the time with knives I like a lot.
 
A folder for diving?

If you're diving, I don't think you'd want to bother trying to open an folder by hand under water, so I'd suggest an auto.

There's the older Citadel and Embassy models but they both have small buttons and even smaller safeties and the blade steel was CPM S30V or S35VN which would not be for salt water use.

The better choice IMO would be the Autonomy 1 or 2, depending on if you want a serrated or plain edged blade.

The Autonomy 1 was made with an H1 blade and the Autonomy 2 with an LC200N blade, which will both be fine in salt water but can't say the same about the internal parts which that may still be susceptible to rust and/or corrosion and probably will require disassembly and regular maintenance if you actually dive with them.

There's a parts kit for the Autonomy 1 listed on Spyderco's website but it's always listed as out of stock and I've never seen one, not even on EB.
 
Last edited:
I used to carry a Normark Little Swede in my BC pocket as a backup to my fixed blade. In all the years I was diving, (I lived on a barrier island in South FL and dove wrecks regularly), it never rusted as long as I'd flush it out with fresh water after a dive.

A folder may not be an ideal dive knife but it has its uses.
 
hhmoore said:
No problem opening an Atlantic or Pacific salt underwater... and I drive primarily in Upstate NY, with 5-7mm gloves.
Click to expand...

I don't swim let alone dive and I'm not saying it can't be done but I just think that an auto would be easier to open while diving than a manual folder. To each, his own.
 
Therom said:
The Caribbean are quite over my blade length limit
I was considering the native salt since I prefer the ergos of the native over the delica

is it really good for diving of shall I stay on the salt 2
Click to expand...
That depends on your personal preference, since the Delica/Salt and Native have different grips but are both small back locks. The Native may be of a thicker blade stock but not sure.

Personally I'd go for a fixed blade, I wouldn't want to be fumbling with a folder in a pinch especially underwater.
 
I use the Boye cobalt sailing knife. I've had it about 12 years and taken it in the ocean dozens of times. I've never had any corrosion, and it's very sharp.
 
sgt1372 said:
I don't swim let alone dive and I'm not saying it can't be done but I just think that an auto would be easier to open while diving than a manual folder. To each, his own.
Click to expand...
Easier to open, sure...maybe. But how long will it hold up; and how many people are comfortable disassembling autos to fully clean/lubricate after submersion in water? Another perspective would be is that many divers are wary of sharp points - too easy to poke holes in things that don't need holes.
I have a Spyderco Mule in LC200N, orange g10 handles, custom sheath - all set up for diving...but I generally carry other knives so I don't have to worry about the pointy tip or sharp edge when using or re-sheathing.

Here are my two dive knives - both freshly rinsed. The yellow one was mine, I purchased the other when the gf was ready to get back in the water (with the thought that she would take the yellow; but it isn't a his & hers situation...we switch back and forth). When we dive together, I'm more likely to strap on a fixed blade in addition to carrying my folder.

IRIsnuW.jpg


(Yes, the serration are very sharp, and require care during use underwater)
 
hhmoore said:
Easier to open, sure...maybe. But how long will it hold up; and how many people are comfortable disassembling autos to fully clean/lubricate after submersion in water? Another perspective would be is that many divers are wary of sharp points - too easy to poke holes in things that don't need holes.
Click to expand...

No point in debating the matter w/me because I don't dive and don't swim as long as I can avoid it but the info that you provide may be of value to others who do.

Personally, I'd use a blunt end fixed blade knife (like one of these) but, as already noted, that's irrelevant since I don't dive and never will. ;)
https://www.nrs.com/category/2726/whitewater-kayaking/knives-tools
 
Last edited:
I use the Spyderco Pacific Salt in plain edge. I don’t use a wet suit so I just stick it in my board shorts pocket.

I like how light it is, so it doesn’t bang on my leg much, and the bright color makes it easier to find when I drop it.

I think a Native Salt would be awesome, but gotta watch that sharp tip though.
 
I was just thinking the other day that it's just a crying shame that Spyderco doesn't at least do a Sprint Run of their old Caspian Salt fixed blade diving knife. However if I were still into diving I would like that H-1 small Warrior model.

I don't know what their plans are for any new model fixed blades or folders with LC200N but that would make for even a better dive knife than any of the H-1 models. Because LC200N holds a plain edge a lot better than H-1 does. H-1 is great for any Spyderedged model and I would still just jump on a Caspian Salt Sprint Run if it were ever to come to fruition.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top