The opportunity to see for yourself all the unimaginable beauty of the underwater world makes more and more people diving. For some, this is not only entertainment, but also an opportunity to hunt. Like any extreme type of recreation, diving requires appropriate equipment. Spear fishing knife is a must for any diver.
Description
There are many different models. They are united by specific characteristics inherent in this particular segment of products. A high-quality knife for spearfishing (photo in the text) must meet the following requirements:
- the metal on the blade must withstand the effects of salt or fresh water;
- sharply sharpened blade, if necessary, cut the fishing net;
- one of the sides of the blade should have a sawtooth sharpening area;
- the task of the sheath is to hold the knife securely, excluding its accidental loss, and at the same time ensure instant removal of the blade;
- Massive grip provides reliable grip in the hand, even with thick gloves.
You can not use the product for domestic purposes, especially for the rough work of opening a can or cutting branches for a fire. The blade becomes dull and can fail at the right time.
Types of knives
Knives for diving and spearfishing are divided into groups:
- Products with a skeletal handle. It is flat, which facilitates the overall weight of the blade. This only advantage is crossed out by an uncomfortable grip and problem extraction from the scabbard. They are not very popular, but have an unusual appearance.
- Dagger type blades. They are functional, comfortable massive handle is made of rubber or polymer material. The blade is sharpened on one side, on the butt - a serreitor. One-sided sharpening requires certain skills in holding such a blade. A wide tip point is not very convenient to finish off large fish.
- Spear fishing knife type stylet. It has a narrow, long blade sharpened on both sides. The length is enough to apply serreitor sharpening on the one hand. The handle is massive, with recesses for the fingers and a reliable stop. With a thin and narrow tip it is easy to pierce the skull of even very large prey.
There is another “tool” of underwater hunters - a faceted narrow awl, also sheathed. He has one function - to finish off big game.
Any model is quite affordable for amateurs and professional hunters and drivers. Some people prefer to make a knife for spearfishing with their own hands. It is important to consider the properties of metals for the blade and strictly adhere to the permissible parameters of the handle of the product and its blade, so that there are no charges in the manufacture or storage of cold steel. It is easier to purchase a licensed knife that meets all the necessary requirements.
Spearfishing
What is great for a professional diver is not always convenient for a hunter. Features of blades for spearfishing:
- blade length - not less than 120 mm;
- as long as possible serreytore sharpening on a butt;
- dagger or stylet type of blade;
- the handle is made in such a way that the knife can be held tightly with both a bare hand and gloves;
- a massive handle top will help to signal if necessary.
Caring for a knife is not complicated. After each dive, it should be washed with running water and lubricated, at least once a month, grind the blade.
Location on swimmer's body
In the event of an emergency under water, life may depend on the ability to quickly use the necessary equipment. Spear fishing knife is positioned as follows:
- On the outside or inside of the lower leg. As a rule, for clean water, where there is no algae.
- On the inside of the thigh, closer to the groin. Does not cling to algae, close proximity allows you to quickly get the tool.
- On the cargo belt. The best option is to place the handle down on the back. The disadvantage is the loss of a knife during an emergency reset of the belt.
- On the shoulder or forearm. Position the blade up. Not a very practical option. If a free hand is blocked (for example, by a network), it will be impossible to get a gun.
- On the gun. Not a very reasonable choice. There are situations when a hunter is forced to get rid of an underwater gun. In this case, he loses all the tools of protection.
- On the chest, near the left shoulder. Some brands of wetsuits are available with ready-made fasteners for a knife. Such loops can be made independently.
Knife selection
Diving knives (conditionally) can be divided into two types:
- for diving, professional or amateur:
- spearfishing and swimming.
When choosing a knife, pay attention to the resistance of the blade to corrosion, its strength, the thickness of the butt. The cutting edge should have a high hardening rate, this affects the quality of the cut under water. The knife for spearfishing must have a serreitor sharpening area. The handle needs a comfortable, moisture resistant, non-slip and better than bright colors. In case of accidental loss of a knife, it is easier to see at the bottom. Moisture-resistant lanyard will help maintain the blade.
Products are selected according to the shape of the handle, the type and sharpening of the blade, weight, size, material, method and type of fastening. Pay attention to the manufacturer. Brand brands are more expensive, but the quality of such knives is guaranteed. The most famous companies are CRKT (USA); Muela (Spain); Smith & Wesson (U.S.); Extrema Ratio (Italy); Spyderco (USA).