Our choice for gas

I owe Lamar and
Lee Ann a helluva
lot, so they always get a free plug

Cutting Tools

Unlike wreck divers, who may have to cut their way out of monofilament or steel fishing leader, cave divers usually only have to concern themselves with one thing: guideline entanglement. Anything that is readily accessible and will cut quickly and reliably through guideline will work.

One thing is for certain: If a knife was designed with recreational divers in mind, if it was designed to be strapped to an arm or leg, it is likely too big and too dull for cave diving.

Good cutting tools tend to fall into three categories:

• Parachute line cutters (“Z” knives) are compact, razor sharp and cut through guideline quickly. Offsetting this is the fact they eventually rust, the plastic can break and they are easily lost.
• Ground-down carving knives in nome-made sheaths are also popular. Commercial equivalents are now available, the best being made from hollow-ground titanium (holds a great edge.)
• Paramedic trauma shears can be kept in a thigh pocket and make a good backup cutting tool. They have the further benefit of being able to cut through webbing — and damn near anything else.

I carry a Z-knife as my primary, quick-access cutting tool on my waist band, and have trauma shears in my pocket for backup.

Accessories »

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Here’s a good story that explains why you need Cave Diver training

Another reason to get
your Cave Diver cert: Going with Connie to Mexico

Our recommendation
for manatee tours