Question

I have heard surgical shears are better than a dive knife, I don’t get it, any feedback would be appreciated.

Answer 1

For me it is a personal preference, usually surgical shears are made of stainless steel so people can usually pick them up fairly cheap. I dive with both, I actually use the shears a lot for cutting line instead of my knife. Make sure to always rinse with freshwater, the only thing that I have noticed is the nut in the shears are usually made of something else and can rust is not taken care of.

Answer 2

For most recreational diving, the most common entanglement hazard you can encounter is monofilament fishing line. For cutting yourself free, or cleaning it up to avoid the hazard for other divers and marine life, surgical shears or a safety cutter are all you need (I like the eezy cut trilobite). Cheap, easy to care for, and safe to use. Less risk of accidentally cutting you, your gear or your buddy.

Shears and safety cutters are also easier to fly with - they can go in your carry-on luggage. Many marine parks won't allow you to carry knives, but will permit shears and safety cutters.

Spearfishing is one of the few situations where a knife would be a better choice.

Answer 3

I use both. The shears for cutting line etc. My knife is a blunt tip I mostly use as a tool/pry bar etc.