I carry a blunt tip folder clipped inside my bc pocket. The Spyderco Saver Salt. It has a very sharp H1 rustproof steel serrated edge. It's an excelent knife both in your dives and in your pocket as an every day carry for the rest of your vacation.
Spyderco makes good knives. A really sharp knife is important for most things but not so much for diving. In fact a razor sharp knife with a stiletto point is not the best choice for diving not to mention it's hard on the knife. Thanks for watching. Alec
Very nice video!! I'm going back to diving... Years since my last dive. Friends got married, and I didn't.... I really miss it. My knife got stolen, it was a very big 12" Technisub Aqualung Italian knife, and now I need a new (or vintage) one, andso I bought a few old style big knives. One US Divers, one Dacor, one Sun Fish and one that has no name (might buy a few more). Can't go diving without one, and now I have a small collection!! They're all still in the US, and a customer/friend is bringing them to me here in Brazil next month. I was actually telling my friends last week, how the new knives are so small and don't look menacing at all. Like little toys... Also bought a new flashlight. Mine is just gone. Can't wait to get everything and go back into the water!!
I bought my Scubapro five knife with the bone handle way back in 1976 because like you said you had to look right. That big sword was a pain to get back in the leg sheath. I ended up with a smaller blunt nosed tool that I fasten d to my forearm. Thank you for your videos. Although they make me feel old they do bring back great memories
Hi first time I saw your channel I have been diving 54 years I have 6 knives best knife I have I made out of a power hacksaw blade in 1967 Interesting channel looking forward to watching your other videos Have a great day! I
It's the little snippets like the bit about Tabata and Tusa that make this series so brilliant. Alec can make even the most mundane seeming thing (i.e. the history of dive knives) into something completely captivating. Please keep at it with the videos - love em!!!
Ok. I never know for sure what my viewers like so I'll just keep on being myself and hope everyone finds something that appeals to them. Those little snippets about the history, names, background and so on of dive gear and dive history, are really interesting to me too. I have lots of them. Thanks for watching. Alec
YES!!!!! Thanks Alec! Please keep doing them. This is the first episode I've seen and now I'm going to sub and watch MORE! so cool! I'm new to diving, and love all this knowledge! the TUSA part was my favorite too!
Another great video and trip down memory lane. I dove with a Wenoka "Pro" dive knife. It was an absolute beast of a knife. It would actually push me off course while running a compass course. I would continually course correct back to the right since my knife was on inside of my left leg. 🙂
Thanks for sharing so much. Your videos have provided so much insight and I can safely say they have increased my confidence and undertanding immensely. Thank you Mr. Peirce.
Alec, please. I used to be a school teacher so when somone calls me Mr. Peirce or sir, I get shivers. I'm glad you're enjoying them. Me too. Thanks for watching. Alec
Hey Alec! It was good seeing you again at Silver Springs, last week! I still have my old Dacor Diver's Knife from the late 60's! All the best, Courtland
For the second time this year I used my knife. The first was to bang on my tank to signal my dive buddy, and the second was last night when I freed a hooked sunfish. The line was wrapped around a limb.
Another great video. I have always carried the US Divers "Professional" hog leg knife. I have some of the smaller knives but the USD is almost 1/4 inch thick and can be used as a combat knife. The smaller tool knives have been known to break in certain situations so I stick with the 1 lb. monster even today. The hammer head really comes in handy and the military still swears by them and they are still manufactured by Aqualung even today.
Yeah. They were real knives. I think I used mine more for spreading peanut butter than anything else. But nothing is better for chopping up a Sea Urchin for feeding the fish. Or for hacking at weeds in the backyard too! If you like the big 'uns, be sure to check out the Cressi Orca. It's even bigger and heavier than the USD Sea Hawk! Thanks for watching. Alec
6:45 The US Divers Broadsword. Carried this years ago when diving the Channel Islands off Southern Kalifornia as it worked great for harvesting scallops. Place the tip between the two shells, smack the pommel to drive it in and pry the scallop open. Then simply use a flexible boning knife to cut the medallion out. Made it a lot easier than hauling around a catch bag full scallops in their shells.
Nice video. I have the Red White and Blue handle Seahawk. I also just found out 3 days ago a coworker also has one. Mine was given to me by my dad. It is a great knife for opening fresh coconuts also. LOL
The US Divers Seahawk knife was a great dive knife and quite famous. It was produced in several variations over the years. The red, white & blue version was part of the Americana set in 1974 -1975 along with 2 sets of fins, 2 masks and 2 snorkels. US Divers figured they'd make a fortune on that set but they didn' count on the backlash from the Vietnam war which was just over with embarrassing results. The sets didn't sell and were very cheap for a long time. Take care. Alec
Alec, I'm glad I found you on You-Tube I really in joy watching your video's. Because all my equipment is vintage and I still use it. I live in Arizona now and live about 3 hours from Rocky Point, Mexico on the Sea of Cortez. I have that first U.S. Divers knife you showed from the 50's and 60's that I bought it back then. I got my certifications back in the late 60's when I was in college. I got a YMCA Scuba Divers certification and a PADI Scuba Diver certification. When I got a new card from PADI a few years ago it did say anything about Open Water Diver. When I took my certifications back then we did Open Water Dives, Night Diving and above and be on other related dives. Wasn't that part of the certifications back then? Thanks Alec, Joe The Old Diver
Courses in the 60's were completely different from today's. Each course was different depending on the instructor. Now they want each diver trained the same, equally well if you like with the same skills and knowledge. That's a worthwhile goal and they try to achieve that by making the course more standard. I'm glad to hear that you're still diving Joe. Take care. Alec
Alec, Thanks. I went to Mexico once and the guy said I needed an Open Water Diver not just Scuba Diver and that almost got me screw up diving. Thanks a lot PADI! When took it in College it was part of a class an we did everything. We had to swim with are gear on start and go the whole length of a Olympic size swimming pool go down at deep end takeoff our gear at the bottom. Then Blow an Go back to where we started. Then catch our breath and hold it and swim back and down to the bottom and put our gear on. That was not easy when I got to the bottom, if I wouldn't have found my regulator. I don't think I would have made it the 12ft. to the surface. I don't think they do that today. People where you are at are lucky! Thank Again Alec, Joe The Old Vintage Diver
No they don't. The course today has very little extreme training in it. It's not better or worse, just modern. BTW, the only difference between PADI Scuba Diver and PADI Open Water Diver is 2 more Open Water Dives to get the Open Water cert. The instructor who took you diving should have told you that and arranged for 2 more dives at that time. Alec
Hey Je, PADI has over the past decade been completely commercialised into a tourist trap really, resort offer the paid open water certification at a high price for a 3 day course, basically it makes the newbies feel like they are pros in 3 days, now I think CMAS is much better although not as widely known, while training for 2 star CMAS certification we had to swim 200m put on scuba gear, swim more and practice buddy breathing, then we took off our gear (mask weight belt and all) at the bottom of the 13 ft pool (4 meters) at had to go to the top take a breath, dive down, find our regulator, put it in our most and put on our gear again at the bottom of the pool. Just telling you this story so you know that some divers do go through the same struggles as you did. Btw I think its totally unfair that old one star PADI divers have to be associated with the new ones.
I like river diving with my Ka-Bar fighting knife. Dry it off and oil it when I'm finished and it works fine! Of course I have the one with the rubber handle and new plastic sheath.
Ahoy Alec! I enjoy you episodes very much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge...and the Sea Hunt trivia! Do you have a dive knife made by Buck Knives called the Nemo? I recall seeing it advertised in my brother’s 1970s Skin Diver magazine.
Hello Alec, thanks for sharing your awesome dive knife collection. I enjoy collecting vintage American knives and I was a bit surprised to see the KaBar MK2 shown at 6:20. All of the other models in your video are made with stainless steel blades and plastic or synthetic handles and sheaths. These materials are ideal for use in a marine environment since they resist corrosion but the KaBar is made with a carbon steel blade with a handle and sheath made of leather. How did you guys keep the ocean salt water from eating up the carbon and leather? Thanks for creating informative presentations like this. I have never dived but I think it is interesting and I enjoy learning about the old school equipment that was used.
Great display. I had and lost Yellow Wenoka. That was my idea of a dive knife when I was younger. Now I prefer 4.5" w/ line cutter, and good solid button release sheath like Tusa, or Akona. I knew an older guy, best spearfisherman in the NE, carried a large Buck knife.
Wenoka made great knives. They had good blades and excellent sheaths. Some divers think only about the knife and forget the sheath but a bad sheath is a constant irritation and will eventually lose your knife. The push button release was OK so long as it was kept clean. Some modern dive knives have a really bad sheath with crazy locking gadgets that either won't open or will open all the time. Thanks for watching rhino. Alec
Oh, I agree, but I'm a knife guy in general--I never go anywhere without one. I REALLY want a ScubaPro "The Knife," the one with the simulated bone handle. If you ever decide to sell yours, let me know. ;-)
Went to the dive store today to pick up some equipment including a knife. The guy working there, who was a friend of my dad, absolutely recommended the biggest knife over the smaller ones. He said it was much easier to handle and it cut a lot better. I'm dry suit diving in a cold climate, maybe the smaller ones are ok if you're in a warmer climate using less cumbersome equipment?
Take your dry suit gloves and liner then try each knife from small to large for grip, and ease of release/return. There is no rule as you hand could be small or gorilla hands like Kevin's. Go with what is comfortable first. Hope this helps. A
LOL. Talking of big knives, I bought a AMF Swimaster 2K20 gold plated hilt & guard with a faux-wood checkered handle with an 8" blade. It was $30 back then, equivalent to $210 today. NIB today $465!! Not bad for a high school kid earning a couple of bucks an hour working at a restaurant & plant nursery! Bur I always had choice gear back then.🦈
Alec, another great video. Just out of curiosity, did divers ever take pruning, medical, or heavy duty shears with them in place of a knife or is that a modern adaptation in scuba diving? Also, what is the model name of your bone handle Seapro knife, it's gorgeous. Best, Josh
There are shears available now for divers. They are copies of those used by EMS personal. There is even a dive knife that opens to become a shear! No idea of the model of the Seapro. No name on it other than Seapro. It is a beauty though. Thank for watching. Alec
I was oh so proud of my Aqualung Knife when I was a yungin (I'm 60yo now). Great machete, but I never used it other than tying it to my leg.. SHE WAS A BIG MUMMA!!
The Sea Hawk was (and still is) one of the great knives of scuba history - a Classic - heavy, long, scary - every young diver's dream and I mean this sincerely. Every diver wanted one and I think most divers in the 60's, 70', even the 80's, had one. I have a picture of myself diving here in Ontario. It was taken by my mother in 1965 and you can clearly see my Sea Hawk on my leg. This picture is on the internet lots of times. I think you can Google for it. Good to hear from you Peter. Alec
Just stumbled across your channel, these equipment history videos are really cool and unique. Do you happen to know the name of the dive knife you were showing at the beginning that is still being produced?
This was so interesting! My dad has a Navy seal style knife (I think that's somewhat along the lines of what it's called at least) from his diving days, and now that I'm planning a diving trip, he's saying I should inherit it and bring it along. It's just so huge to me! Haha.. Has some solid weight to it as well! Pretty sure I'll be the girl with the heftiest piece of gear though, haha..
The girl with the heftiest piece of gear!! Please send me a picture LOL. The old knives were big and heavy. Just the way it was. A carry-over from the Navy I'm guessing. Not so important today but take it with you just to make your dad happy. Make at least 1 dive with it. I guarantee he'll smile. Have fun. Alec
He would! Haha.. We tested it out though, and it's simply way too big to fit on my leg unfortunately. Although, he still thinks it's exciting looking at gear for me to use now :-)
Yeah. The straps were big and it was designed to go over a mature male calf and over a wetsuit too. You'd be swimming lopsided! Neat to look at though. Take care. Alec
Thanks, I enjoy your videos, I’m an old diver from Japan and remember the reserve J tank. My knife is Farallon made in Japan in the 1980s, perhaps it was not popular outside Japan?
The Farallon was popular but also for the DPV. Have you watched my video on the Farallon Diver Propulsion Vehicle? Check out vintage video S07E15 and my MK 3 DPV. A.
I've got an old Mares Tris-inox that was my dad's in the 60s. The knife is in excellent condition but the sheath is missing one of the belt type straps on the ankle and the rubber securing ring has perished. Where could one find replacement pieces for these old knives? Great channel keep it up.
Thank you for the reply. Will do. Subscribed, as I find your channel very informative and also your delivery and character interesting. You would easily pull off a 20 minute video on the most boring subject and still keep your audience captivated. Well done.
Interesting video! 04:15 So in that aspect Swedish divers (in the late 50s and early 60s) would have used Poseidon diving gear and Morakniv as a diving knife/tool.
Only Google knows where to find small knives like that Dean. Dive stores today sell maybe a 6" blade due to restrictions in marine parks and airline regs.
I have just started collecting vintage dive knives. Do you know of a book or website reference that would tell me about all the dive knives made in the last 50 years?
Nope. I think your best source is the various vintage scuba museums around. Search vintage scuba. There are also knife collections or knife museums but they don't specialize in dive knives so it could be a long search. Maybe a web page or Facebook page that shows all kinds of dive knives only would be a good project for you. I'd be glad to help. Good luck. Alec
Diving knives are generally just large, strong knives made of a corrosion resistant material. They are not usually very sharp and are not usually shaped to suit any specific purpose like a skinner or boner. You should have one in your knife collection. They're cheap on eBay. Alec
All for TV viewers! Lots of bubbles, movement and they always cut the exhaust hose (of a double hose reg). The bigger your knife, the more experienced you where (sort of). Thanks for watching.
The scuba knives of old were survivalist knives and salvaging . They were designed to save you if things went bad.. they weren't for every dive use. They were back up.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Its good, I know, many people think they can repurpose a bayonet as a knife, that's not good thinking, bayonets are meant for stabbing, not for cutting. Blade profile is different. Anyhow, great vid Sir!
I found Dacor dive knife, 6" dive blade in the Caribbean about 50 ft down. it was adhered by coral/barnacles to the reef. How long would it need to be underwater to have that happen?
Hey Alec I just picked up a vintage dive knife signed by Barry Nelson made by play right. I know he was a famous actor in 50/60's . Japan stainless. Can you give me any insight. Thanks. Montana Mike.
Most dive knives from the 'stone age' were similar in length, colour (black) and scabbards. These knives didn't offer anything really different from any other as lots had inch scales stamped into them. So I have no preference on them but owned and used many. Thanks Jeremy.
Hello Alec, got a US divers navy seahawk like in your video here, the knife it self is in fantastic condition but the sheath is unusable and fallen apart, do you know where I can get a sheath to fit this knife?
6:46 I have a question about your Aqualung ? scuba knife where can I get one I need one pretty much exactly the same as this the only difference I think is the pamel is more of a teardrop shape and not round like yours . long story short my dad used to have one and he died when I was 13 and this knife was one of the things I used to play with as a kid and really brings back from memories of my dad but unfortunately when we moved house it got lost and I am searching for a replacement one any ideas where I can find one as I say it is exactly the same as yours but from what I can see the panel is slightly different
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thank you very much from what research I have done it looks pretty much the same as a play right vintage scuba knife but I have seen models that look exactly the same from Sweden & Japan nesco scuba knife both with inch ruler on one side from 1 to 7 in inchs ? From around the 60s
Your Vintage Scuba sessions are wonderful to understand the equipment we use today. About knives, I think the dive scissors\shears like Aqualung's are much more used now than before www.aqualung.com/fr/gear/leisure-divers/scissors (or Fogcutter, Cressi Alligator, Dive Rite Trauma,... even just traditional wood cutters\scissors). Even in the "old days", a cave diver told me, it was preferred to have one rather than the knife to not stab yourself by a left-handed move and to efficiently cut any rope underwater, even when not having any grip (floating fisher nets, lifeline knotted around fin...). To cut straps from the BC too nowadays, without puncturing it.
Yep. They work really well. The dive knife/scissors are a good choice. It may not be the best knife nor the best scissors (that's often the case with combination tools) but you have everything you need in 1 tool. Thanks for watching. Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Oh ok I missed it originally , I remember seeing the next Knife, w/ the guard, duh on my part, Thanks I love your video's , You are entertaining, and informative, and answered so many ?'s I had, I snorkel some , but now want to get certified, and didn't know how or what I needed. I lived near toucan dive in IL., went by it for years until I moved to northern Wi. And never had the nerve to go in, Now I do, but have to travel 60 miles to the nearest place to get certification Thanks so much
I like the shark Billy, by the time you've gained the presence of mind to use the knife, taken the time to search for it and wrestled it from its holder the shark has chewed off your arm and left. Just out of interest, I use a pair of shears now. If I ever get bothered by a shark, I'll offer it a manicure and discuss art... I'm sure we'll become buddies after that. To tell you the truth, I've been in the water with the local bronze whalers here, mostly they come round for a look and leave or just ignore me.
Pretty sure I still have the Rocket fins and Atarie (full foot) fins but I think I sold my last Seahawk knife. Send me a private email and I'll check. Alec
I'm not familiar with the wasp but I just watched a video about it. Very impressive! It's sort of a knife and Shark Dart combination (see my video on Shark Dart). I'm afraid I will not be doing a review on it though - not at $500! Alec
That's not really a joke. Despite all the hype about dangerous marine life, seaweed and fishing line, I'm sure I used my old knives more for making sandwiches and dressing hot dogs than anything else. Cool to carry though. Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Hello Alec, Thanks for your Channel:-) I want to buy a nice "Vintage Diving-Knife" for my old and Katamaran sailing Father. I was found a non-jused Hi-Cut Japan Diving Knife in nearly perfekt Optik inside the Internet... and i want it. I dont know anything about this japan Company "Hi-Cut" and i also cant found anything about it inside the Internet😔. Please can you help🙏 me a little bit? From when to when are this Hi-Cut Knives was build? From when to when was this Company operatet... and from wich Country in Japan the come from??? Is this the good old quality;-)? I hope so! It looks real nice an heavy... an is Japan stailness Steel market over the Gripp. If you want i can send you Fotos from the knife i want to buy. Greets from Vienna Dan
The original hidden tang type is my absolute favorite single edge design, but I think probably much much rarer than most/all seen here. It took me years to find mine at a reasonable price. Seems you gotta be pretty off in the knife collecting/niche military history realm to know what it is.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I meant you don't mention what that knife is as far as I heard just describe it. It looks like the,profile of a usn mk3 mod0 though obviously is not
Hi am trying to get the value for my knife it's a 1973 imperial diving knife called the ripper, I hear it's a rare knife saw one on eBay guy was asking 300 but there's no photo can you help me out thank you
There have been several dive knives with the name Imperial. A common one was a pretty regular dive knife from the 70's. It was quite big (7" blade) with a glossy, black plastic handle, a metal butt cap (pommel), a line cutter (looks like a bottle opener) and a serrated section under the blade. It was in fact marketed by a scuba company called Imperial. They sold wetsuits mainly. Their logo was a turtle so there ought to be a turtle on the handle and/or the sheath. They sold this for many years and for a while it was called The Ripper. For some reason they thought that was a good name to increase sales. In good shape with a solid sheath and straps it is worth about $50. If the guy on eBay gets $300, I'll list the 1/2 dozen that I have! They were a good knife but nothing special. They looked like most other dive knives of the 60's and 70's - USD, Scubapro, Cressi (still made today), DACOR. Healthways and so on. If you look closely at the logo on the handle you will see that there is a circle on the handle around the logo. That's because the knife was made for a dozen companies and each company could have their own logo impressed into the handle in that circle. Another Imperial knife is a military version. It was a stiletto style (like a dagger) and had a military-style sheath. I'm not sure what Navy used them and I suppose they could make good dive knives but I've not seen many in the water. Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter But of course they were. PLUS they save you some added lead although you might have to compensate on the alternate leg, for trim. Or bring two!
starting to see divers carry www.leatherman.com.au/products/leatherman/multi-tools/c-25/c-79 and www.leatherman.com.au/products/leatherman/knives/c-25/c-81 go into a bcd pocket
![GEEK TIMË [OFFICIAL AUDIO]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ry-6RvkH880/mqdefault.jpg)
I carry a blunt tip folder clipped inside my bc pocket. The Spyderco Saver Salt. It has a very sharp H1 rustproof steel serrated edge. It's an excelent knife both in your dives and in your pocket as an every day carry for the rest of your vacation.
Spyderco makes good knives. A really sharp knife is important for most things but not so much for diving. In fact a razor sharp knife with a stiletto point is not the best choice for diving not to mention it's hard on the knife.
Thanks for watching. Alec
this guy has an awesome way of explaining things, he incorporates great humor into his speaking, awesome vid!
Thanks for watching. Alec
I love this guy's voice. I think I can just fall asleep to this.
Rupert Breheny see also ASMR
I really like your videos. I am a fairly new diver who has learned ALOT from your videos. Just wanted to say thanks.
Very nice video!!
I'm going back to diving... Years since my last dive. Friends got married, and I didn't.... I really miss it.
My knife got stolen, it was a very big 12" Technisub Aqualung Italian knife, and now I need a new (or vintage) one, andso I bought a few old style big knives. One US Divers, one Dacor, one Sun Fish and one that has no name (might buy a few more).
Can't go diving without one, and now I have a small collection!!
They're all still in the US, and a customer/friend is bringing them to me here in Brazil next month.
I was actually telling my friends last week, how the new knives are so small and don't look menacing at all. Like little toys...
Also bought a new flashlight. Mine is just gone.
Can't wait to get everything and go back into the water!!
I bought my Scubapro five knife with the bone handle way back in 1976 because like you said you had to look right. That big sword was a pain to get back in the leg sheath. I ended up with a smaller blunt nosed tool that I fasten d to my forearm. Thank you for your videos. Although they make me feel old they do bring back great memories
Glad to bring back fond memories from the stone age days Robert. Remember the length of the knife showed your diving experience, mine was 12" long!!!
I still have that big old scubapro onife. The scabbard is brittle but that knife is still bad ass.
Hi first time I saw your channel
I have been diving 54 years
I have 6 knives best knife I have I made out of a power hacksaw blade in 1967
Interesting channel looking forward to watching your other videos
Have a great day!
I
I knew a guy who used an old lawn mower blade. Very macho, very heavy, quickly lost!! Thanks for watching.
It's the little snippets like the bit about Tabata and Tusa that make this series so brilliant. Alec can make even the most mundane seeming thing (i.e. the history of dive knives) into something completely captivating. Please keep at it with the videos - love em!!!
Ok. I never know for sure what my viewers like so I'll just keep on being myself and hope everyone finds something that appeals to them. Those little snippets about the history, names, background and so on of dive gear and dive history, are really interesting to me too. I have lots of them.
Thanks for watching. Alec
YES!!!!! Thanks Alec! Please keep doing them. This is the first episode I've seen and now I'm going to sub and watch MORE! so cool! I'm new to diving, and love all this knowledge! the TUSA part was my favorite too!
Thanks.
Alec
Thank you for making the exact video I was looking for explaining diving knives (tools). Instant subscribe
Glad you found it helpful. Lots more tips on knives so keep looking.
Alec
Alec does the best scuba reviews!!! Old man full of diving wisdom
Thank you very much Azym.
Alec
Alec, thanks for another great video.
Another great video and trip down memory lane. I dove with a Wenoka "Pro" dive knife. It was an absolute beast of a knife. It would actually push me off course while running a compass course. I would continually course correct back to the right since my knife was on inside of my left leg. 🙂
Did not know that. Thanks for sharing.
A
Thanks for sharing so much. Your videos have provided so much insight and I can safely say they have increased my confidence and undertanding immensely. Thank you Mr. Peirce.
Alec, please. I used to be a school teacher so when somone calls me Mr. Peirce or sir, I get shivers. I'm glad you're enjoying them. Me too. Thanks for watching. Alec
Hey Alec! It was good seeing you again at Silver Springs, last week! I still have my old Dacor Diver's Knife from the late 60's! All the best, Courtland
Hi Courtland. Great to see you again and talk Sea Hunt. Nothing says you're a diver better than a huge dive knife!
Take care buddy.
Alec
Very interesting and i enjoyed the information you shared not only about the knives but your personal knowledge of "old to new".
Thank you.
::SUBBED::
Thanks for watching Buford.
Alec
For the second time this year I used my knife. The first was to bang on my tank to signal my dive buddy, and the second was last night when I freed a hooked sunfish. The line was wrapped around a limb.
Another great video. I have always carried the US Divers "Professional" hog leg knife. I have some of the smaller knives but the USD is almost 1/4 inch thick and can be used as a combat knife. The smaller tool knives have been known to break in certain situations so I stick with the 1 lb. monster even today. The hammer head really comes in handy and the military still swears by them and they are still manufactured by Aqualung even today.
Yeah. They were real knives. I think I used mine more for spreading peanut butter than anything else. But nothing is better for chopping up a Sea Urchin for feeding the fish. Or for hacking at weeds in the backyard too! If you like the big 'uns, be sure to check out the Cressi Orca. It's even bigger and heavier than the USD Sea Hawk! Thanks for watching. Alec
such a WEALTH of knowledge!!! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for watching.
Alec
Great Dive Knife History explained in 25 minutes.
Look how smart you become watching.
Great Presentation 🏆🏆🏆🥇🥇🥇💙
Thank you 🤗
A
6:45 The US Divers Broadsword. Carried this years ago when diving the Channel Islands off Southern Kalifornia as it worked great for harvesting scallops. Place the tip between the two shells, smack the pommel to drive it in and pry the scallop open. Then simply use a flexible boning knife to cut the medallion out. Made it a lot easier than hauling around a catch bag full scallops in their shells.
I bet there were lots of fish looking for scraps too. Good diving back in those days.
Nice video. I have the Red White and Blue handle Seahawk. I also just found out 3 days ago a coworker also has one. Mine was given to me by my dad. It is a great knife for opening fresh coconuts also. LOL
The US Divers Seahawk knife was a great dive knife and quite famous.
It was produced in several variations over the years.
The red, white & blue version was part of the Americana set in 1974 -1975 along with 2 sets of fins, 2 masks and 2 snorkels.
US Divers figured they'd make a fortune on that set but they didn' count on the backlash from the Vietnam war which was just over with embarrassing results. The sets didn't sell and were very cheap for a long time.
Take care.
Alec
Hey man thanks I have watched this video a couple times I like the big knives 😎🤿
Glad you like them!
Alec,
I'm glad I found you on You-Tube I really in joy watching your video's. Because all my equipment is vintage and I still use it. I live in Arizona now and live about 3 hours from Rocky Point, Mexico on the Sea of Cortez.
I have that first U.S. Divers knife you showed from the 50's and 60's that I bought it back then. I got my certifications back in the late 60's when I was in college. I got a YMCA Scuba Divers certification and a PADI Scuba Diver certification. When I got a new card from PADI a few years ago it did say anything about Open Water Diver. When I took my certifications back then we did Open Water Dives, Night Diving and above and be on other related dives. Wasn't that part of the certifications back then?
Thanks Alec,
Joe The Old Diver
Courses in the 60's were completely different from today's. Each course was different depending on the instructor.
Now they want each diver trained the same, equally well if you like with the same skills and knowledge. That's a worthwhile goal and they try to achieve that by making the course more standard.
I'm glad to hear that you're still diving Joe.
Take care. Alec
Alec, Thanks. I went to Mexico once and the guy said I needed an Open Water Diver not just Scuba Diver and that almost got me screw up diving. Thanks a lot PADI!
When took it in College it was part of a class an we did everything. We had to swim with are gear on start and go the whole length of a Olympic size swimming pool go down at deep end takeoff our gear at the bottom. Then Blow an Go back to where we started. Then catch our breath and hold it and swim back and down to the bottom and put our gear on. That was not easy when I got to the bottom, if I wouldn't have found my regulator. I don't think I would have made it the 12ft. to the surface. I don't think they do that today. People where you are at are lucky!
Thank Again Alec,
Joe The Old Vintage Diver
No they don't. The course today has very little extreme training in it. It's not better or worse, just modern.
BTW, the only difference between PADI Scuba Diver and PADI Open Water Diver is 2 more Open Water Dives to get the Open Water cert. The instructor who took you diving should have told you that and arranged for 2 more dives at that time.
Alec
Hey Je, PADI has over the past decade been completely commercialised into a tourist trap really, resort offer the paid open water certification at a high price for a 3 day course, basically it makes the newbies feel like they are pros in 3 days, now I think CMAS is much better although not as widely known, while training for 2 star CMAS certification we had to swim 200m put on scuba gear, swim more and practice buddy breathing, then we took off our gear (mask weight belt and all) at the bottom of the 13 ft pool (4 meters) at had to go to the top take a breath, dive down, find our regulator, put it in our most and put on our gear again at the bottom of the pool.
Just telling you this story so you know that some divers do go through the same struggles as you did.
Btw I think its totally unfair that old one star PADI divers have to be associated with the new ones.
Very Cool Video on the Vintage knives. Thank You for the History. I've. collected some of the same ones. Keep on Diving Brother.
Thanks V.
Alec
I picked up one of those old aqua lung US divers knifes at the market for $30
Stoked!
You can take off 2 pounds from the weight belt.
A
I like river diving with my Ka-Bar fighting knife. Dry it off and oil it when I'm finished and it works fine! Of course I have the one with the rubber handle and new plastic sheath.
Sweet knife and you take care of it too.
nice knive set
Ahoy Alec! I enjoy you episodes very much. Thank you for sharing your knowledge...and the Sea Hunt trivia! Do you have a dive knife made by Buck Knives called the Nemo? I recall seeing it advertised in my brother’s 1970s Skin Diver magazine.
I have seen a Nemo recently for sale but I don't have one.
It was touted as a dive knife but I don't think many divers actually used one.
Alec
Great video. Thanks!
You're welcome!
A
Hello Alec, thanks for sharing your awesome dive knife collection. I enjoy collecting vintage American knives and I was a bit surprised to see the KaBar MK2 shown at 6:20. All of the other models in your video are made with stainless steel blades and plastic or synthetic handles and sheaths.
These materials are ideal for use in a marine environment since they resist corrosion but the KaBar is made with a carbon steel blade with a handle and sheath made of leather. How did you guys keep the ocean salt water from eating up the carbon and leather?
Thanks for creating informative presentations like this. I have never dived but I think it is interesting and I enjoy learning about the old school equipment that was used.
Thanks for the knife knowledge
Thanks for watching,
Alec
Scubapro Bowie was my favorite. Always wanted one of them but I was in high school at the time when they came out and couldn't afford it.
We couldn't afford anything back in the 1960's at 0.25 cents an hour. You really had to be dedicated to get that one special kit.
Great display. I had and lost Yellow Wenoka. That was my idea of a dive knife when I was younger. Now I prefer 4.5" w/ line cutter, and good solid button release sheath like Tusa, or Akona. I knew an older guy, best spearfisherman in the NE, carried a large Buck knife.
Wenoka made great knives. They had good blades and excellent sheaths. Some divers think only about the knife and forget the sheath but a bad sheath is a constant irritation and will eventually lose your knife. The push button release was OK so long as it was kept clean.
Some modern dive knives have a really bad sheath with crazy locking gadgets that either won't open or will open all the time.
Thanks for watching rhino.
Alec
I still dive with an old 60's era Aqua Lung knife that was my dad's. Still a great knife, though I do get some funny looks from time to time.
Some of those looks are envy Jason.
A big knife is really not that necessary for diving but, it sure is cool. Go for it!
Alec
Oh, I agree, but I'm a knife guy in general--I never go anywhere without one. I REALLY want a ScubaPro "The Knife," the one with the simulated bone handle. If you ever decide to sell yours, let me know. ;-)
Went to the dive store today to pick up some equipment including a knife. The guy working there, who was a friend of my dad, absolutely recommended the biggest knife over the smaller ones. He said it was much easier to handle and it cut a lot better.
I'm dry suit diving in a cold climate, maybe the smaller ones are ok if you're in a warmer climate using less cumbersome equipment?
Take your dry suit gloves and liner then try each knife from small to large for grip, and ease of release/return. There is no rule as you hand could be small or gorilla hands like Kevin's. Go with what is comfortable first. Hope this helps.
A
I use my dive knife almost every dive. I live on Vancouver island British Columbia. We have a lot of abandoned fishing line in our waters.
That's for sure. Loved visiting BC but never had the chance to dive it. Too late now unless it's in a heated submarine.
A
LOL. Talking of big knives, I bought a AMF Swimaster 2K20 gold plated hilt & guard with a faux-wood checkered handle with an 8" blade. It was $30 back then, equivalent to $210 today. NIB today $465!! Not bad for a high school kid earning a couple of bucks an hour working at a restaurant & plant nursery!
Bur I always had choice gear back then.🦈
You made dollars per hour, you rich guys. I worked at a fish market for 25 cents and hour and loved it. Ha ha.
A.
Alec, another great video. Just out of curiosity, did divers ever take pruning, medical, or heavy duty shears with them in place of a knife or is that a modern adaptation in scuba diving? Also, what is the model name of your bone handle Seapro knife, it's gorgeous. Best, Josh
There are shears available now for divers. They are copies of those used by EMS personal. There is even a dive knife that opens to become a shear!
No idea of the model of the Seapro. No name on it other than Seapro. It is a beauty though. Thank for watching. Alec
I was oh so proud of my Aqualung Knife when I was a yungin (I'm 60yo now). Great machete, but I never used it other than tying it to my leg.. SHE WAS A BIG MUMMA!!
The Sea Hawk was (and still is) one of the great knives of scuba history - a Classic - heavy, long, scary - every young diver's dream and I mean this sincerely.
Every diver wanted one and I think most divers in the 60's, 70', even the 80's, had one.
I have a picture of myself diving here in Ontario. It was taken by my mother in 1965 and you can clearly see my Sea Hawk on my leg. This picture is on the internet lots of times. I think you can Google for it.
Good to hear from you Peter.
Alec
Makes me feel better that as the sport matured we stopped caring about the Size and began to focus on how we use what we have......
Attitudes have sure changed from when I started diving in the 50's. It's true, size isn't everything! Thanks for watching. Alec
Just stumbled across your channel, these equipment history videos are really cool and unique. Do you happen to know the name of the dive knife you were showing at the beginning that is still being produced?
That's from Cressi. It'll be on their website or call a Cressi dealer.
Alec
Cressi Orca
This was so interesting! My dad has a Navy seal style knife (I think that's somewhat along the lines of what it's called at least) from his diving days, and now that I'm planning a diving trip, he's saying I should inherit it and bring it along. It's just so huge to me! Haha.. Has some solid weight to it as well! Pretty sure I'll be the girl with the heftiest piece of gear though, haha..
The girl with the heftiest piece of gear!! Please send me a picture LOL.
The old knives were big and heavy. Just the way it was. A carry-over from the Navy I'm guessing. Not so important today but take it with you just to make your dad happy. Make at least 1 dive with it. I guarantee he'll smile.
Have fun. Alec
He would! Haha.. We tested it out though, and it's simply way too big to fit on my leg unfortunately. Although, he still thinks it's exciting looking at gear for me to use now :-)
Yeah. The straps were big and it was designed to go over a mature male calf and over a wetsuit too.
You'd be swimming lopsided! Neat to look at though.
Take care. Alec
Thanks, I enjoy your videos, I’m an old diver from Japan and remember the reserve J tank. My knife is Farallon made in Japan in the 1980s, perhaps it was not popular outside Japan?
The Farallon was popular but also for the DPV. Have you watched my video on the Farallon Diver Propulsion Vehicle? Check out vintage video S07E15 and my MK 3 DPV.
A.
I've got an old Mares Tris-inox that was my dad's in the 60s. The knife is in excellent condition but the sheath is missing one of the belt type straps on the ankle and the rubber securing ring has perished.
Where could one find replacement pieces for these old knives?
Great channel keep it up.
Google them as there are lots of sheaths out there. Try asking on Scubaboard.com, there are many dive knife collectors there.
Thank you for the reply. Will do.
Subscribed, as I find your channel very informative and also your delivery and character interesting.
You would easily pull off a 20 minute video on the most boring subject and still keep your audience captivated.
Well done.
Interesting video!
04:15 So in that aspect Swedish divers (in the late 50s and early 60s) would have used Poseidon diving gear and Morakniv as a diving knife/tool.
They may have. Back in the stone age, there are no stores so you took your favourite knife and make a sheath to hold it.
do you know of a place that sells a dive knife with a 12" blade? i love you videos!!
Only Google knows where to find small knives like that Dean. Dive stores today sell maybe a 6" blade due to restrictions in marine parks and airline regs.
I have just started collecting vintage dive knives. Do you know of a book or website reference that would tell me about all the dive knives made in the last 50 years?
Nope. I think your best source is the various vintage scuba museums around. Search vintage scuba.
There are also knife collections or knife museums but they don't specialize in dive knives so it could be a long search.
Maybe a web page or Facebook page that shows all kinds of dive knives only would be a good project for you. I'd be glad to help.
Good luck.
Alec
Wow!!!
I collect knives myself, but never managed to get diving knife.
I would kill (and eat) for one of these...
:)
Diving knives are generally just large, strong knives made of a corrosion resistant material. They are not usually very sharp and are not usually shaped to suit any specific purpose like a skinner or boner.
You should have one in your knife collection. They're cheap on eBay.
Alec
This is awesome. Just wondering about all the sword fighting back in the day during dives, or is it just over compensation for something else?
All for TV viewers! Lots of bubbles, movement and they always cut the exhaust hose (of a double hose reg). The bigger your knife, the more experienced you where (sort of). Thanks for watching.
The scuba knives of old were survivalist knives and salvaging . They were designed to save you if things went bad.. they weren't for every dive use. They were back up.
Right you are.
I actually own Mk2 Ka-Bar, It's part of my Navy Seals gear collection.
A good all-round knife for any purpose, on land or under water.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Its good, I know, many people think they can repurpose a bayonet as a knife, that's not good thinking, bayonets are meant for stabbing, not for cutting. Blade profile is different. Anyhow, great vid Sir!
The new term is "dive tool" for knives. When i started in 1958, if you had a 6" blade your new, 8" experienced and a 10-12" were a legend!
I found Dacor dive knife, 6" dive blade in the Caribbean about 50 ft down. it was adhered by coral/barnacles to the reef. How long would it need to be underwater to have that happen?
Maybe a few years given how slow coral grow. Nice find.
A
Still have my ScubaPro knife with buckle straps!
A great knife and something to keep safe. Don't make many big knives anymore.
Hey Alec I just picked up a vintage dive knife signed by Barry Nelson made by play right. I know he was a famous actor in 50/60's . Japan stainless. Can you give me any insight. Thanks. Montana Mike.
What do you think about the Japanese Sun Fish stainless knife?
Most dive knives from the 'stone age' were similar in length, colour (black) and scabbards. These knives didn't offer anything really different from any other as lots had inch scales stamped into them. So I have no preference on them but owned and used many. Thanks Jeremy.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I am looking for a replacement scabbard for an old Sun Fish knife. DO you know where I can find one?
Hello Alec, got a US divers navy seahawk like in your video here, the knife it self is in fantastic condition but the sheath is unusable and fallen apart, do you know where I can get a sheath to fit this knife?
6:46 I have a question about your Aqualung ? scuba knife where can I get one I need one pretty much exactly the same as this the only difference I think is the pamel is more of a teardrop shape and not round like yours . long story short my dad used to have one and he died when I was 13 and this knife was one of the things I used to play with as a kid and really brings back from memories of my dad but unfortunately when we moved house it got lost and I am searching for a replacement one any ideas where I can find one as I say it is exactly the same as yours but from what I can see the panel is slightly different
Search for the exact knife you're looking for & send me a picture. I'll ask my list of vintage divers if they have one for sale.
Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thank you very much from what research I have done it looks pretty much the same as a play right vintage scuba knife but I have seen models that look exactly the same from Sweden & Japan nesco scuba knife both with inch ruler on one side from 1 to 7 in inchs ? From around the 60s
What is the very first knife shown? The one that you said was a repro of older style knives. I didnt catch a model or maker. Thanks love your channel!
It is a Cressi Orca 8".
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter thank you!
I have that red one in the front. I found it in my grandpas garage
It's worth more than a few bucks!
That knife is from the 1950's.
With a sheath it might get $150 on eBay.
Alec
Oh I wouldnt sell it for a million bucks. It reminds me of stories hed tell me about skin diving on the waters around midway island
Well, a million dollars might be a bit high but, I always say give it a try LOL.
Take care. Alec
What is the manufacturer of the first knife that was previewed? The modern reinterpretation that you carry?
That's the Cressi Orca and is almost identical to the old USD Aqualung Sea Hawk knife from the 60's. Alec
Your Vintage Scuba sessions are wonderful to understand the equipment we use today. About knives, I think the dive scissors\shears like Aqualung's are much more used now than before www.aqualung.com/fr/gear/leisure-divers/scissors (or Fogcutter, Cressi Alligator, Dive Rite Trauma,... even just traditional wood cutters\scissors). Even in the "old days", a cave diver told me, it was preferred to have one rather than the knife to not stab yourself by a left-handed move and to efficiently cut any rope underwater, even when not having any grip (floating fisher nets, lifeline knotted around fin...). To cut straps from the BC too nowadays, without puncturing it.
This way you have knife and scissors in the same tool
Yep. They work really well. The dive knife/scissors are a good choice. It may not be the best knife nor the best scissors (that's often the case with combination tools) but you have everything you need in 1 tool.
Thanks for watching. Alec
I was disappointed that you didn't show the wood red handled knife right up front, double edge, I have one and wanted to hear about it
It's a Healthways knife. See 4:47 as early ones were modified for diving before specific scuba knives came out.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter Oh ok I missed it originally , I remember seeing the next Knife, w/ the guard, duh on my part, Thanks I love your video's , You are entertaining, and informative, and answered so many ?'s I had, I snorkel some , but now want to get certified, and didn't know how or what I needed. I lived near toucan dive in IL., went by it for years until I moved to northern Wi. And never had the nerve to go in, Now I do, but have to travel 60 miles to the nearest place to get certification Thanks so much
Have you got any info vintage Cressi-sub Italy ,drivers knifes - + 1975
Sorry Chris, sold all the spare knives I had a year ago.
I like the shark Billy, by the time you've gained the presence of mind to use the knife, taken the time to search for it and wrestled it from its holder the shark has chewed off your arm and left. Just out of interest, I use a pair of shears now. If I ever get bothered by a shark, I'll offer it a manicure and discuss art... I'm sure we'll become buddies after that. To tell you the truth, I've been in the water with the local bronze whalers here, mostly they come round for a look and leave or just ignore me.
You're right again Eric. If a big, hungry shark decides he's gonna' eat you - sit back and enjoy it. There's nothing you can do.
Looking for a Red, White and Blue Sea Hawk to complete a display. Any leads on one for sale? Thanks!
Pretty sure I still have the Rocket fins and Atarie (full foot) fins but I think I sold my last Seahawk knife.
Send me a private email and I'll check.
Alec
How about the wasp injectiion diving knife it would be funny to see you review it
I'm not familiar with the wasp but I just watched a video about it. Very impressive!
It's sort of a knife and Shark Dart combination (see my video on Shark Dart).
I'm afraid I will not be doing a review on it though - not at $500!
Alec
Waaau - som off thos knifs looks likes diving swords,, thanks for the histories.. loved it..
Glad you like them! Back in the old days you could tell how good a diver was by the length of his dive knife!
as i said.............that guys done time i swear
Nope! But I know lots of criminal types!!!
Alec
Spreading peanut butter haha
That's not really a joke.
Despite all the hype about dangerous marine life, seaweed and fishing line, I'm sure I used my old knives more for making sandwiches and dressing hot dogs than anything else.
Cool to carry though.
Alec
Nice video can you make a nather new video a bout spear guns
Thanks Mark. Spearguns is coming. Alec
thank you
This guy is cool. Constantly bashing the sissies of today
I prefer education to bashing, unless its really needed.
Don't forget about the buck nemo
No way. So many strange and BIG knives from back then.
A.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter
Hello Alec,
Thanks for your Channel:-)
I want to buy a nice "Vintage Diving-Knife" for my old and Katamaran sailing Father. I was found a non-jused Hi-Cut Japan Diving Knife in nearly perfekt Optik inside the Internet... and i want it. I dont know anything about this japan Company "Hi-Cut" and i also cant found anything about it inside the Internet😔.
Please can you help🙏 me a little bit? From when to when are this Hi-Cut Knives was build? From when to when was this Company operatet... and from wich Country in Japan the come from???
Is this the good old quality;-)?
I hope so!
It looks real nice an heavy... an is Japan stailness Steel market over the Gripp.
If you want i can send you Fotos from the knife i want to buy. Greets from Vienna
Dan
The original hidden tang type is my absolute favorite single edge design, but I think probably much much rarer than most/all seen here. It took me years to find mine at a reasonable price. Seems you gotta be pretty off in the knife collecting/niche military history realm to know what it is.
You need a good 12 inch blade for fighting octopuses and enemy agents
And for cutting double hose regs.
what is the about 4lbs all brass and stainless?
You needed 2 big knives to balance you, right!
A.
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter I meant you don't mention what that knife is as far as I heard just describe it. It looks like the,profile of a usn mk3 mod0 though obviously is not
I Two vintage Dacor Knives
Ain't it great??
Alec
Hi am trying to get the value for my knife it's a 1973 imperial diving knife called the ripper, I hear it's a rare knife saw one on eBay guy was asking 300 but there's no photo can you help me out thank you
There have been several dive knives with the name Imperial.
A common one was a pretty regular dive knife from the 70's. It was quite big (7" blade) with a glossy, black plastic handle, a metal butt cap (pommel), a line cutter (looks like a bottle opener) and a serrated section under the blade. It was in fact marketed by a scuba company called Imperial. They sold wetsuits mainly. Their logo was a turtle so there ought to be a turtle on the handle and/or the sheath. They sold this for many years and for a while it was called The Ripper. For some reason they thought that was a good name to increase sales.
In good shape with a solid sheath and straps it is worth about $50. If the guy on eBay gets $300, I'll list the 1/2 dozen that I have! They were a good knife but nothing special. They looked like most other dive knives of the 60's and 70's - USD, Scubapro, Cressi (still made today), DACOR. Healthways and so on. If you look closely at the logo on the handle you will see that there is a circle on the handle around the logo. That's because the knife was made for a dozen companies and each company could have their own logo impressed into the handle in that circle.
Another Imperial knife is a military version. It was a stiletto style (like a dagger) and had a military-style sheath. I'm not sure what Navy used them and I suppose they could make good dive knives but I've not seen many in the water.
Alec
Vintage SCUBA long swords ...
Hey. They were great knives!
Ok. Maybe a bit of overkill but they were cool man.
Alec
@@AlecPeirceScuba_SeaHunter But of course they were. PLUS they save you some added lead although you might have to compensate on the alternate leg, for trim. Or bring two!
Advice on what knife to use if a shark gets aggressive?
A very long one or a very slow buddy.
A
c02 knife obviouslllly
starting to see divers carry www.leatherman.com.au/products/leatherman/multi-tools/c-25/c-79 and www.leatherman.com.au/products/leatherman/knives/c-25/c-81 go into a bcd pocket
scary
No way thats 3 pounds.
With the scabbard and leg clips it is. I used to lean right just from my knife.
A
Bronze.
OK.
Alec
sharp and banned to purchase on web now
Really!! I see them for sale all the time on eBay.
Ah well. You can get them at any dive shop or sporting goods store.
Alec