The Seac Katan dive knife was a Best Buy during the 2018 dive knife test. Learn what our testers liked about this knife in this video review. See the full ScubaLab dive knife review here.

I'm Roger Roy, the ScubaLab director. We tested the Seac Katan dive knife. For impressive performance far below the average price, it was our Best Buy for dive knives.

We tested knives for their ability to cut a variety of lines, from monofilament fishing line to heavy rope. We also evaluated how well they held an edge after repeated use.

We rated them for the performance of their sheaths, their locks and grips, and how easy they were to handle and operate - with and without gloves. We tested how they held up to extremely heavy use, including prying and cutting metal wires. And we gauged their resistance to corrosion by soaking them for up to 24 hours in salt water.

The design of the Katan gives the maximum length to the real working edge of the blade. That helped it make short work of all of our test lines. and earn one of the highest cutting scores in its category. The heavy 420-stainless-steel blade held its edge exceptionally well, cutting as well at the end of the test as it did at the beginning. But it is steel and it will rust. We were able to polish off virtually all of the corrosion after a 24-hour saltwater soak, but you’ll need to rinse and clean it well to keep the knife’s chrome-like luster. The Katan rattles a bit in the sheath, but the lock holds its securely. The handle is straight and hard, but it offers a good grip and protection, whether you're using the blade’s smooth or serrated edge. For very good overall performance despite being among the least expensive knives in our test, the Seac Katan was our Best Buy for dive knives.