We tested the Tekna Ocean Edge. An aggressive cutter that can saw safely through entanglements even in tight quarters, it was our Testers Choice for cutting tools.

We tested cutting tools 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 cutting metal wires. And we gauged their resistance to corrosion by soaking them for up to 24 hours in saltwater.

The Ocean Edge is also available with a dagger-like blade, but our test sample had a blunt-tip “rescue hook” design. It’s made from a solid chunk of 420 stainless, often used for surgical tools; it’s hard but not brittle and reasonably resistant to corrosion. The 2-inch serrated edge cuts aggressively, though its short length limits single-pass cutting ability. But what impressed us was its effectiveness in safely cutting even hard, thick lines wrapped around objects, including an arm or leg--something we passed on trying with most knives in our test. The skeleton handle with knurled edges is hard but grippy and makes this by far the easiest tool in our test to clean. After 24 hours in saltwater, we found one small patch of rust inside a hole in the grip, which easily rubbed off. The hook tip makes it a chore to extract from its spring-lock sheath, but it won’t fall out. A reliable tool that can cut tangles without cutting you, the Ocean Edge was our Testers Choice for cutting tools.

2020 ScubaLab Knife Review