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Ocean Master Beta Titanium Knife

While handling this knife your first thought will be that the knife seems to defy gravity! It is incredibly light! Is the handle filed with helium? Is the blade made from aluminum? No, the knife is made from the space-age material of titanium, the tough, light, corrosion-proof metal that will revolutionize how you think of dive knives. More importantly, it is made of a unique alloy of titanium heat treated for maximum hardness and toughness. Titanium is much lighter than stainless steel and only slightly heavier than aluminum, yet it has properties of toughness that are superior to stainless steel.

Titanium dive knives are actually nothing new although Ocean Master was the first to introduce them several years ago. It should be of no surprise that they are the ones perfecting them.

All titanium alloys are corrosion proof, but material for this blade is custom formulated for Ocean Master for maximum hardness while maintaining strength. You can hack away at something, and still have a blade left to cut, and then turn around and pry hard with little fear of bending or breaking the blade.

The blade comes in either sharp point, excellent for spearfishers or delicate probing, and a blunt point, better for those that will be prying, such as in rock scallop hunting. Both blade designs come with a razor sharp edge for rapid cutting of small line, a serrated edge for tougher cutting tasks that require a “sawing” action such as on larger line and small branches, and a hooked line cutter for fast cutting of fish line and other small rope.

In addition to the lightness and toughness of the blade, all other features of the knife are very well thought out. The blade extends deep into the handle for a more solid feel to the knife. The handle grip is one of the best I have ever felt. It’s no-slip rubber with finger notches and hilt or blade protector are very well designed. This knife is not only comfortable because it is light, it is comfortable because of an excellent handle design. Every worthwhile feature is considered and included. On the butt of the knife is a stainless steel butt, great for tank banging in getting a buddy’s attention, but more importantly, it is solid enough to work effectively as a small hammer. Also on the rear of the handle is a hole for a lanyard, if desired.

This is not an exceptionally large knife nor would I consider it small. The blade is 5 inches with an overall length of 10 inches. I feel it is an ideal size, especially for the handle to fit comfortably in the hand.

Nearly as important as the knife is the sheath in which it is contained. This is one of the most well designed I’ve ever seen. A good sheath is very important in this instance. While all dive knives are expensive, and you certainly don’t want to lose them, titanium knives cost 30 to 80 percent more than conventional knives. Ocean Master’s sheath has a very easily disengaged one-touch release, yet holds the knife solid when the knife is easily locked in place. An added feature is the safety lock on the side in contrasting bright red plastic that prevents the release from accidentally being disengaged. But even this can be easily clicked off with one hand and then releasing the knife with the same hand. I feel as if I will never accidentally lose this knife.

A worthwhile optional accessory for this knife is the Soft Wrap that places the sheath in a neoprene holster. This will make wearing the knife more comfortable, especially when diving with no or thin wetsuit.

Just handling this knife will make you interested. Visit a dealer near you, indicated in our Dive Store Directory, or visit the Ocean Master website at http://www.oceanmaster.com or call Ocean Master at 626-582-8000.