I've been diving since 1970. I am an ex Navy diver, NAUI SCUBA instructor, and commercial diver since '74. I always place a dive knife on my chest, via a harness or vest. The make or size of knife is not important. I tried every option imaginable. I hated ankle carry and waste placement was always difficult to access.
No stamp with the overwhelming majority of early #16's being stainless steel. It is unlikely you will encounter an early carbon steel #16. Very, very few were made. Think about it, why would you order a carbon dive knife?
Carbon was an "option" so to speak, with stainless being standard, albiet a bit more expensive.
You're right. I think I will loan him my Astro when we go diving again this spring. His friend Scott may be on that trip, so maybe he has a spare?
My dive buddy has a serious problem with things going missing (like a certain watch sent to the Smithsonian which never arrived, and canceled checks showing up at autograph auctions), so I don't blame him for carrying an old Tabata dive knife when he travels. But seriously, some traditions must be upheld!
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David RKCC No. 654 RKS No. 5462 SHAG No. 003 NRA Life Member www.explorerconsulting.com