Akona Talon Spec Breakdown & Features
One of the longer knives we tested, the Talon measures 10 inches (25.4 cm), and weighs 16 ounces (453.6 grams), but the length and weight is quite balanced. It feels comfortable to hold. The titanium blade will hold up to the roughest conditions, and the overmolded-plastic handle and sheath are a tough combination.
The straight edge blade is great for all jobs. The serrated edge lacks a little bit of cutting power, but will still cut through rope with a bit of work. The line cutter is serviceable for smaller fishing lines, but for thicker line you should stick with the straight edge.
Akona Talon Impressions
When you first look at and hold the Akona Talon, you immediately think “this is what a dive knife is supposed to look and feel like.” I know for me, when first handling the Talon, these were my thoughts. It’s got that Goldilocks feel—not too big, not too small, and a nice design without being too flashy. It’s a combination that screams, “I belong with a diver.” It’s a little bigger than I personally prefer, but I know I’m the exception, not the rule. But it feels nice in your hand.
Getting the Talon in and out of the sheath was extremely easy and smooth. Just a little pressure on the locking tabs and it pops right out. Putting it back, you hear an audible click to know it’s locked in. Even with the thickest gloves the Talon was one of the more accessible knives I tested.
The straight edge cut nicely, cutting both the 550 paracord and the dock rope fairly easily. The serrated portion left a little to be desired. While it did eventually cut, it took a little more elbow grease than I thought it would. And the line cutter struggled on all but the thinnest fishing line.
If you’re looking for a higher-end knife that doesn’t struggle with any cutting, we recommend the Benchmade Undercurrent. If, however, you want the most affordable knife you can find without sacrificing cutting capabilities, you should check out the SEAC Tajaman.
Overall, I would say this is a good knife for anybody who is looking for a serviceable cutting instrument. It won’t necessarily save the day in an outright emergency, but it’ll cut rope and fishing line, and it’s easy to get in and out of its sheath. The price point makes it a great first knife, and it’s comfortable on the calf for divers who like to wear their knife there.
Do we recommend the Akona Talon dive knife?
We do recommend the Akona Talon. It has a great price point, and it works well enough that it’s worth the money you spend. The straight edge alone is worth the cost. While we weren’t the biggest fans of the serrated edge or the line cutter, we can overlook that because there are more benefits than drawbacks.
We think it’s one of the easiest knives to unsheath and sheath, even with super thick gloves on. The little locking tabs make removing it easy, and the audible click you can hear and feel gives nice peace of mind that the Talon isn’t going anywhere.
The size may put off some folks, but the balance is amazing. It works better on your calf or lower leg, but could sit nicely on a belt as well. It goes great with an Akona wetsuit (one of the most comfortable brands on the market) like the Akona Women’s Classic.
Specs & Features
| Fixed or foldable | fixed |
|---|---|
| Blade length | 4.5 in. (11.43 cm.) |
| Handle length | 5.5 in. (13.97 cm.) self-measured |
| Weight | 16 ounces (453.6 grams) |
| Blade type | one side straight; one side serrated; line cutter |
| Blade material | titanium |
| Handle material | over-molded plastic |
| Blade tip | pointed |
