EEZYCUT TRILOBITE — compact line and webbing cutter designed for divers, mariners, mountaineers and rescue professionals. Designed by Steve Bogaerts, the tool can be mounted to the bungees of a diving computer or wrist slate and deployed from either side. The kit does not include bungees but ships with two replacement blades.

Performance and notes

• Rated to cut line up to 8 mm; with the correct technique it can cut up to 12 mm.
• Works best when there is tension on the line or webbing.
• Due to manufacturing tolerances the blade may sit slightly off-centre and the cutter can feel different on each side.

How to cut line

• Place the line in the slot and apply tension.
• Hold the tool with the thumb and index finger either over the slot or with the index finger extended over the front of the frame.
• Pull back from the elbow while the line is in the slot and allow the blade to slice through. Holding the index finger over the slot converts the tool to a one-sided cutting action.

How to cut thicker line

• For lines thicker than 8 mm (up to about 12 mm), maintain strong tension and use the same pulling motion; controlled wrist and elbow movement improves the cut.

How to cut webbing

• Place the webbing in the slot with tension.
• Extend the index finger over the front of the frame, pull back, and push the front of the tool down with the index finger in a hooking motion driven by the wrist.
• Aim to complete the cut before the webbing reaches the end of the cutter arm.

Changing the blade

• Wear nitrile gloves for protection.
• Unscrew the hex nuts and open the tool at the front using the pry hole. Gently open at the locators.
• Lift off and safely dispose of the old blade, insert the new blade, and reassemble. Push the tool together at the locators and tighten the hex nuts snugly.
• Close the arms with your fingers or very gently with pliers. Do not over-tighten — slight fissures at the ends may occur but do not affect function.

Safety

• The blade is protected but not foolproof. Take care when handling and when returning the tool to its sheath to avoid injury.