1987 March 01, Bradford W. O'Hearn, “The Basic Tools and Basic Advice From an Expert”, in Newsday, Long Island, N.Y., page 3:
A pair of Dykes. Vila swears that's what these pliers are called and says because they have cutting capabilities and can be used to cut wires or trim small nails they are exceptionally handy on boats.
2006 May, Tim Banse, “10 Must-Have Tools”, in Motor Boating, volume 197, number 5, page 88:
Here are some additional tools that will make repairs and maintenance chores easier: –Diagonal cutting pliers, or “dikes” –Small hose removal pliers
2008, John Hechtman, Audio Wiring Guide: How to Wire the Most Popular Audio and Video Connectors, page 15:
Wire cutters are also know as ‘diagonal side cutters’, and are often called ‘dykes’ (maybe from DIagonal CutterS). You'll need two pairs, large and small. If you use undersized dykes to cut large wire, you can damage or break them.
2013 February 8, Henry Miller, “Lebanon fisherman perfects fly pattern that hooks variety of fish”, in Statesman Journal, Salem, Oregon:
Materials list: […] * Scissors * Diagonal pliers (dykes) for cutting the bead chain * Bobbin for the tying thread
2013, Jason Jefferies, “Selecting Wire Cutters”, in Fire Engineering, volume 166, number 1, page 16:
On the left is a set of linesman’s dikes/pliers, in the middle is a set of standard wire cutters, and on the right is a set of cable cutters.
