A Guide To Finding The Best Neck Knife For You
Before folding blades and pockets, our ancestors had to devise clever ways to carry a blade.
Carrying a sharp blade without getting stabbed was a real trick back then.
One clever and timeless solution to this ancient problem was the neck knife.
By tying some cord around their blade’s handle, they could wear it around their necks.
A safe-bladed weapon close at hand.
It’s both simple and brilliant.
Few survival tools can double as functional tools and fashion accessories at once.
The neck knife is one of them.
And it’s a surprisingly popular way to wear a knife nowadays…want proof?
Just look at all the neck knife videos on YouTube, like this one:
Neck Knife EDC
But the variety of neck knives today is staggering and seemingly unending. Unfortunately, not all neck knives are created equal.
Some neck knives are great, while others suck.
Searching for the right neck knife can be a tedious and frustrating process.
How do you pick a great one from so many options?
Well, that’s exactly why we wrote this guide. In this article, we’ll be covering the following topics:
- The Best Neck Knives On The Market Today
- What Is The Neck Knife
- Brief Neck Knife History
- Top Reasons To Wear A Neck Knife
- Best Neck Knife Features To Look For
- Best Neck Knife Uses (Survival & Self-Defense)
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Best Neck Knives On The Market Today
Survival Neck Knife by Survival Frog
Survival Frog makes and sells some of the best gear for survivalists.
So if you’re going to trust your life to a knife, it has to be strong enough for the job.
That’s why the full tang fixed blade survival neck knife is ideal for survival…
This Survival Knife doesn’t have any structural weak points.
It’s made from one single, solid piece of cold-forged steel. This full tang runs from tip to tail and will not break.
However, it’s still light and compact, meaning it’s much easier to carry and easier to conceal.
Compare the Survival Neck Knife blade to a standard pocket knife blade, and you’ll notice a major difference.
The Survival Neck Knife’s blade is much thicker.
On average, the Survival Neck Knife’s blade is 3-4x thicker than a standard pocket knife.
Fortunately, at 4mm thick, the Survival Neck Knife’s blade is thick enough for abusive survival skills, such as:
- batoning wood
- skinning large game
- use as a pry bar
Not to mention the Survival Knife blade is made from one of the best metals around. The all 404c steel blade is as strong, so it’ll stand up to years.
Plus, its sheath is a survival tool in its own right.
It comes with the following:
- Built-in compass and a signaling mirror
- Complete with a knife-sharpening stone
- A Ferro rod for creating a shower of sparks
The Survival Neck Knife is badass, the one I purchase and wear daily.
Survival Neck Knife Review – Can Your Knife Do All This?
SOG Snarl Small Fixed Blade Knife With Neck Knife Chain
The Snarl is a mini neck knife made by SOG. It’s a compact fixed-blade knife with a sheepsfoot blade design, measuring 2.3 inches in length.
It features a full-tang construction with a G10 handle that provides a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions. The blade is made of 9Cr18MoV stainless steel, which is known for its toughness, corrosion resistance, and edge retention.
The sheepsfoot blade design suits various tasks, including cutting, slicing, and piercing. The full-tang construction ensures that the blade is strong and durable, while the G10 handle provides a comfortable and secure grip.
However, some users may find the 2.3-inch blade length to be too short for some tasks.
SOG Snarl: Brous Design Neck Knife
Boker Magnum Lil Friend Micro – Small Fixed Blade Neck Knife with Sheath
The Boker Magnum Lil Friend Micro is a small fixed-blade neck knife that comes with a sheath.
First of all, the knife is very small and compact, making it easy to carry around. It is also very lightweight, so you can carry it around for extended periods without discomfort.
The blade is made from 440 stainless steel, a durable and corrosion-resistant material. The blade is also very sharp and holds its edge well, making it ideal for cutting tasks.
The blade length is just 1.38 inches, which makes it a great knife for small tasks such as opening packages or slicing through food.
The knife handle is made from black G10, a very durable and lightweight material. It has a textured surface that provides a good grip, even when your hands are wet. The handle also has a small lanyard hole, which allows you to attach it to a keyring or a lanyard for easy access.
The sheath that comes with the knife is also well-designed. It is made from black nylon and has a Velcro closure that keeps the knife securely in place. The sheath also has a small loop that allows you to attach it to your belt or backpack for easy access.
Overall, I would highly recommend the Boker Magnum Lil Friend Micro to anyone looking for a small, lightweight, and durable neck knife. It is a great knife for everyday carry and outdoor activities and is very affordable.
Boker Magnum Lil Friend Micro
CRKT Minimalist Tanto Neck Knife
The CRKT Minimalist Tanto Neck Knife has a minimalist design. The tanto-style blade is made of 5Cr15MoV stainless steel, which is a decent quality material that can hold a sharp edge well.
The handle is made of resin-infused fiber, which provides a good grip and feels comfortable to hold. The overall build quality of the knife is good, and it feels like it can withstand heavy use.
The tanto-style blade is good for piercing and slicing, making it a versatile tool for various cutting tasks. The knife also comes with a Kydex sheath that securely holds the knife in place and allows easy access when needed.
The CRKT Minimalist Tanto Neck Knife is a good value for its price. It is a high-quality knife that is designed for everyday use, and it performs well for a wide range of cutting tasks.
The knife is also backed by CRKT’s limited lifetime warranty, which gives you peace of mind knowing that you are investing in a product that is built to last.
CRKT Minimalist After 1+ Year Carried
Ka-Bar BK11 Becker Necker Neck Knife , Black
Anyone who’s a survival knife enthusiast knows the name Ka-Bar. Their knives are used throughout the military and service sectors!
The Becker Necker knife has a simple yet effective design. It features a 3.25-inch blade made of 1095 Cro-Van steel, which is a high-carbon, low-alloy steel known for its toughness and durability.
The blade is full tang, extending all the way through the handle, providing added strength and stability.
The handle is made of durable Zytel material, which offers a secure grip even in wet or slippery conditions. It includes a black plastic injection molded glass-filled nylon sheath.
Thanks to its simple design and lightweight construction, the Becker Necker knife is easy to use. The blade is easy to sharpen and maintain, and the handle provides a comfortable and secure grip, even when wet.
Value for Money: The Ka-Bar BK11 Becker Necker Knife is reasonably priced for a high-quality, American-made knife. It offers excellent value for money.
KABAR BK-11 Becker Necker Neck Knife with mods
ESEE Knives Izula Fixed Blade Knife w/Survival Kit
The locals in Peru call the meanest, nastiest ant of the jungle by the name “Isula.” That’s why this small, mighty, badass knife was named after this infamous ant.
The name fits this 1065 carbon steel knife with an overall length of 6.25 inches, a blade length of 2.875 inches, and a thickness of .156 inches.
Plus, its overall weight is a mere 3.0 ounces (without the sheath).
The sheath is a black injection-molded polymer belt clip that keeps the blade safely tucked away when hanging from your neck.
And last but not least, they have a No Questions Asked Warranty on all ESEE 1095 carbon steel knives. If you break it, send it back, and they’ll replace it.
ESEE Izula Field Test: One Mean Ant
TONIFE Fixed Blade Neck Knife
This blade is professionally heat treated, which involves heating, freezing, and reheating, making the blade extremely tough with excellent edge retention.
The Tonife Squirrel features a G10 (lightweight, tough, corruption, and extreme temperature-resistant material) handle over its full steel tang.
It also comes with a Kydex Sheath that comes with a tough ball and chain for wearing around your neck.
The knife’s value for money is excellent.
Tonife Full Tang Fixed Blade Neck Knife Review & Test
MTech USA Fixed Blade Neck Knife
The MTech USA Series Fixed Blade Neck Knife is a compact and lightweight knife designed for everyday carry.
The knife is 6.5 inches long, has a nylon sheath, and has a breakable neck chain.
It features a durable 2-inch stainless steel blade with a black finish, which can hold an edge well. This is a full tang, fixed blade made of 440 stainless steel, matte black, and double-edged.
Doubled-edged knives have pros and cons. You get more edge for your money but at the cost of safety and less thumb leverage for tasks like whittling.
They require more caution and attention than single-edged knives.
It comes with a grippy nylon-filled injection mold handle, making it easy to keep ahold of during use.
MTECH USA Fixed Blade Spear Point Neck Knife
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What Is A Neck Knife?
Quite simply, any tactical knife you wear around your neck is a neck knife.
And since you carry a neck knife on your person, they also fall into the category of EDC knives. Neck knives are incredibly versatile in form, shape, and application.
Some are big, some are small, some are fixed-blade survival knives, and some are everyday folders. Heck, some are made more for fashion, while others are purely functional.
- Curved Blades
- Tanto Blades
- Combat Knives
- Multi-Tool Knives
- Serrated Blades
- Drop Point Blades
- You Name It
KnifeCenter FAQ: Blade Shapes Explained
There are also short blades, long blades, thick blades, thin blades, etc. But no matter, all neck knives have one thing in common, they’re hung from a cord or chain around your neck.
Brief Neck Knife History
So who exactly invented the neck knife? Sadly, that’s something we will never know. It’s one of those small historical facts lost forever.
Regardless, things have come a long way since those first primitive neck knives. But the technology and the idea behind it have not changed.
No matter how high-tech and fancy the blade gets, the basic idea of it remains the same.
Many people carry a knife to this day, some tens of thousands of years after the invention was conceived. Because anything that remains popular this long has got something going for it.
It’s an accessory that can save your life. And when it does, you will thank the mystery caveman who invented it.
Neck Knife to Carry or Not to Carry
Top Reasons To Wear A Neck Knife
This could be a very long list – because when it comes to neck knives, there’s a lot to love.
But, for brevity’s sake, I’ll limit this conversation to just the most significant advantages.
Why I Wear A Neck Knife
Always With You
This is the best reason to carry a neck knife.
No pockets, tactical backpacks, or belts are necessary because everyone’s got a neck. Just sling your knife around your head; it will always hang right by your heart.
And likely the main reason our ancestors invented them in the first place.
Quick Easy Access
When it’s hanging around your neck, it is always within easy reach. You cannot lose it; you cannot leave it somewhere; you won’t accidentally drop it.
It’s always within arm’s reach, ready to be slipped out of its sheath and used. Ready for survival, self-defense, or any purpose you run into.
Can Intimidate Threats
If a threat sees you’re carrying a blade around your neck, they know immediately you’re armed.
Most people are less likely to confront someone who’s visibly outfitted with a dangerous weapon.
Can Attract Attention
Neck knives are badass – plain and simple. No matter if you’re a woman or a man, if you are wearing one, it sends a clear message:
- I am armed.
- I am dangerous.
- Ready to survive no matter what.
Wear your knife out and about if you want some added attention (good and bad).
Or keep it hidden if attention is not your thing.
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Best Neck Knife Features To Look For
There are a few key characteristics of a good, functional neck knife. No matter how it’s shaped, how large it is, or who makes it, it’ll serve you well if it has the following qualities.
Durability
Any knife that breaks when you use it will not cut it for survival.
So choose one made from high-quality materials to resist wear and tear and handle lots of abuse.
There are a lot of cheapo-neck knives out there that are more of a necklace than a functional, usable knife.
So be wary when you’re buying – read reviews, test the blade yourself, and send it back if it doesn’t meet expectations.
Also, if you want a survival knife, look for one with a thicker blade so you can use it for abusive tasks such as batoning.
Lightweight
Because neck knives come in different shapes, sizes, and styles, some are unwieldy.
A neck knife with a full tang oversized ka-bar hunting blade will be bulky and heavy. You can count on that getting in your way more than it helps you out.
Fortunately, most knife designs have taken this into account. Most neck knives are lightweight and do not burden the wearer.
That’s the neck knife you want. One that’s so lightweight and compact you hardly notice it’s there, but it IS there, ready and waiting.
Compact Tight Sheath
The sheath is as important as the knife itself.
You want a knife sheath that keeps the knife safely tucked away and secure in the sheath. You want the knife to fit snug but not too snug.
If it’s too loose the knife could slip out of the sheath all on its own – not good. But if it’s too tight, then it may become difficult to pull it free.
You also want the sheath to leave a minimum imprint. That way, you can wear it under your shirt and keep it hidden out of view.
The bottom line is a neck knife is only as good as the sheath it comes with.
Looks Good
Durability and functionality are first, but after that, you want one that looks cool, right?
These things are basically necklaces. Yeah, that’s not their primary function, but it plays a role in your purchase decision.
This means you need to like how you look when wearing it. Thankfully, there are a lot of really badass-looking neck knives.
Best Neck Knife Uses (for survival and self-defense)
When does a knife actually become useful?
Well, there are a lot of answers to that question, and each one depends heavily on the circumstances. But we will review some important ones (and a few more obscure uses).
Self-Defense
Naturally, it can come in handy if someone tries to attack you. A typical response for anyone wearing a neck knife would be to whip that bad boy out and stab him.
Self-defense is the main reason many people carry neck knives. They offer a fast, easy, small, stealthy, incognito weapon at hand.
This is a big reason why neck knives are excellent accessories for females traveling or walking solo late at night.
Hunting/Camping
When you’re in the wild hunting animals (or even just hanging out), having a knife at the ready is handy.
Whether you’re field dressing a kill, preparing food, or carving tools, neck knives are at the ready.
Apocalyptic Weapon
When sh*t hits the fan, you will want to be as armed as possible. Carrying a blade around your neck is one more place to keep a weapon at the ready.
You never know if or when we’ll all be caught off guard in an end-of-the-world scenario. So wearing one makes sure you’re never unarmed when that happens.
Fishing
You’ll want something to gut or fillet your catch when casting flies and catching fish out on the water.
Yes, a good fillet knife is better, but when you’re camping or surviving, you might not have one of those with you. So, in that case, good thing you have that trusty knife around your neck.
Being Crafty
Maybe you must carve an arrow shaft or whittle a makeshift survival whistle out of wood.
Whatever crafty purpose you need a knife for, your trusty neck knife will be there to help you achieve it.
Final Thoughts
Most people get so hung up on keeping pocket knives in their pockets. Carrying a fixed blade knife on their belts or dirks in their boots. But they overlook the advantages of carrying a knife around their neck.
It’s one of the handiest places to keep a small badass survival knife.
Once you start wearing a neck knife, you’ll never stop. The benefits are too great and significant.
Add one to your collection of survival gear, and it may quickly become your new everyday carry knife.
Will Brendza
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