Today I’ve got something really exciting to share…
A Complete Guide To Finding (& Using) A Neck Knife For Protection
Because carrying a sharp, hidden fixed blade knife without getting stabbed is a real trick.
But one clever and timeless solution is a neck knife.
It’s both simple and brilliant.
But the variety today is staggering and seemingly unending.
Searching for the right one can be a tedious and frustrating process, but we make it easy…
TOPICS IN THIS GUIDE… ↓(click to jump)
- Best Neck Knives Available Today
- What Is A Neck Knife Anyway?
- Brief Neck Knife History Lesson
- Why Wear A Necklace Knife
- The Best Neck Knife Features
- Vast Uses For These Knives
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This full tang-fixed blade 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 conceal.
The Survival Knife Has A Damn-Tough Blade
When you compare this blade to a standard pocket knife, you'll notice one major difference.
Its blade is much thicker.
On average, the Survival Knife's blade is 3-4x thicker than a standard pocket knife.
Fortunately, at 4mm thick, the 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
This is the knife I bought and wear around my neck daily.
↓ Survival Neck Knife – Can Yours Do This?
The Snarl is a mini 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 Knife
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
The CRKT Minimalist Tanto Knife has a minimalist design. The tanto-style blade is made of 5Cr15MoV stainless steel, 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 Knife is a good value for its price. It is a high-quality knife designed for everyday use and performs well for a wide range of cutting tasks.
The knife is backed by CRKT's limited lifetime warranty, which gives you peace of mind knowing that you are investing in a product built to last.
↓ CRKT Minimalist After 1+ Years
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 Knife
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
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 Neck Knife
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6tYYf58ICs
The MTech USA Series Fixed Blade 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 Knife
What Exactly Is A Neck Knife?
It’s a tactical knife you wear around your neck.
And since you carry these knives on your person, they also fall into the category of EDC knives.
They’re incredibly versatile in form, shape, and application.
Some are big, some are small, some are fixed-blade survival knives, and some are everyday folders.
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
↓ Blade Shapes Explained
There’s no shortage of blade types, (long blades, thick blades, thin blades, etc.)
But no matter, all these knives have one thing in common…
They’re made to hang from a cord or chain around your neck.
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So who exactly invented this knife?
Sadly, THAT’s something we’ll never completely know.
It’s one of those small historical facts forever lost to time.
Regardless, things have come a long way since those first primitive designs.
But the technology and the idea behind it have not changed.
No matter how high-tech and fancy the blade gets, the basic idea remains the same.
People carry this type of knife to this day, some tens of thousands of years after the invention was conceived.
And anything that remains so popular for so long, has something going for it.
It’s an accessory that can save your life.
And when it does, you can thank that mystery caveman who invented it.
Top Reasons To Wear A Knife Necklace
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 the most significant advantages (below).
The following videos also covers some surprising reasons to wear one:
↓ Why I Wear A Neck Knife
↓ Neck Knife to Carry or Not
Always With You
This is the best reason to wear one.
No pockets, tactical backpacks, or belts necessary because everyone’s got a neck.
Just sling your knife around your head; it will always hang by your heart.
And this is likely the main reason our ancestors invented them in the first place.
Quick Easy Access
It’s always within easy reach when it’s hanging around your neck.
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 visibly outfitted with a dangerous weapon.
Can Attract Attention
They’re 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 outside your shirt 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, 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 abuse.
Many cheap options are more of a necklace than a functional, usable knife.
So be wary before 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 for abusive tasks such as batoning.
Lightweight
If you try hanging a full tang oversized ka-bar hunting blade around your neck, it will be bulky, heavy, and uncomfortable.
You can count on it getting in your way more than helping you.
Fortunately, most designs have taken this into account.
Most are lightweight and do not burden the wearer.
That’s the type 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 sheath that keeps the knife safely tucked away and secure.
You want the knife to fit snug but not too snug.
The knife could slip out of the sheath if it’s too loose.
But if it’s too tight, then it may become difficult to pull free.
You also want the sheath to leave a minimum imprint.
You can wear it under your shirt and keep it hidden.
The bottom line:
A knife that hangs from your neck 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 necklaces afterall.
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 ones available.
Best Uses (for survival and self-defense)
When does a knife 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 attacks you.
A typical response for anyone would be to whip that bad boy out and stab.
They offer a fast, easy, small, stealthy, incognito weapon at hand.
They’re excellent accessories for females traveling or walking solo late at night.
Hunting/Camping
When you’re in the wild hunting animals having a knife at the ready is handy.
Whether field dressing a kill, preparing food, or carving tools, wearing a knife around your neck means you’re 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 another place to keep a weapon.
You never know when we’ll all be caught off guard in an end-of-the-world scenario.
So wearing one makes sure you’re never a helpless victim IF that happens.
Fishing
You’ll want something to gut or fillet your catch.
Yes, a good fillet knife is better.
But when camping or surviving, you might not have one with you.
So, in that case, it smart you have that trusty knife around your neck.
Being Crafty
Maybe you enjoy carving or whittling things out of wood.
Whatever crafty purpose you need a knife for, your trusty neck knife will help you.
Final Thoughts
Most people get so hung up on keeping a good knife in their pocket.
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 one, you’ll never stop.
The benefits are too significant.
Add one to YOUR collection of survival gear.
And it will likely become your favorite everyday carry knife.
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