Help Picking Out Neck Knife

[BadMechanic]

Ive got a few knives I want to buy such as an USMC Ka Bar and Buck 110. But first, would like to get a nice neck knife.

Size and weight isnt an issue, but most of them to be small and light anyway. No real budget, but it wont be a primary use tool. So I would rather not spend a fortune on it.

From what Ive gathered, CRKT Foltz and SOG Snarl are names that popped up more than once. Im just looking for the experts who know a thing or two about neck knives.

Thanks in advance.

[Aloha]

I'll take pics of my Snarl and CRKT Minimalist.  I much prefer the Minimalist over the Snarl in every way.  The Snarl is a neat knife but IMO not very functional.  It had a thick edge and was a terrible cutter.  I had to really thin down the material to finally get it to cut properly ( my taste at least ).  It came with a ball chain which was not how I tried to carry it.  The sheath is nice and fits the knife well.  I found the knife limiting to say the least.   

My CRKT Minimalist is a terrific knife.  While small its finger grooves allow it to sit in the hand comfortable and secure.  The little lanyard also adds a little for the small finger to hold onto if needed.  Mine came sharp out the box but with a little work I got it hair shaving in no time.  Its super comfortable as a neck knife tool  The sheath is really great. 

I got my partner a Mora Eldris.  I got her the one with ferro rod kit.  Its a super light knife tho a bit chubby.  The blade is really small but I knew that going into it.  You can attach the sheath and make a full side handle so thats pretty cool.  She really loves it as she really likes to have a small knife with her for simple chores.  Its a nice little knife and Mora quality. 

I'll snap some pictures tomorrow for you.   

[BadMechanic]

I do appreciate it, Aloha.

Im just looking for a knife I can grab when one hand is full and still need a blade to grab, regardless of hand. and for $24, doesnt seem like a bad price at all.

[Aloha]

The Minimalist is easy to do just what you described.  Theres a few different blade shapes too.  I got the Bowie.   

[BadMechanic]

I saw the difference blades on them. That is pretty awesome.

If theres any other good options out there, Im all ears 

[VICMAN]

I agree with Aloha that the CRKT Minimalist is a great choice.I have it in 3 different blade shapes........bowie.wharncliff, and drop point. They are actually very easy to control with the finger grooves and the lanyard.

My favorie is the bowie.

[comis]

Is there any reason why a neck knife if preferred over a regular small fixed blade/folding knife?  If the need is not specific for a neck knife(for example, Boreal forest survival), there are tons of easier/faster to use options for just a quick cut.

[AimlessWanderer]

I think that ultimately it all comes down to what you want the knife/tool to do. A neck knife is more of a way of carry than type of knife, as they all have different strengths and weaknesses.

I have fixed blade knives as large as a puuko, or as small as a Buck Hartsook that I could wear round my neck. One is more discrete, and more comfortable to carry, and the other is more capable of heavier tasks, though neither are what I would consider food prep knives. Choose what you want the knife to do, then find one of that ilk that's small and light enough to be worn around the neck, rather than look at what neck knives are around to choose from.

[Aloha]

Here's an idea I've seen.  A OHO folder in kydex worn around the neck?  You could find a nice light weight blade and make or have made a kydex sheath for it. 

[BadMechanic]

My pockets are already packed full of stuff otherwise would be a good choice.

There are times when im on a ladder holding something with one hand, could be left or right, and need a knife. Also, I may be on my back in a confined space where getting to my pockets is a difficult task. Hence the reasoning for neck knife.

[Aloha]

  "A OHO folder in kydex worn around the neck?"

Totally understand your reasons.  I mention a OHO around neck in suitable sheath because you may already have a good folder just need a good sheath for neck carry  .  However I stand by my suggestion of the Minimalist  . 

[Aloha]

Alright here are the SOG and CRKT.  I used a 58mm SAK, US bill, and Wave for size comparison.  I forgot to mention both neck knives also have really good belt clips on them.  I've used them on packs and they are really nice.  I have used them on my belt as well ( around the house ) and they performed great. 

I believe the CRKT sheath is Kydex while the SOG is likely something else.  Handling them again this morning and I'll say the CRKT is a great little blade.  The SOG is neat and I wanted one for a while so I'm glad I finally got to try it but for me its limited.  I see the CRKT for my uses more useful. 

[Aloha]

WAIT WAIT WAIT 

Ok while I stand by my suggestion of the CRKT how I forgot the ESEE IZULA is unforgivable. 

I have had this awesome knife for a little while and I cannot say enough GREAT things about it.   Its light and will need a little more care than the stainless CRKT I've not found it to be needy.  Esee has one of the BEST warranties so use the heck out of it with ZERO worries.  You can get handles if you want or wrap the handle, I chose not to as I don't want any extra weight or need them.  This is an outstanding blade and while the handle is on the small size its not something that is a deal breaker.  Its a small knife! 

So with that said I change my option to strongly suggest the Esee Izula and they have a Izula 2 with more handle if you need it.   

[magentus]

WAIT WAIT WAIT 

Ok while I stand by my suggestion of the CRKT how I forgot the ESEE IZULA is unforgivable. 

I have had this awesome knife for a little while and I cannot say enough GREAT things about it.   Its light and will need a little more care than the stainless CRKT I've not found it to be needy.  Esee has one of the BEST warranties so use the heck out of it with ZERO worries.  You can get handles if you want or wrap the handle, I chose not to as I don't want any extra weight or need them.  This is an outstanding blade and while the handle is on the small size its not something that is a deal breaker.  Its a small knife! 

So with that said I change my option to strongly suggest the Esee Izula and they have a Izula 2 with more handle if you need it.   

Great little knife

[Aloha]

 
 
Those micarta handles are awesome looking. 

[magentus]

Cheers Aloha - they are v comfy!

Here's a Dozier in D2 for your perusal - another fantastic little knife.

[Aloha]

Oh yeah I remember that beauty.  I'd imagine a bit heavier that the Izula?

[magentus]

Oh yeah I remember that beauty.  I'd imagine a bit heavier that the Izula?

Little bit heavier - Izula II is 92g and the Dozier is 101g

[Aloha]

I'd have expected heavier .  Not bad at all.  It's a lovely blade and I'm sure awesome in hand.  I really like little fixed blades.  I've used my Izula for work and kitchen and its not blinked once.  Wash in sink and a quick wipe dry and good to go.  I have picked up a little speck of rust but a run across my strop and poof gone, plus its picked up a nice polish. 

[comis]

My pockets are already packed full of stuff otherwise would be a good choice.

There are times when im on a ladder holding something with one hand, could be left or right, and need a knife. Also, I may be on my back in a confined space where getting to my pockets is a difficult task. Hence the reasoning for neck knife.

Cool, personally, if I were to use a neck knife, I would recommend something that has decent retention, lightweight and a handle with good purchase.  Here are some of the knives I did once used, and might be suitable for your needs:




Top: Mora (so lightweight you will forget it's there, and it's a full size user knife with low cost too!)
From L to R:
Enzo Necker(if you can find a skeleton version with kydex sheath, it's pretty good to use, I love Enzo for their values)
Survive knives 3.5 in, love this thing, strong and lightweight, but more on expensive side
ESEE/Becker Eskarbar, love this skeleton knife, good size blade/handle and perfect retention to pull out/resheath; might be slightly big but definitely favorite user amongst all these.
Condur Wingfang, donlt bother, piss poor retention, so tight that you cannot safely remove and resheath with two hands
Mora Eldris, cute knife, and good for use when the sheath is attached to the end(which you won't if you were really using it as neck knife), the blade is so short I think the use is somewhat limited

[magentus]

Some lovely knives there Comis 

[Rapidray]

Cool, personally, if I were to use a neck knife, I would recommend something that has decent retention, lightweight and a handle with good purchase.  Here are some of the knives I did once used, and might be suitable for your needs:

(Image removed from quote.)


Top: Mora (so lightweight you will forget it's there, and it's a full size user knife with low cost too!)
From L to R:
Enzo Necker(if you can find a skeleton version with kydex sheath, it's pretty good to use, I love Enzo for their values)
Survive knives 3.5 in, love this thing, strong and lightweight, but more on expensive side
ESEE/Becker Eskarbar, love this skeleton knife, good size blade/handle and perfect retention to pull out/resheath; might be slightly big but definitely favorite user amongst all these.
Condur Wingfang, donlt bother, piss poor retention, so tight that you cannot safely remove and resheath with two hands
Mora Eldris, cute knife, and good for use when the sheath is attached to the end(which you won't if you were really using it as neck knife), the blade is so short I think the use is somewhat limited

Is that a GSO model?

[Rapidray]

This is my collection of neck knives...two are set up strictly for that and the other two can be converted to neck knives. But I rather have them on my side for convenience.

[AimlessWanderer]

"A OHO folder in kydex worn around the neck?"

Totally understand your reasons.  I mention a OHO around neck in suitable sheath because you may already have a good folder just need a good sheath for neck carry  .  However I stand by my suggestion of the Minimalist  .

On that front, and considering the needs of the OP, is the kydex neck sheath even needed at all? It could just as easily be clipped to a shirt pocket or shirt front, and possibly be easier to access that way too.

I must admit I do like the Izula though. When I was more active, I'd have loved something in that format, but stainless.

[BadMechanic]

I will be checking out the Esee Izula for sure.

Is it safe to assume it has better metal than the CRKT?

Not really a huge concern of mine since it wont be my "go to for everything" knife but would rather buy quality if possible.

Thanks for the pictures Aloha! Veery helpful for size comparison.

[Aloha]

The CRKT is 5Cr15MoV according to interwebs.  It gets razor sharp and for my purposes good enough.  The Esee is 1095 with their outstanding heat treat.  Mine came to me stupid sharp and with stropping is next level ( admittedly what that level is I don't know )  .  I have not been kind to it.  The coating is tuff stuff. 

[Aloha]

On that front, and considering the needs of the OP, is the kydex neck sheath even needed at all? It could just as easily be clipped to a shirt pocket or shirt front, and possibly be easier to access that way too.

I must admit I do like the Izula though. When I was more active, I'd have loved something in that format, but stainless.

I was more so thinking outside tradition fixed blade neck knives.  He mentions pockets full so I figured a good OHO in neck sheath would be an interesting option.   

[sak60]

On that front, and considering the needs of the OP, is the kydex neck sheath even needed at all? It could just as easily be clipped to a shirt pocket or shirt front, and possibly be easier to access that way too.

I must admit I do like the Izula though. When I was more active, I'd have loved something in that format, but stainless.

+1 that idea, that’s how I used to wear my kershaw skyline at work most, and it was super convenient.

[Rapidray]

I was more so thinking outside tradition fixed blade neck knives.  He mentions pockets full so I figured a good OHO in neck sheath would be an interesting option.   

And it is...I’ve been looking at the ones on eBay...tempting for sure. 

[sak60]

My pockets are already packed full of stuff otherwise would be a good choice.

There are times when im on a ladder holding something with one hand, could be left or right, and need a knife. Also, I may be on my back in a confined space where getting to my pockets is a difficult task. Hence the reasoning for neck knife.

If you’re ever on your back much then a neck carry probably wouldn’t be good they tend to fall any which way once you’re not upright with weight on the knife, even just bending forward can be an issue.