How big is too big for a neck knife?

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Ad

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Mar 9, 2000
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I like the looks of the Fallkniven G1, but is it too big for comfortable carry. Would I be better off getting something like an Emerson La Griffe. I'm only 5'9", so I would expect the length of my torso to be a factor, wouldn't it?
 
The neck knife that I own has a 2" blade and that is perfect for me. I do not need a one with a longer blade. I think though that it is up to you as to what you like and what feels comfortable. You are probably correct in thinking that the length of your torso will limit the size of the knife that you carry. It is the overall length of the knife that will determine if you can carry it or not. Some neck knives have quite short handles and longer blades. Those would work fine if they fit your hand.
 
I think your build has just as much or more to do with it as the length of your torso.
I'm 5'6", and carry a 7" OAL (including the sheath) neck knife daily. The tip of the sheath rides in the hollow between/at the bottom of the pecs, and the handle comes down to about 1-1/2" above my belly button. Tried a little larger knife, and it just didn't work for me. Anything smaller is fine though.
If you've got a flat stomach, I think it's alot easier to carry a neck knife (hard for it to lay flat on a rounded surface:p).
I'd suggest looking at where you're going to carry the knife, and measuring yourself from pecs to belly to see if the overall length will work. Don't want it riding too high, or it will print. Too low will be uncomfortable. Keep in mind the sheath is going to add to the length, and the thickness.
Just some thoughts...
 
Hey AD..

I think the Garm is a perfect size for a Neck rig...

It's really not that big of a knife at all...

With the right rig,,it won't be a problem..

ttyle

Eric....
 
Hey, easy with the rounded surface cracks.:) I do pefer smaller knives on shorter cords for this very reason.

Paul
 
IMO the first thing you must consider is what you will be doing with the Neck knife. If it will be for Self Defense only (and not routine cutting chores) then a smaller curved blade like the LaGriff sounds great. However, if you will be doing all sorts of different cutting with the knife and are considering wearing it around your neck for other reasons (don't often wear a Belt, disceet appearance, quick access) then I would recommend that you consider a knife with a straight blade of 3" - 3 1/2" and has a nice tight Kydex sheath. A blade that size that will stand up better to everday use.

I work on a Farm everyday and there are some days in the Summer when I will be riding the Tractor all day so I wear shorts with no pockets. On these days I wear a Dozier Pro Skinner (4" blade) around my neck. The Kydex sheath holds the knife in an inverted position very well (has never slipped out) and the knife is very accessible. It is a little bit of weight to get used to but after a day or so you really don't even feel it around your neck. Just some thoughts.
 
Two other things to consider:

1) Stock thickness. Example is the TOPS Street Scalpel, which is made of such thick stock it's painful to carry on the neck (lousy standard sheath didn't help, either).

2) Handle to blade ratio--better to have a short blade with comfortable handle than the other way around, or a 50-50 blade where the maker tries to increase the useful size of the blade without upscaling the handle--I owned one of these. A beautiful knife but unusable on that basis.
 
I am 5'9" also and I wear several different neck knives. I wear a Pat C., Bud N., Black Cloud (Laci)., etc.... It all depends what is comfortable for you.
 
I am of the opinion that a neck knife should be as thin and light as possible. I like for my neck knives to be almost forgotten until needed. That means nothing very long and heavy beating on your chest every time you bend over to pick something up. Think about what you are going to use the neck knife for. If its just for everyday slicing and cutting chores, then 1/8" stock should be more than enough. If, however, you are going to rely on the knife for self defense, then maybe a little thicker stock is needed. Having said all this, I must admit that I love my new Busse Assault Shaker(Thanks Jerry!). I never would have thought that a neck knife ground out of 1/4" thick steel would appeal to me, but this one is sweet. All the holes drilled in the knife to lighten it makes a big difference. I still think the knife would be an even better cutter and still be almost indestructable at 3/16" thick, but then that wouldnt fit into Jerry Busse's reputation of "Go ahead, try to break this!" type of knives. :) My ideal size neck knife? Maybe 6" long and 1/8" thick with lots of weight reducing holes drilled in the tang. Handle just big enough to get 3 fingers on comfortably.
 
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