How big should a neck knife be ?

pitdog

pitdog

Joined
Apr 13, 2007
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Yeah I know it sounds an odd question but here is what I have been pondering.....

Should a necker be so small that you don't notice it's there, say maybe a 1"-2" blade and 2"-3" handle ?

Or should your necker be a little more substantial, something that can be your main knife for day hikes etc. Something with a blade around 3" and a 3"-4" handle ?

What are your thoughts ???
 
Depends on how big your neck is, doesn't it?:D

Really, a good question, Pit:thumbup: I'm interested to hear what people say!
 
I think it should be as big as you're willing to hang around your neck!

Personally, I would prefer lighter, less noticeable. I don't like the feeling of being pulled down by my neck.
 
Raining said:
I think it should be as big as you're willing to hang around your neck!

Personally, I would prefer lighter, less noticeable. I don't like the feeling of being pulled down by my neck.
Click to expand...

Can you expand a little and give the dimensions you have in mind ?
 
I think it would depend on your purpose.

For just cutting stuff I'd think I'd want something small like a BRKT mikro2 or PSK

If I was actually going to use it for something like self defense I'd want something with a longer blade.
 
Pit - I think the right size, for me, is about the size of a BRKT Mikro Tusk or so.

A BRKT Kephart Companion is too large.

I don't understand those that even wear neck sheaths on the outside - like a Mora - but again - that is just me.

TF
 
My neck knives, which have dwindled tremendously to three (Larry Nowicki super small model, Gossman PSK, Gossman micro Kephart), are all carried in my pocket, or on my belt. I have big paws, so I like a bigger handle. I ordered one of Scotts UNK blades too.
 
I like my Buck Hartsook in S30V. I forget I am wearing it, but if I need a knife while in my jammies, I have one right there.:D

I have tried a few larger neck knives, but they made themselves a nuisance. That said, I do like wearing my SBT MK.1 as a neck dangler over any gear and outer wear I am in the woods with. It's pretty damn convenient to always have my favorite knife at hand and then be able to simply take it off without having to monkey with a belt.
 
I like a 2-3" blade and a handle that gives a secure grip. Kind of like the RC Izula.

Most importantly it needs to fit comfortabley in my pocket, cause I don't where knives around my neck anymore ;)
 
I don't mind anything up to a Mora, as I often wear a Mora. However, when in urban environments than I prefer something along the size of an Izula or smaller.
 
Well I can tell you that in the winter a RAT 7 can be a neck knife, if you don't mind the weight and size.

I like the smaller ones, 3 inch blade is the biggest I'd go for as far as comfort is concerned.

Let's not forget about the wonder of kydex!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vzf44-byOY4
 
Not a big neck knife fan, but 2 1/2 -3" blade. It's more the shape of the handle, than the size. The old Outdoor Edge Wedge was my favorite neck knife, the flat rounded handle made it comfortable to wear and provided a sure grip.

I could never get use to wearing a Mora sized knife on my neck.

wedge_prod.jpg
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I personally think say 3" blade , up to 6 1/2" OAL is the upper limit for a necker.

But then I don't wear knives around my neck. I have a few that size or smaller but I carry them in a pocket or on my belt.
 
Interesting Question.

I've carried my Spyderco Street Beat as a neck knife for a couple of summers now. @ 3-1/2" it has handled every chore I've given it, dayhiking and fishing. I've also worn it as a neck knife in an EDC setting under a hoodie or whatever.

FB15_M.jpg


It sits pretty flat and unobtrusive and is about as large a knife as I'd go. Previous to the Street Beat was a Buck Mini Alpha Hunter I used as a neck knife. It was smaller blade length at about 2-1/2" but also met all requirements I had for it hiking, camping and fishing.

27840b
 
I think this is a very personal decision, however, for me the answer is "small enough that it is not a hindrance when not in use but large enough to be useful." I rarely carry a neck knife because in my experience these two criteria are almost always at odds. Small enough not to be a hindrance- to me- is small enough not to be noticed under standard outer wear. Large enough to be useful- again to me- is large enough that I would be more comfortable with a larger knife.

On the rare occasions that I do carry a neck knife it is a busse game warden in a Armoral leather sheath that I have wrapped with paracord to make a neck sheath where the knife rides "right side up." This works well enough on cooler days where I can keep it tucked underneath a jacket or coat. Keeps the handle warm too. >98% of the time I get by with a small trapper in my pocket.
 
Raining said:
I think it should be as big as you're willing to hang around your neck!

Personally, I would prefer lighter, less noticeable. I don't like the feeling of being pulled down by my neck.
Click to expand...

Plus 1 on both counts
 
Talfuchre said:
I don't understand those that even wear neck sheaths on the outside - like a Mora - but again - that is just me.

TF
Click to expand...

I am the same way. I prefer a dangler-type belt carry for my Mora.

But, My Dad has been wearing a #2 Mora around his neck for many years now. That is the larger laminated steel version with wooden handles for those who dont know. It is about 9 inches with the sheath. He likes the plastic sheath too. He always has it and carries it that way -ever since I can remember. Not as EDC of course, but for wilderness recreation.

He will often wear it on the outside of his shirt and the inside of his outer layer. If he only has a shirt, he just wears it in the outside. For a hot day on the ocean or at a lake it really is a great option -since you may be wearing board shorts which do not have belt loops. Still I prefer much smaller.

I guess personal preference is the right answer.
 
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Stupid question but to be considered a neck knife does it have to be a fixed blade?

I've no answers only questions. :o

I ask this because when fishing I often carry a Wenger SAK on a boot lace round my neck.

In a true survival situation would a small fixed blade trump a SAK?
 
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