We're heavily into a fad here, folks, and I'd like some opinions all around. Now, by saying "fad" I don't mean that the neck knife craze is a bad thing, but I do mean the market has expended rather rapidly, they are very hot right now, and I predict that another 2-4 years will see this decline. What interests me is that there are two distinct sides to neck knife marketing and I'd like to hear folks' thoughts on them.
Here are the sides and my views on them (you knew I'd insert my views, right?):
Neck knives for utility - For some reason, humans have neither sharp claw nor prominent tooth. When you get down to it, a human without a knife can barely open the mail. A neck knife provides the only way I know of to carry a knife 24-7 in any state of dress (including your birthday suit) - thus fixing nature's oversight. Yeah, when dressed you probably have a knife that's handier or better suited to most tasks, but a neck knife lets you always have a little something sharp. Such a knife is usually quite small, utility-oriented, fairly water-proof, and has a sheath that's comfy and secure even when asleep.
Neck knives for defense - Where can you carry a knife that will hardly ever get found in a cursory search? Neck knives offer the ability to discreetly carry a decent-sized fixed-blade (or about any folder) and have it available to either hand as well. The knife is generally designed primarily for stabbing and may have little or no utility. Water-proofing and comfort are less important than above because 24-7 wear isn't intended.
OK, so I love the 24-7 sharp-thing concept but I think the defense aspect is bogus.
A neck knife cannot be worn openly in most situations, and if it could I'd rather have a belt sheath that's more secure and faster to get at. I could conceal my neck sheath and only take it out when I sensed trouble, but in that case I'd be better off palming the knife anyhow.
Some folks have suggested that I leave my shirt partly unbuttoned or pull it up with my off hand to get at the knife. Here's my problems with that:
A) I don't want to look like a hobo. I button my shirts and tuck them in.
B) That off hand is the one I expect to be using to ward off an attack or grab my assailant while I get my knife.
C) If I were a woman, this is hardly practical. Modesty doesn't mean much in a defensive situation, but it is a concern at other times.
D) Come on folks, this still isn't "fast" compared to a well-rigged IWB or armpit-carry fixed-blade, or a clipped Spydie or Commander.
Now, I do agree that the neck is a good place for a "holdout" piece, but that's very different than a true rapid-access defensive piece.
So, in short, I feel there are really two totally separate classes of neck knives that haven't been well distinguished in the market, and one of them is selling on misguided notions of defense. But I may well be wrong, and I'd like to hear what you all think. Please discuss.
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-Drew Gleason
Little Bear Knives
Here are the sides and my views on them (you knew I'd insert my views, right?):
Neck knives for utility - For some reason, humans have neither sharp claw nor prominent tooth. When you get down to it, a human without a knife can barely open the mail. A neck knife provides the only way I know of to carry a knife 24-7 in any state of dress (including your birthday suit) - thus fixing nature's oversight. Yeah, when dressed you probably have a knife that's handier or better suited to most tasks, but a neck knife lets you always have a little something sharp. Such a knife is usually quite small, utility-oriented, fairly water-proof, and has a sheath that's comfy and secure even when asleep.
Neck knives for defense - Where can you carry a knife that will hardly ever get found in a cursory search? Neck knives offer the ability to discreetly carry a decent-sized fixed-blade (or about any folder) and have it available to either hand as well. The knife is generally designed primarily for stabbing and may have little or no utility. Water-proofing and comfort are less important than above because 24-7 wear isn't intended.
OK, so I love the 24-7 sharp-thing concept but I think the defense aspect is bogus.
A neck knife cannot be worn openly in most situations, and if it could I'd rather have a belt sheath that's more secure and faster to get at. I could conceal my neck sheath and only take it out when I sensed trouble, but in that case I'd be better off palming the knife anyhow.
Some folks have suggested that I leave my shirt partly unbuttoned or pull it up with my off hand to get at the knife. Here's my problems with that:
A) I don't want to look like a hobo. I button my shirts and tuck them in.
B) That off hand is the one I expect to be using to ward off an attack or grab my assailant while I get my knife.
C) If I were a woman, this is hardly practical. Modesty doesn't mean much in a defensive situation, but it is a concern at other times.
D) Come on folks, this still isn't "fast" compared to a well-rigged IWB or armpit-carry fixed-blade, or a clipped Spydie or Commander.
Now, I do agree that the neck is a good place for a "holdout" piece, but that's very different than a true rapid-access defensive piece.
So, in short, I feel there are really two totally separate classes of neck knives that haven't been well distinguished in the market, and one of them is selling on misguided notions of defense. But I may well be wrong, and I'd like to hear what you all think. Please discuss.
------------------
-Drew Gleason
Little Bear Knives
