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neck knife: CRKT Bear Claw or S&W HRT ?

If you are looking for that style of knife, there are style Spyderco Spots being sold for just a few more nickels.
 
A neck knife is a neck knife. Used only for defense, I don't see anything wrong with the S&W HRTs, nor even the Chinese bear claws you can get for a few bucks on eBay. Some of those neck knives can be awfully uncomfortable to carry, so I'd go on that criterion alone. If you leave it at home because it's too heavy, too visible, too small, it won't do you much good. Like what you buy.

I've never held one or seen one, but I've wondered how the Cold Steel Desparado is. Interesting design, but strange looking.

--Confed
 
I am just wondering what is the purpose of a neck knife? I think they are really cool I just need a good reason (excuse for the wife) to get one.
 
mastinson said:
I am just wondering what is the purpose of a neck knife? I think they are really cool I just need a good reason (excuse for the wife) to get one.
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Use the universal reason for wives and LEO. It's a tool. You need it.;)
 
Hi Matison, My vote is against you getting a neck knife, my first and most important reason is that a neck knife is big on concealment and low on access. A neck knife is made to be worn under clothes and there by allow you to bring it with you all kinds of places that you would not be able to bring another kind of knife. The problem is you have to make alot of moves to get the knife blade out and deployed. That means a neck knife is slow slow slow. Add to that the fumble factor induced by stress and you have a knife that really cant be used for its intended function, self defense. Also for me the basic test for any knife I am thinking about carrying is wether it can be used in the following situation, you get knocked face down in the gutter and you start getting beat on, can you get your knife out to protect yourself? Not with a neck knife. Take a look at South Narc's homepage and watch the videos he has on there about knife deployment. He can draw and strike with his blade in the instant of assault, it is hard to see sometimes that he has a little knife in his hand, he gets it out so fast. That is what you want for self defense purposes in your knife choice. It will come down to a small fixed blade on your belt, or at hands level. Something carried in a friction kydex sheath with no buttons or straps or other gizmos. Hope this was a help.
 
MamBo said:
Why ?
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Because they are stuck-up, idealistic knife snobs who refuse to believe that any knife that doesnt cost over $100 is anything but a steaming pile of crap (it would make them look foolish you see...) :D

Because they have this vain and idealistic notion that a knife has some sort of "soul", and is a noble work of art instead of an inanimate tool. :D

Because if any member of any corporation ever makes any knife that even somewhat resembles another companies knife then they are "underhanded" and "shady buisnessmen" and nothing they make can ever be suitable even to open an envelope. :D

Becasue everyone in the entire world NEEDS to have a knife that is made of S90V, heat treated by Paul Boss, with scales made of engraved Mastadon bone just so they can open the mail, trim threads from their sweater, and slice up a can of kippers. :D

:D :D :D :D

Personaly, my S&W Homeland security has stronger lockup, less blade play, and smoother opening than my Emerson Endevor, but dont let THEM find out i told you that, or they will ban me out of spite. :D
 
So true mr trooper, looking back my favorite knives have always been the cheapos that I didnt mind using for anything that came up.
 
Nothing wrong with having a neck knife in addition to another knife. I wouldn't carry one exclusively if I am thinking about self-defense.
But Mambo didn't mention anything about self-defense, so if it is just for utility to keep your pockets free or in the case you don't have any pockets, then we are back to recommending which neck knife.
 
Death's Head said:
Nothing wrong with having a neck knife in addition to another knife. I wouldn't carry one exclusively if I am thinking about self-defense.
But Mambo didn't mention anything about self-defense, so if it is just for utility to keep your pockets free or in the case you don't have any pockets, then we are back to recommending which neck knife.
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Now thats what I call an avatar!
 
uncleknife said:
While I agree with the above about CRKT is a better company than S&W, after handling both at a knife show, side-by-side,I bought the black serated S&W as I wanted it to be rust resistant for a life vest knife.
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For that, you should have gotten yourself a Benchmade 100SH2O dive knife. Combo-edged sheepsfoot blade in H-1... It's what rides on my kayak vest.

I've never liked hawksbill blades because of their lack of versatility. And I don't like the S&W stuff for its known crappiness and the way the company sold out and is a shell of its former self.


-Jeffrey
 
mr.trooper said:
Because they are stuck-up, idealistic knife snobs ...

Personaly, my S&W Homeland security has stronger lockup, less blade play, and smoother opening than my Emerson Endevor, but dont let THEM find out i told you that, or they will ban me out of spite. :D
Click to expand...

I have to thank you because I did get a chuckle out of your post and it did make me think. I myself currently have on a Kershaw Vapor II specifically because it's a cheap "beater." I could otherwise have on my Military in its place, or an AFCK with titanium liners, or a Benchmade Elishewitz Dark Star (also titanium liners), or maybe a Gunting... So I'm not totally snobbish about my knives, but I still do like to avoid utter junk if I can. I like to find the balance between how much I pay, how good the knife is (design, materials, construction), aesthetics, ease of resharpening... And yes, the company's reputation comes into it sometimes.

I can't stomach the idea of a company like S&W (which has a nearly vertical uphill climb before it can establish a loyal clientele again after its clinton-ass-kissing farce) naming a knife with such a "tacticool" B.S. name as "Homeland Security" model... :barf: :barf: :barf: :barf:

-Jeffrey
 
Got the S&W serrated badge knife ONLY because the Emerson LaGriffe wasn't available here.

Can't complain much about it though as a general purpose rope cutter for camping and rappeling.
 
CRKT generally is better. However, the one problem that I have with their folders ia the awkward lock unlock system that they have.
 
Actually have been using it as a neck knife when jogging, and it is so much more comfortable than a clip knife on my waist band. Can't believe I never thought of the idea before now.
 
I held both the bear claw & the S&W, and decided that the latter felt better in hand, seemed like a better dedicated SD knife. It's meant for LEO types to wear under their badge, around their neck - they are more likely to have quick access to it that way than a civilian wearing around his/her neck under a shirt. If I was going into harm's way I would wear it tucked IWB or strapped to my left wrist (I'm RH). That is unusual to say the least, so I generally rely on my folder of the moment. But it's nice to have a cheap SD option available.

BTW, I also compared the S&W to the emerson, and for me the S&W seemed lioke a more effective SD piece.
 
I picked up a S&W HRT, and havent been disapointed, though i havent used it very much either. It came sharp, and feels comfortable. I kind of wished i had gotten te CRKT because of the rounded tip making it a better knife to use around animals or people but too late. The HRT tip is actually a little bit small near the egdge, it wouldnt surprse me if a few milimeters snapped off under hard usage, but if that happens ill just grind it to a blunted point. The HRT has a slimmer profile than the CRKT bear claw, this can be good or bad depending on your hand shape or carry plans.
Both are similar price, but CRKT has a few more blade options, like the safety blunted edge.
I wouldnt really spend money on any more S&Ws after what i have read on the forums but so far the HRT hasn't dissapointed me, its comfortable, its sharp.

Overall I would say get what feels best and what best suits your needs. I think they will both perform well
 
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