Neck Knife: Subcom FB or La Griffe?

J

JNieporte

Joined
Nov 1, 2004
Messages
3,352
I'm looking for a new neck knife. It'll be used for general stuff, and self-defense if necessary. I've narrowed my choices down to three: The Boker subcom fixed blade, the emerson La Griffe, or the Buck Kaala. For the unfamiliar, I've included specifications. If somebody has experience with these, please offer some advice. I have no experience using any of these, and the only one I've ever held is the La Griffe. Thanks all.

Boker subcom FB, model 012. 5.5" overall with a 2.43" modified clip point blade of 440C. Weighs 3.2 ounces. Sheath is hard Kydex. Retail is $47

Buck / Mayo Kaala, model 151SS. 6.75" overall with a 3.15" drop point S30V blade. .15" blade thickness. Sheath is hard nylon with a 30" bead chain. Retail is $70.

Emerson La Griffe, model LAG. 4.9" overall with a 1.17" hawksbill blade of 154CM steel. .125" blade thickness. Black oxide finish. Sheath is hard plastic with a neck chain. retail is $62.
 
If you're going to be using it for "general stuff", I'd get the Kaala.

It's a great deal IMO, you can find it for less than 70.
A solid bar of S30V, razor sharp. And a nice size too.

But for SD use exclusively, the LaGriffe wins. Hands down.
 
bm10536bp.jpg

Blade Length: 3.25"
Blade Thickness: 0.123"
Blade Material: AUS8 Stainless Steel, BP Coated
Blade Hardness: 58-60HRC
Blade Style: Modified Wharncliff
Weight: 2.34oz.
Clip: No Clip; Sheath Included
Lock Mechanism: Fixed
Overall Length: 7.38"
Closed Length: 7.38"
Sheath Material: Snap-Fit Molded Kydex / Thermoplastic with Tether
Class: Red



Don't know if you ruled this one out or not, Benchmade Red Class Taiwan made neck knife. IMO perfect backup knife, cheap too, got one for $35 at Knifeworks
Switched to a 550 paracord harness to hang under the arm tho, wasn't impressed with the tether that came with it

otherwise, I agree with rifon2
 
The Subcom Fixed is a good balance of utility and self defense, and so is the Kaala. The ergonomics of the entire Subcom line are outstanding.
 
I like the LaGriffe personally just for SD. I've owned just about every production necker out there at some point, and though each has their strong point, none of them excelled at the double duty you mention. If there is one that lends itself to both SD and GD, I like the Cold Steel Para Edge. A guard, a thick but very easily shapened blade and the non slip handles keep it relatively secure for such a small knife. It also carries very easily in the pocket or hung from a the pant belt loop using a lobster claw. Also the price is right!

Matador-
 
I think I'm going with the fixed blade Subcom, after handling one today. The Kaala just seems too smooth to hold on to, and the La Griffe looks too much like a weapon to be used for utility in sheeple environments.
 
you might want to consider ka-bars tdi leo knife or their last ditch knife if you want something really small....just picked up both of these knives a week or so ago and have no complaints...good prices on them too...
 
Might seem to basic for us knife enthusiasts, but www.knifestuff.com has some Outdoor Edge Wedge's for $11.95. If it's just for SD, they have a great sheath, good pistol grip, great belly for slashing, what's not to like? I'm told that even their 420J2 is pretty good compared to others who use that steel.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top