• The BladeForums.com 2024 Traditional Knife is ready to order! See this thread for details: https://www.bladeforums.com/threads/bladeforums-2024-traditional-knife.2003187/
    Price is $300 $250 ea (shipped within CONUS). If you live outside the US, I will contact you after your order for extra shipping charges.
    Order here: https://www.bladeforums.com/help/2024-traditional/ - Order as many as you like, we have plenty.

  • Today marks the 24th anniversary of 9/11. I pray that this nation does not forget the loss of lives from this horrible event. Yesterday conservative commentator Charlie Kirk was murdered, and I worry about what is to come. Please love one another and your family in these trying times - Spark

Neck knife suggestions

G

gpewett

Joined
Dec 5, 2010
Messages
83
I am looking for a good quality budget friendly neck knife, I really like the CRKT minimalist but a guy in my old platoon carried one in country and I was constantly having to sharpen it, the steal couldn't seem to hold an edge. I also need a good quality folding utility knife(the ones that hold razor blades). I have seen the Gerber EAB but I have had bad experiences with Gerber. Thank you for your help.

EDIT: I dont like ESSEE, so the izula is out
 
Last edited:
Everyone tells me the Esee Izula or Izula 2. Not sure if I'm spelling that right. I'm planning on getting one soon-ish. Like the first paycheck at the Scout Camp. Watch some YouTube you'll probably like it. It's ballpark 60-80 depending on where you look
 
Neither are exactly budget friendly, but the two neckers I am liking these days are the DFK Ti Backpacker (carbide edge) and the American Kami M15.
 
"Budget friendly" means different things to different people...how friendly do you want the recommendation to be?

Also, how strict is your definition of a necker? Some people have size and configuration requirements (in addition to brand issues ;))
 
Condor has some decent looking ones that aren't to pricey but I haven't tried them personally.
 
hhmoore said:
"Budget friendly" means different things to different people...how friendly do you want the recommendation to be?

Also, how strict is your definition of a necker? Some people have size and configuration requirements (in addition to brand issues ;))
Click to expand...
I would like it to be under $80 so that I can see if I like carrying a knife around my neck before blowing a bunch of money. The knife needs to be small enough I can wear it almost all day without it bothering me. Only brand I do not want is Esee.
 
Becker necker (BK11). I had to modify the handle for comfort, but it was a simple job.

Some people like the BK14; but, given your view of Esee, that won't work (it's a double branded collaboration - BK&T on one side, Esee on the other)
 
The Tops Mini Scandi is a neck knife(even though I'd rather attach to my belt). It's in your price range as well. Might just be my favorite little fixed blade. I like it more than the Izula, just feels better in hand. It's not a super small knife, though so keep that in mind.

So far the edge had held up to a decent amount of cardboard, some whittling, and cutting a loaf of bread without needing sharpened. It's a 1095 carbon steel blade so it'll rust if you don't take care of it.

My sheath has a lot of retention(it's supposed to), and the only complaint I'd make is that a Tek-Lok or G-Clip won't work with it. Other than that it'a an awesome little blade.
jqobsCx.jpg

Figured I'd reuse this picture to show you mine(G10 model).
 
Emerson La Griffe is a little more than that, but also a little less utilitarian. The full custom Minimalist is surprisingly under $200 for virtually any variant, just hard to find.
 
The SOG Snarl is a wharncliffe blade, under 5" total length, and fits easily into your budget. It's based on a Jason Brous design (I have two of Brous' originals, but they are way beyond your budget.)
 
I've recently left the foundry business to go back into construction, (happiness > $), and I must say, as a roofer who uses the snot out of my utility knife on rubber, shingles, and sheetmetal, I love My Bostitch 2 blade utility...
Keep a straight edge loaded in one side and a hook blade loaded in the other, with a few of each on standby stored in the handle. I'll never go back to single blade folders.
Downside is it doesn't fold. Awesome utility knife though.
I also own a husky folding utility knife, It's ok as a backup.

As for a neck knife, how about a lightweight folder with a kydex sheath?
3oz. Kershaw Leek and a Linos sheath comes to just over $50+shipping on bladeHQ

They also have Linos in stock for the Blur, the Mini Grip, pm2/3, and the $30 kershaw Cryo & Boker Kalashnikov Auto.

Tops makes a few good options for just a little bit more $, not stainless, but much better edge holding and toughness then the 5cr steel used by CRKT in the minimalists, plus they typically do well with heat treat & sheaths.
 
Last edited:
McFeeli said:
The Tops Mini Scandi is a neck knife(even though I'd rather attach to my belt). It's in your price range as well. Might just be my favorite little fixed blade. I like it more than the Izula, just feels better in hand. It's not a super small knife, though so keep that in mind.

So far the edge had held up to a decent amount of cardboard, some whittling, and cutting a loaf of bread without needing sharpened. It's a 1095 carbon steel blade so it'll rust if you don't take care of it.

My sheath has a lot of retention(it's supposed to), and the only complaint I'd make is that a Tek-Lok or G-Clip won't work with it. Other than that it'a an awesome little blade.
jqobsCx.jpg

Figured I'd reuse this picture to show you mine(G10 model).
Click to expand...

Tops Mini Scandi as pictured above or Emerson La Griffe
 
I've tried many small fixed blade neck knives and find a folder just works better, ounce for ounce. FWIW, the Becker Necker took a great edge and was robust. I did thin the edge down edge so it would cut easier.
 
Though they are no longer in business, the Fehrman SHOS (coated 3V) comes in at under your budget with a Kydex sheath.
 
These are over your budget, but maybe you can find a used one. I recently had a project in NC that put me near Spartan Blades so I had to stop in for a visit. The owner stopped grinding, wiped his hands, and came to chat with me.

I think the Spartan Enyo would make a sweet neck knife. It has a coated blade and S35VN steel.

The Velos was nice too, but I think it was too small.

My favorite neck knife is my Alfa Knife Box Cutter. You may be able to contact Damon Lusky, I think he is still on the forums.


The Evans Knife and Tool Companion is another great neck knife.

 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top