Neck Knives - Any comments/recommendations?

B

Brett

Joined
Jan 18, 1999
Messages
101
I'm considering the purchase of a neck knife, largely because (a) I already have several nice production folders, (b) my pockets are full but my neck is not, and (c) it seems to be the least expensive way to own a custom knife. I first discovered this category of knife on Pat Crawford's web site. Since then I have seen pictures of various other neck knives, including the CRKT Stiff KISS and some very nice looking Wilkins knives.

How practical are neck knives? If you wear the knife under your shirt, is rust a problem? Are some blade steels less suitable for this environment? And finally, what do people recommend?


 
Hi Brett,
I'm doing the neck knife thing but I really just like a good knife w/ mult carry. I own the Stiff KISS and it's okay. I've heard that Boyer Blades, TH Rinaldi, Robert Simonich have great inexpensive blades. I started a thread like this on another forum and got a big response. The Crawford you mention is supposed to be good too (look at the knife reviews section and go back). I'd stay away from the KISS and Szabo Tanto Neck Baby, I'm not sure if you like chisel grinds but I'm starting to hate them.

From a fighting standpoint, it depends if it's under your clothes or say on top of a shirt. It does look like your reaching for a gun though.

I defer to the others.

 
I wear a Fred Perrin La Griffe daily under my shirt both on and off work.

I consider it primarily a backup/last ditch knife, but it is functional enough to do most any chore you could ask of a small knife.

It has become a steady companion, and I never notice it during the day. I would hate to be without it.

Blues

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Live Free or Die







 
Take a look at the Carson SD1-CF and see what you think, very light and very sharp. Here is the web page.

http://explamphibian.home.mindspring.com




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Blue Skies

 
I tried searching the web for more info on the Fred Perrin knives, but couldn't find much in the way of pictures or prices. I did find Fred Perrin's website, but it wasn't entirely helpful. The site kind of turned me off, actually. How much do La Griffes sell for?

The carbon fiber SD1 does indeed sound like a really nice knife. Weight is a concern, especially on a knife as large as the SD1. The choice of steel (440C) seems less than optimal, though, especially on a $255 knife.

 
You should look at JSP Bladeriggers Neck knives and sheath systems. Very nice.
Blades
 
http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/custom/Perrin.htm

That will take you to an area to see Perrin knives, and info on how to obtain them.

Blues

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Live Free or Die







 
Brett,

The cost of the SD-1 in 440C is 155.00. The cost of the SD1-CF is 255.00, due mainly to the cost of the talonite. I agree that the 440C version is to heavy for a neck knife, that is the reason we are producing the carbon fiber version of the knife. Thanks for taking the time to check it out.

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Blue Skies

 
Brett,

I own several neck knives and have recently been carrying one of my own design in CPM 420V which I think is pretty cool. ( Shameless plug )

I also have one of Pat Crawford's neck knives in bead blasted ATS-34 which I like a lot: small, lightweight and easy to handle;

one of Boyer's original neck knives which is chisel ground and for my taste too long and thin to be really useful, but is well made of 1095;

one of RECAT's hobbit Fang in black Ti 1095 which is the best production neck knife I know of - costs about $60, is well made in an excewllent Kydex multicarry sheath.

one of Bud Nealy's small M2 Pesk kabz knives, also an excellent choice, if a bit heavyier than the other because it has grips. I'm also not a fan of the powder finish because it's not very durable.

Another knife I've seen but don't own is the Woo from Livesey, in 1095. This knife is chisel ground and rather roughly at that but for a price of $30, it's a tremendous value for a handmade knife.

My 2 cents...

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www.wilkins-knives.com



 
Brett,
I recently acquired a R J Martin Handyman neck knife (Thanks Les!) and have found it to be the most practical and thought out designs I have seen in a neck piece. Most neck carry knives sacrifice comfort for style and concealability. I feel this knife retains both. It is 7" OAL with a 3" D2 drop point blade. G-10 scales are secured by 4 TORX screws as well as being bonded to the steel. Also present is an index finger cutout ala AFCK which very securely keeps your fingers where they should be on this 3 1/2 finger handle. Lanyard hole on the back and tight Kydex sheath come with. My only concerns was the TORX screws holding the sheath clam lip together but an email to RJ revealed that these screws are peened like rivets on the backside as well as the sheath lip being bonded. This knife is sharp, strong, comfortable, and light. Best of all, it's $135.

Check out RJ's website and www.martinsite.com
I warn you not to look at the japanese pieces or you may find yourself really needing one.

greg

[This message has been edited by greg c (edited 23 January 1999).]
 
Yeah,

The R.J. Martin Handyman looks right on for a quality, functional, soundly designed and made knife. The price is right on. But why just a neck knife? The sheath needs a clip for IWB carry. A no nonsense straightforward piece. I don't have one yet, but I'm wondering if it's all I really need.
 
Neck knives are the latest thing (even tho I have been making and selling them for the past 5 years). Why not try my Multi-Carry knife system? Not only is it a neck knife but it's a boot, belt, and upside down in the coat carry knife. All for $85 you get... the knife, the custom kydex sheath and two multi clips. You can also order more clips for different belt widths.

Mark Boyer
http://www.eskimo.com/~boyerbl/

 
Thanks for the kind words here! Not to shamelessly plug my work here (honest!), but I don't offer a belt clip currently for the Handiman. I've found that just looping the chain around your belt and putting the whole knife/sheath into your pants pocket will give you the same access as waist carry, plus total concealment. Also, I've found the clip and attachment to the sheath adds bulk-but, this could be my lack of KYDEX expertise, also. Please give me some more feedback on this-if you guys want it, I'll make it so. How about horizontal carry? This strikes me as being a good way to go for a small knife. Please advise.

Thanks

RJ
 
I just have a comment; don't know whether anyone has the same problem. Neck chain seems to be the most common type offered by makers, but I 've found it quite easy to accidentally break apart at the joint. It happened with my Bud Nealy while I stepped down a bus. The knife fell to the ground and I was faced with a few curious eyes.

So now I 've changed all my neck knives to nylon cords. Join the two ends together with heat if you don't want to have a knot. I found this conveinent, secure, and more comfortable than the chain.

Cheers,
Dew.
 
hello mr. martin - i have one of your "handiman" neck knives. i think that a clip for IWB carry would be an excellent idea. i sometimes use the loop and drop in the pocket method, but a lot of times, i am wearing soccer shorts or otherwise not wearing a belt - especially when working the heavy bag or some other similar activity. i personally like all of the carries - IWB, horizontal, neck, etc. etc. you might want to consider making a multi concealment carry system for the "handiman". it is an excellent blade and i would love to carry it even more!

take care, marco
 
Thanks for all the responses. Unfortunately, deciding which one to buy has gotten harder now that I have been introduced to so many outstanding knives. The front-runners are probably the Crawford neck knife and RJ Martin Handiman. The Crawford knife is the least expensive at $75, I have yet to hear anything but praise for it, and I've been a Pat Crawford fan ever since I got my BM Leopard Cub. I find RJ Martin's knives to be quite tempting, too. As Greg warned, those Japanese knives are dangerously desirable.

I have a preference for a clear (uncoated) blade, and I have mixed feelings about whether or not non-metal handles are a good thing. They add weight and thickness, but make for a more comfortable grip.

I agree with some other posters that sheaths with multiple carry options are nice, though it's not clear to me how much extra weight or bulk that option would be worth. I suspect neck carry is more sensitive to weight and size than other carry modes.

One other question - other than the ones made by Mr. Wilkins, it seems that all the neck knives use Kydex sheaths exclusively. Why? I know Kydex sounds more "tactical" than leather, but is there more to it than that? Is leather much heavier or thicker? I kind of like leather, myself.

-Brett


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brett@rahul.net
www.rahul.net/brett
 
Brett,

When I ordered a Thorn from Kevin I was a little leery of a leather sheath, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is flatter than kydex and holds the knife very securely. It's definitely a different look if you are used to kydex, but the leather has a wonderful feel. I think that you will be well served by any of the knives recommended.

Jack
 
RJ: I have never found horizontal carry to be practical. My limited experience has been with the Hobbit Fang and HaloII, both which come with Kydex sheaths. Both knives stuck out from my side both from thickness of knife and sheath and also from the handle butt.
For both I wished repeatedly that an IWB configuration was possible.

Brett: While a flat handle seems desirable, if the knife is going to be used for any length of time, scales will add an unmeasurable increase in comfort. Thin 1/8" stock just can't be shaped so that it is comportable to the hand. If the knife is going to be used as a last ditch weapon, this may not be much of a factor, but if there is a chance that it may need to handle any chores I feel that scales are a must. Ok, enough about that. Kydex is probably used over leather because it provides exceptional knife retention in a thin light package and is relatively cheap and easy to work with. No rotting either.

Good luck!
 
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