Neck Knives: I'm torn between a few. Help!

On your list I would go for the spot, if it were my list I would go with a bitterroot.
Kyle Fuglesten
 
It sounds like you're built pretty much the way I am. Sorry to hear it. :D

My experience is that if you suspect a knife is just a little too big to be a good necker you are almost certainly right. I found even the Camillus Arclite just a bit too long for my comfort.

Of the knives you listed I can recommend the Spyderco SPOT without a moment's hesitation. It looks strange, but the ergonomics are outstanding, and I'm not just talking about the amazing grip. That peculiar Reverse-S blade is tremendously versatile for utility and it can really slash. And the outward-bent tip just happens to line up perfectly with your wrist for punch-thrusts. The whole thing is light, flat, and short, including the well-designed sheath. If they made the SPOT in Talonite I would probably have to marry it. :p

My second choice would be the Microtech Medallion. The sheath is not great, but it is serviceable, and you can always have a better one made if you want. The knife iteself is a wonderful design that gives you a solid three-finger grip behind a finger-guard that will not let your hand slip onto the blade. The classic recurve shape is probably my favorite overall and this is a beautiful example of it. You get a sharp point, plenty of belly, and a recurve that can double as a hawkbill or just provide more virtual length for cutting.

The Emerson La Griffe shares a lot of the good features of the SPOT, but I am not as fond of the hawkbill blade and I really don't care for the chisel grind. I have to agree with the folks who say it doesn't cut as well as it should.

The others are all a bit longer than I would want, although that is clearly a matter of personal taste and comfort.

Several people have mentioned the Arclite. I think it's a great bargain, but I have never felt entirely secure with its grip. A hard thrust would probably leave me clutching the sharp edge. For other uses it does quite nicely.

I would also like to second (or third) the suggestion that you look at the Rob Simmonich Mid-Tech Bitteroot. It is a lot smaller than anything else I've seen, but it sure does cut! Think of it as a short Exacto Knife on steroids. I have problems with my sweat corroding blades, so I am really glad to finally have a Talonite necker.

Best of luck!

--Bob Q
 
I have one of the Bitteroots in S30V, and I like it a lot. I am thinking about putting some thin carbon fiber slabs on it, but the knife is a keeper. For $45, it's also a no-brainer. Heck, I paid more than that for dinner last weekend for me and the Wife. Get one!
 
I recently got a Spyderco "Ronin" that works well as a neck knife. The sheath is a little largish but well thought out. I happen to carry it crossdraw on my belt, but tried it as a necker. I also have a EKI Lagriffe. It carries much smaller and better as a neck knife. It does lack somewhat IMHO as a general utility knife. The Ronin has an awesome full flat ground edge and the modified Warncliff blade design makes for an incredibly sharp point. Very good at utility chores and a great knife in general. Just another knife to think of.:D
 
It all depends on what you want your "necker" to do for you. If you want utility, the Crowfoot, Bitteroot, Arclite etc. are more suited for that. For defense only, give the LaGriffe another look. It's a vicious little tool- needs to be held & messed with to be really appreciated. Add to that the SPOT- I'm wearing one right now- put one in your hand before making a final decision. Also don't be limited to "neck" carry- use your imagination- there must be dozens of ways to carry/deploy a small fixed blade.
 
Arclite D 2 !!! A real bargain for $ 50. Never had a rust problem, but I am very preventive maintainance oriented.
 
I really like the CRKT. This is a very professionally finished knife. I have two and am very happy with them. I rotate them at times with some others, but the Bear Claw is my favorite!:cool:
 
forgot to suggest the crowfoot earlier, like someone said previous this is one nice knife. And it's damn purrty too
 
I just can't limit myself to the choices you've laid out. I would have to recomment a D. Ralph Arclite in talonite. In my opinion the Arclite is a good compromise in size. It is a useful knife that is not too small and not too large. And if you don't like it specifically for neck carry there are many other ways to carry it concealed. Where I'm at the talonite is necessary because of high humidity and sweat. In talonite, the knife is pretty much maintenance and worry free.
 
Originally posted by Danbo
I have one of the Bitteroots in S30V, and I like it a lot. I am thinking about putting some thin carbon fiber slabs on it, but the knife is a keeper.
Click to expand...

After seeing Rob next to the Strider table at Blade I cord wrapped mine - really helps to hold on to the sharp little thing. :)
 
on your keychain? I've got mine clipped to a beltloop with a carabiner as I type this. Really handy. But I'm in SoCal so I only have to worry about jackets a few months out of the year. When I showed the Mrs. and a friend how fast it can be drawn I got an exclamation from both (she carries a Blackout & Chive, he has a pair of CRKTs). When I'm standing the handle just about rests in my palm. And it doesn't seem to attract much attention, either. Food for thought.

Frank
 
Between the MOD and the Griffe only....it's a tough call...they're both flawed for your stated needs. The MOD is really neat, but it's hard to hold onto, especially if you have thick forepaws. Also has a nasty edge on it your hand could easily slip onto in the wrong conditions. Although the blade design in and of itself is pretty cool, and it does have utility potential.

The Griffe is lightweight, with an AWESOME grip....I don't believe the Griffe can be taken off a person without lopping thier entire hand or arm off (La Griffe Vs. Bowie knife= run like frightened little girl)

Mine came shaving sharp, and was easily hair poppin' sharp in a just a few minutes. It also did real well for utility for a knife of its diminutive size- you could seriously apply some torque without fear of hand slippage.

Bottom line on the Griffe though...is that no matter how optimistic ya' are...a chisel ground hawkbill is just flat out gonna be limited in its range of usage.

I've been carrying a Crowfoot myself the last couple months, absolutely love it! it lends itself well equally to utility as well as self protection. The Karambit hole on the handle also aids in a rapid draw as well as retention Only complaint with it was that when I was a little heavier the fingerhole was NOT very comfortable, and as a result I hated the grip, now that I'm twenty pounds lighter again though, it seems I've lost some fat off my hands, cuz now my pinky fits through the hole with room to spare. I think this one would be tough to beat.

I'm surprised the Spydie Ronin hasn't been thrown into the discussion yet. Flat grind, VG-10, needle sharp point, a sheath that won't flop around under your shirt...seems like a winner! Also,that straight edge would be simple to maintain on a day to day basis.

All that being said I'm anxiously awaiting the BK 11, myself, ordering a Bitteroot for the wife in about five minutes, and I'm definitely taking notice of the D-2 Arclite....*L* damn I'm pathetic!
 
There is a strong point for the Bitteroot that hasn't been mentioned yet...it's a great little gateway piece for getting yourself addicted to neck knives. Ya see, the first few I carried were much heavier than the Griffe, Bitteroot, etc. As I recall my first one was a CRKT Stiff Kiss, followed by a Lightfoot Mini Pitbull....just didn't feel right. Wasn't 'till I got an Arno Bernard custom necker, MOD Scorp, and the Griffe I started appreciating the concept and quit feeling like I had lead weights hangin' off my neck. So...maybe it is good to start small and work your way up, like with other addictions...

Cigarettes turn into pot which turns into coke, Meth, heroine, etc...a beer turns into a mixed drink turns into straight whiskey, turns into cheap wine being drank out of a bag in a back alley...well....I'm sure ya' know what I mean...well...maybe not...I don't think I know what I mean....I'll just end this post now and hope that it's considered some form of zen artistic expression that's worth pondering the meaning of for ten seconds or so....:D
 
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