Neck Knives, practical uses

[stonproject]

my every day carry consists of one folder (generally a balisong), a 4-5 inch fixed blade concealed in the small of my back, and a kiridashi around my neck.

Unless I plan on burying some steel in someones chest, or im doing some serious work with a knife, its my dashi that sees the most use. 1-2" of razor sharp blade with a hypodermic tip is about all I need for most of my daily utility uses.

 

[zzyzzogeton]

When I carry it, my BK11 rides in my left hip pocket, where I can get to it if I need it and it doesn't get in the way. I find stuff hanging around my neck is not comfortable when working outside.

 

[link2derek]

Carrying a neck knife is more about accessing the knife than it is about what you use the knife for, IMHO. I carry them all the time (Bravo Neckers I and II, pictured below), but they really shine in the rain and/or cold, when I'm wearing a long field-coat (which happens to cover my belt knife), but I need quick access to a blade for whatever task I am performing (neck knife is worn over the coat - works great).

 

[Blackie Scantling]

In the remote chance I ever found myself in possession of a lime green or fluorescent orange knife the last thing I would do is hang it from my neck. Neck knives, put me down as a "no."

 

[PB Wilson]

Carrying a neck knife is more about accessing the knife than it is about what you use the knife for, IMHO. I carry them all the time (Bravo Neckers I and II, pictured below), but they really shine in the rain and/or cold, when I'm wearing a long field-coat (which happens to cover my belt knife), but I need quick access to a blade for whatever task I am performing (neck knife is worn over the coat - works great).

This is my reasoning as well. Access is key. I've carried my different neckers under my coat and over my inner layers to be able to get to it easily.

Also when backpacking anything on my belt won't work so neck or a handy pocket are the go to places for my knife.

 

[paulhilborn]

Carrying a neck knife is more about accessing the knife than it is about what you use the knife for, IMHO. I carry them all the time (Bravo Neckers I and II, pictured below), but they really shine in the rain and/or cold, when I'm wearing a long field-coat (which happens to cover my belt knife), but I need quick access to a blade for whatever task I am performing (neck knife is worn over the coat - works great).

My thoughts exactly Derek, more about accessibility and practicality than anything else. In my summer work (Pressure washing) my basic attire is "swim trunks" and sleeveless t-shirts, stuff that's fast drying but with little or no pockets so neck knives are perfect for me.

In Winter I wear a neck knife between my Winter coat and extreme cold Carhartt bibs so it's simple to access. A fixed blade in the cold is so much easier then trying to fumble for the thumb stud.

Nice Bravo's by the way :thumbup:.

Paul

 

[herisson]

The neck knife : the only means of having a knife ready at hand when you stroll around the house with no pants.

 

[Charlie Fox]

I used to carry one, but now I don't like anything hanging around my neck. My favorite was an old REKAT Utility or a CRKT KISS (non tanto). I would wear them while hiking when I could access another tool. Both were suspended by ball chain for safety. Many folks wrapped theirs with paracord or crafted scales, neither of which made much sense to me; the neck knife was to be lightweight so you could carry it unnoticed around your neck for long periods of time. Adding extra weight seemed counterproductive.

 

[HWF]

Both were suspended by ball chain for safety.

+1 for the ball chain for safety reasons.

I gut a length of para cord and thread the chain through. Get the looks/feel of para cord with the safety of the chain.

 

[SoCal_kid]

Paul, that is a very nice array you have. I have a Bravo Necker II 3V inbound, that is going to be a horizontal belt carry.<br/>

Ha ha ha ha I feel cool.. I just got my bravo necker 2 in 3v yesterday. Plus I'm carrying it the same way. Glad I have good taste.

 

[Orion's Belt]

Paul, who makes that wharncliffe with the green jigged handle? It looks awesome.

 

[Big Chris]

I have stopped carrying a folder due to my neck knife. I carry one of my hunter patterns as a neck knife that has a 3.625" blade and a full 4.25" handle. Very few people have said anything about it in public. I have handed out more business because of the knife, but a lot of people just want to know if it real. Not sure who would carry a fake something.

Same pattern as the knives pictured above. In a kydex sheath it is just over 4 ounces and very comfortable and handy.
If I do not want people to know I have it I tuck it inside my shirt and noone is the wiser if not for the paracord around my neck.
Use it to cut anything you would a folder without the worry of it ever closing.
I used mine last nigh at the BBQ restaurant to cut the broccoli and sausage for my kids.

 

[RevDevil]

Nice work Chris, I love the brown one at the top.

 

[paulhilborn]

+1 for the ball chain for safety reasons.

I gut a length of para cord and thread the chain through. Get the looks/feel of para cord with the safety of the chain.

HWF, that's a great idea--I think you've posted that before? I just haven't got around to doing that yet. I've been wearing them for 12 years now and have never had an incident yet---regardless, I should do it---makes perfect sense. Although I still run with scissors and sit way to close to the TV .

Paul, that is a very nice array you have. I have a Bravo Necker II 3V inbound, that is going to be a horizontal belt carry.<br/>

Ha ha ha ha I feel cool.. I just got my bravo necker 2 in 3v yesterday. Plus I'm carrying it the same way. Glad I have good taste.

Thanks SoCal, the Bravo is such and excellent knife with great steel---whats not to like, congrats on a great knife .

Paul, who makes that wharncliffe with the green jigged handle? It looks awesome.

Thanks Orion, the maker is Todd Hunt, quality through and through :thumbup:. I'd have to say it's my favorite as of today .

I have stopped carrying a folder due to my neck knife. I carry one of my hunter patterns as a neck knife that has a 3.625" blade and a full 4.25" handle. Very few people have said anything about it in public. I have handed out more business because of the knife, but a lot of people just want to know if it real. Not sure who would carry a fake something.

Same pattern as the knives pictured above. In a kydex sheath it is just over 4 ounces and very comfortable and handy.
If I do not want people to know I have it I tuck it inside my shirt and noone is the wiser if not for the paracord around my neck.
Use it to cut anything you would a folder without the worry of it ever closing.
I used mine last nigh at the BBQ restaurant to cut the broccoli and sausage for my kids.

Nice work Chris, I love the brown one at the top.

I agree with Rev Chris, beautiful knives and with my addiction I'd bet I'll pull the trigger on one of yours sooner then later .

Paul

 

[jstn]

I have stopped carrying a folder due to my neck knife. I carry one of my hunter patterns as a neck knife that has a 3.625" blade and a full 4.25" handle. Very few people have said anything about it in public. I have handed out more business because of the knife, but a lot of people just want to know if it real. Not sure who would carry a fake something.

Same pattern as the knives pictured above. In a kydex sheath it is just over 4 ounces and very comfortable and handy.
If I do not want people to know I have it I tuck it inside my shirt and noone is the wiser if not for the paracord around my neck.
Use it to cut anything you would a folder without the worry of it ever closing.
I used mine last nigh at the BBQ restaurant to cut the broccoli and sausage for my kids.

Chris, my guess would be many people wonder if they are real because they look so nice. I don't know if non-knife people realize the high quality of work that is out there. Many of your knives are almost like functional art.

 

[SA Condor]

Practical use for the neck knife is identical to the use of any knife no matter where you carry it on your body! I agree with link2Derek, it's all about accessibility. Usage won't really change.

 

[dogstar]

The main reason I have for wearing something around my neck is not wanting to lose it. When I was a kid, my parents made me wear my keys around my neck because I kept losing them. There is just more security wearing a knife around my neck. As for blade size, I am really happy with my 2.5" blade EDC. Here is an idea for a break-free knot if you are worried about getting choked by your neck knife:
[video=youtube;864FSx_cTYQ]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=864FSx_cTYQ[/video]

 

[paulhilborn]

The main reason I have for wearing something around my neck is not wanting to lose it. When I was a kid, my parents made me wear my keys around my neck because I kept losing them. There is just more security wearing a knife around my neck. As for blade size, I am really happy with my 2.5" blade EDC. Here is an idea for a break-free knot if you are worried about getting choked by your neck knife:

Cool knot dogstar, simple and effective...

Thanks,

Paul

 

[jfalkos]

The practicality of neck carry has just never been there for me. It's slower to draw than a fixed blade on the belt or a folder in the pocket. I feel it more throughout the day. I'm always worried that I'll cut myself while trying to slip it back into it's sheath under my shirt. Besides all that it's illegal for me to carry that way-may as well just carry on my hip.

 

[keroscene]

I use my neckers daily! ESPECIALLY when under the dash of a car and needing to remove tape/loom from factory wiring, or when stripping wire sheilding. I have become completely dependant on them. I had a customer steal one of mine from my work area (asshole) and I immediately left work to go buy another because I'm lost without one!