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Neck Knives - TOPS vs. Livesay??

Fort Henry Custom Knives

Fort Henry Custom Knives

Joined
Nov 17, 1999
Messages
3,061
I am looking for a working Neck Knife and have narrowed it down to either the TOPS Wolf Pup or the Livesay Exec NRGS. I will be using the knife only around the farm or in the bush (not at the office) so concealment is not an issue. Has anyone had hands-on experience with both brands and if so what are the main differences?



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Marine Sniper Motto:
There's no use Running, you'll only Die Tired!
 
I don’t own a Livesay NRGS, but I do have a TOPS Wolf Pup and a Livesay Executive “Woo” (which has a handle and size similar to the Exec NRGS). I like them both, but they are very different knives despite the similarity in materials. Both have basic 1095 steel (which I think is fine for this type of knife) and linen Micarta handle slabs. I think the TOPS knife is a little more nicely finished; it has a black powder-coated blade, red liners between the handle slabs and the tang, and a more substantial Kydex sheath. I also prefer the blade shape of the Wolf Pup to the Woo for utility applications, but I would suspect that the NRGS is much more suited for utility than the Woo and would probably compare more favorably to the TOPS product. The Woo has a black Parkerized blade (like most of Newt’s knives) and is finished more roughly than the Wolf Pup. It’s fine for a backup defensive knife and has a lot of carry options, but it’s not a particularly elegant knife. In my experience, both knives have held their edges very well.

I realize that my Livesay knife has a very different geometry than the one you’re considering, but if you’re really looking for a neck knife I’d recommend the NRGS over the TOPS Wolf Pup (my personal preference is the Pup, but I don’t carry it as a neck knife). The Wolf Pup is a great little blade, but I wouldn’t consider it a neck knife…the Micarta handle slabs are too thick to make this knife practical for neck carry (much thicker than Newt’s neck knives). I’m not even sure if the Pup’s sheath could be easily configured for neck carry…it’s got a fairly large metal belt clip that may interfere with other carry modes if not removed. Of course it’s going to come down to a matter of individual taste…I think both knives are a pretty good value at their price point.

Jim
 
The NRGS is a good utility knife. The price is good. I like mine alot. I haven't seen the tops so I can't comment on that one.

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The thorn stands to defend the Rose, yet it is peaceful and does not seek conflict
 
Hey Guys....

If you are looking for a neck knife,, I'd say Newt's knife is the better of the two...

I don't own any of Newt's blades,, but you did say "Neck Knife"

I own a Pup,, but it is by far anything I'd consider a neck knife...
It's far to chunky and heavy to be worn around the neck.

That's not to say I don't like the Wolf Pup. It's a great little blade for doing whatever,, just not for wearing upside down..

ttyle Eric...

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Eric E. Noeldechen
On/Scene Tactical
http://www.mnsi.net/~nbtnoel
Custom made, High Quality
Concealex Sheaths and Tool Holsters
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I don't have any experiance with the TOPS knives but I carried a Livsey SOP when iI worked in narcotics and it performed BETTER than I expected too. It was easy to sharpen and it was very low key. The SOP is a very simple design and I could conceal it very easily. I also have a Woo and it is a good design . Also around $20.00 for a custom made knife is one HECK of a bargain.


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All it takes for the forces of evil to rule the world is for good men to do nothing...Edmund Burke
 
I've owned a Livesay Little Pecker and a TOPS Street Scalpel. Newt's knife was rough ground but sharp with a tight sheath, the Scalpel was thick with a decent sheath. I'd pick Newt overall but the Scalpel makes an okay pryer/stabber.
 
Hello,

I have a TOPS Wolf Pup and it works real well for me. I took the heavy duty metal clip off, threaded a keychain through the hole in the bottom of the sheath, and attach it to a belt loop. This arrangement allows the knife to ride upside down for easy access and doesn't feel too bulky. It also doesn't swing as much as you may think. I like the beefy feel and secure grip of the Wolf Pup with its thicker handle scales than most thin handled neck knives.

Later,

MBS

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Nevermind the dog...beware of owner!
 
Newt is definitely King of the Neck Knives. I have aquired the Executive Woo ( my favorite ), the NRG non-mag ( great knife for special situations ), and the Bow Huntn Buddy ( good all around ). Love them all and plan to buy more of his knives. Customer service is certainly second to none. Go Newt.... Rand
 
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